Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.
You shall set aside three cities on this side of the Jordan River, and three cities in the land of Canaan, which will serve as cities of refuge.
God is instructing the Israelites to establish six specific cities - three on each side of the Jordan River - that would serve as safe places for people to flee to.
📚 Historical Context
This command was given as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. These cities of refuge were designated safe havens where someone who accidentally killed another person could flee to avoid revenge from the victim's family. The Jordan River served as a major geographical boundary, dividing the land between the tribes settling east and west of it.
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