Deuteronomy Chapter 19
The laws that God set for mankind were established for the sake of justice. Men often want to seek revenge on someone who has wronged him, and often the desire is to hurt that person in a far greater way than how he was hurt. But God established a system of judges and priests for the land of Israel to help judicate the disputes between men. He also told Israel to set up three sanctuary cities so that if someone killed someone else accidentally, they could go and be safe from a family member of the deceased seeking revenge. God had said that the people of Israel were to be set apart to Him and as such they were to live righteously and justly unto Him.
Let's Reflect
1. How were the people to decide on the placement of the three sanctuary cities?
2. An example is given of a death that might occur because of an accident. What was the example given?
3. God instructed them to plan for the institution of three additional sanctuary cities if their land increased on a larger scale. According to verse 10 what did God say was the purpose of these sanctuary cities?
4. One thing that could definitely cause disputes between men was the boundaries and the property markers of land. God said they should always respect the wisdom of the elders who set those boundaries. What did He tell them to never do?
5. God desired for His people to operate in justice, He set a law that there must always be at least how many witnesses for a dispute to be judicated?
6. What did God say should be done if a witness had lied just so he or she could seek revenge on someone?
7. It was the responsibility of the judges to inquire diligently to ascertain whether the testimony of the witnesses was true or not. What was the purpose of the strict judgement of a false witness as stated in verses 19 and 20?
