Deuteronomy 19:7 - Three cities for accidental killers?

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Hebrew Text

עַל־כֵּן אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ לֵאמֹר שָׁלֹשׁ עָרִים תַּבְדִּיל לָךְ׃

English Translation

Therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt separate three cities for thee.

Transliteration

Al-ken anokhi m'tzavkha lemor shalosh arim tavdil lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־כֵּ֛ן אָנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ לֵאמֹ֑ר שָׁלֹ֥שׁ עָרִ֖ים תַּבְדִּ֥יל לָֽךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 19:7) appears in the context of the mitzvah of establishing ערי מקלט (cities of refuge) for unintentional killers. This commandment is a continuation of the Torah's emphasis on justice and the sanctity of human life, ensuring that even accidental manslaughter is addressed with proper legal and spiritual measures.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 19:7) explains that the phrase "על כן אנכי מצוך" ("Therefore I command thee") connects this mitzvah to the previous verses, which describe the prohibition against showing pity to a murderer. The establishment of cities of refuge is a necessary balance—protecting the unintentional killer while upholding justice for intentional murder.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Rotzeach U'Shmiras Nefesh (8:4), the Rambam elaborates that the three cities were designated in Ever HaYarden (Transjordan) and were part of a total of six cities of refuge (three in Canaan and three in Transjordan). Their purpose was to provide a safe haven where the accidental killer could live without fear of retribution from the victim's relatives.

Talmudic Insights

The Talmud (Makkos 9b) discusses the requirement for these cities to be:

Evenly distributed geographically to ensure accessibility (Makkos 10a).
Located in populated areas with adequate resources so the refugee could sustain himself (Makkos 10a).
Equipped with clear roads and signposts directing to them (Makkos 10b).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 185) emphasizes that the commandment to separate these cities reflects divine compassion. Even in tragic circumstances, Hashem provides a path for atonement and protection, reinforcing the principle that תשובה (repentance) is always accessible.

Spiritual Lessons

Beyond their legal function, the cities of refuge teach:

The gravity of taking a life, even unintentionally, necessitating exile and reflection.
The importance of societal responsibility in upholding justice while preventing vigilante retribution.
A metaphor for Torah study as a "refuge" from spiritual harm (see Rambam, Hilchos Talmud Torah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Makkot 9b

The verse is discussed in the context of the commandment to set aside cities of refuge, with the Talmud exploring the details and implications of this commandment.

📖 Sotah 8b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the allocation and purpose of the cities of refuge, linking it to broader themes of justice and mercy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 19:7 mean when it says 'separate three cities'?
A: This verse refers to the commandment to establish three 'cities of refuge' (ערי מקלט) where someone who accidentally kills another person can flee for safety. These cities provided protection from the 'avenger of blood' (גואל הדם) until a fair trial could be held (Rashi on Deuteronomy 19:3, based on Numbers 35:9-15).

Q: Why were three cities of refuge necessary?
A: The three cities (later expanded to six) ensured that no one in the Land of Israel was too far from a place of refuge. This reflects the Torah's emphasis on justice and mercy—protecting those who caused accidental harm while still upholding the sanctity of life (Mishnah Makkot 2:4, Rambam Hilchot Rotzeach 8:4-5).

Q: How does the concept of 'cities of refuge' apply today?
A: While we no longer have cities of refuge, the principle teaches us the importance of fair justice systems, protecting the innocent, and giving people the benefit of the doubt. The Talmud (Makkot 10a) also sees these cities as a metaphor for Torah study—just as the cities provided refuge, Torah provides spiritual protection.

Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'Therefore I command thee' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that this emphasizes the divine origin of the commandment. The cities of refuge weren't just a human legal idea—they were an essential part of Hashem's justice system for the Jewish people in their land (Rashi on Deuteronomy 19:7, based on Talmud Makkot 9b).