Deuteronomy 19:7

7 This is why I am commanding you as follows: Designate three cities for your use.

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 or if someone goes into the forest with a neighbor to chop some wood, and while swinging an ax to cut down the tree, the axhead flies off its handle and hits the neighbor, who subsequently dies—these kinds of killers may escape to one of these cities and live.

6 Otherwise, the blood avenger will chase after the killer out of rage and—especially if the distance to one of these cities is too far—might catch and kill him, even though a death sentence was not in order because the killer didn't have prior malice toward the other.

7 This is why I am commanding you as follows: Designate three cities for your use.

8 Now if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he swore to your ancestors—and he will give you all the land he swore to give to them

9 as long as you keep all this commandment that I am giving you right now by doing it, by loving the LORD your God, and by always walking in his ways—you can add three more cities for your use along with the first three.