Purpose

Moses' final speeches to Israel, reviewing the Law and preparing them for life in the Promised Land.

Author

Moses, at age 120, giving his final speeches to Israel before his death. These are his last words to the people he had led for 40 years, filled with wisdom and passion for God.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-1400 BC. Moses' farewell addresses before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land.

Significance

Emphasizes loving obedience to God and serves as a covenant renewal before entering the land.

Key Themes

Covenant Renewal, Obedience, Love for God, Blessing and Curse, Leadership

Interesting Facts

• Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book
• Contains the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) - Judaism's most important prayer for 3,400 years
• Moses was 120 years old but his 'eye was undimmed and his vigor unabated' when he died

Prophecies

• A prophet like Moses would arise (Deuteronomy 18:15) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ, whom Peter identified as this prophet in Acts 3:22 (1400 years later)
• Israel would be scattered among the nations but later regathered (Deuteronomy 28-30) Fulfilled: The Jewish diaspora and the return to Israel in 1948 (2500 years later)

Deuteronomy 19 presents specific laws concerning cities of refuge and judicial integrity, crucial for maintaining justice and mercy in Israelite society. As Moses outlines these regulations, he emphasizes the need for compassion towards those who unintentionally cause harm, illustrating God's desire for justice tempered with mercy. The chapter begins with the instruction to set aside three cities within the land being given to Israel, designed for individuals who commit unintentional manslaughter. This provision ensures that those who kill without malice can escape the avenger of blood and have a chance for a fair trial and protection from vengeance. The example given, where one accidentally kills a neighbor while chopping wood, highlights the importance of intention in determining guilt. Moses also underscores the necessity of maintaining these cities for the protection of innocent lives, urging the Israelites to add more cities if their territory expands. This aspect of the law reflects God’s concern for justice and the prevention of bloodshed within the community. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the severe consequences for intentional murder, asserting that those who commit such acts should be delivered to justice without pity. This duality of mercy and justice is a central theme of the chapter. In addition to laws about manslaughter, Moses introduces regulations regarding witness testimonies. The principle that a single witness is insufficient to establish guilt ensures fairness in the judicial process, requiring corroboration from multiple witnesses. This requirement protects individuals from false accusations, and the chapter outlines penalties for malicious witnesses, promoting honesty and integrity in the community. Ultimately, these laws aim to instill a sense of fear regarding wrongdoing, encouraging the Israelites to uphold righteousness in their society. Through these instructions, Moses prepares the Israelites for a just and merciful governance as they enter the Promised Land.