Deuteronomy 19:7

7 This is why I am commanding you to set apart three cities for yourselves.

Deuteronomy 19:7 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 19:7

Wherefore I command thee, saying, thou shalt separate three
cities for thee.
] This was to be done immediately, as soon as they were settled in the land of Canaan, and established in the possession of it, the inhabitants being cut off, or driven out, or however subdued.

Deuteronomy 19:7 In-Context

5 If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber, and his hand swings the ax to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies, that person may flee to one of these cities and live.

6 Otherwise, the avenger of blood in the heat of his anger might pursue the one who committed manslaughter, overtake him because the distance is great, and strike him dead. Yet he did not deserve to die, since he did not previously hate his neighbor.

7 This is why I am commanding you to set apart three cities for yourselves.

8 If the Lord your God enlarges your territory as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised to give them-

9 provided you keep every one of these commands I am giving you today and follow them, loving the Lord your God and walking in His ways at all times-you are to add three more cities to these three.