Deuteronomy 19 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Deuteronomy 19 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Moses’ speech, recorded in the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, occurred immediately following the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.  

• The Israelites were in the wilderness from approximately 1490-1450 B.C.

• The Book of Deuteronomy opens on the 1st day of the 11th month in the 40th year (Deu 1:3) following the Israelites departure from Egypt (approximately 1450 B.C.).

CHARACTERS:

• Israelites (Hebrews) – The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God granted them freedom after several hundred years in slavery in Egypt. Leading up to the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as they made their way to Canaan, the land God promised to give them as a home.

• Moses – Moses was selected by God to lead the Israelites to Canaan. God spoke directly to Moses and Moses communicated God’s words and laws to the people.    

• Manslayer – Someone who accidently killed another person.

WHERE:

• Deuteronomy 1:5 tells us Moses spoke the words recorded in Deuteronomy while in Moab, probably on the plains of Moab near Pisgah (Numbers 22:1).

OUTLINE:

• CITIES OF REFUGE (19:1-13):

  • When the Israelites conquered the land west of Jordan, they were to establish 3 more cities of refuge in addition to the 3 already established on the east side of the Jordan River (4:41-43).

  • The cities were to be evenly spaced throughout the Israelites’ territory.

  • These cities offered protection to anyone who accidently killed another person (manslaughter).  

  • These cities were not designed to protect murderers. If a murderer showed up to a city of refuge, the elders of the city were to arrest him and bring him to justice.

  • If God expanded the territory of Israel further in the future, a provision was made for 3 additional cities to be established.

• PROPERTY PROTECTION AND LANDMARKS (19:14):

  • Israelites were forbidden from moving their neighbor’s “landmark.”

  • This “landmark” marked the edge of a person’s property.

  • A stealthy and dishonest neighbor might try to move his neighbor’s landmark to expand his own property a few feet.

• WITNESS REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVICTION (19:15-21):

  • At least 2 witnesses were required to convict someone of a crime.

  • If a malicious person tried to falsely accuse their neighbor of a crime and was caught in their lie, the punishment they were trying to impose on their neighbor would be imposed on them.

APPLICATION:

• What does it look like to move your neighbor’s landmark today?

• It looks like cheating your way through life in the little things whenever you think you can get away with it.

• God notices small dishonesties and you can be assured that whatever advantage you think your getting through your deception, God is taking account of your actions and He will make sure justice is done in the end.