Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 19: God protects life through justice

Begin in prayer

Before reading God’s commands about refuge and witnesses, let us ask Him to search our hearts. Pray that our family would value life, speak truth, and seek mercy through the righteous Savior.

For he who avenges blood remembers them. He doesn’t forget the cry of the afflicted.

Psalm 9:12

Father in heaven, You see every heart and judge every deed in truth. Help us understand Your concern for innocent life and Your hatred of false testimony. Teach our family to speak faithfully and show us the refuge found in Your Son. Please open our eyes as we read Your Word, make us more like Christ, and bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Israel must set apart three cities of refuge with roads that make them accessible. A person who kills a neighbor unintentionally may flee there before an enraged avenger overtakes him. More cities must be added if God enlarges their borders as they obey Him. A deliberate murderer must be removed from refuge and handed over to die. Boundary markers must remain, and accusations require two or three witnesses. A false witness must receive the punishment he intended for another, without pity that overturns justice.

As you read Deuteronomy 19, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God protects innocent life and requires judgments established in truth.

When someone was killed in Israel, the next of kin, called the avenger of blood, might chase the killer in hot anger (verse 6). But some deaths were accidents, like an axe head that flies off and kills a neighbor cutting wood (verse 5). So God commands three cities of refuge, with roads made ready, so the one who killed by accident can reach safety in time. The cities protect innocent life, but they never hide a man who killed his neighbor out of hatred (verses 11 and 12). God cares just as much about truth in the courts, so one witness can never be enough to condemn a man (verse 15). A witness who lies to destroy his neighbor must receive the punishment he planned for the other man (verse 19). The refuge was near and the road was open, and the gospel brings Christ near in the same way. Jesus is a refuge for the guilty, and all who flee to Him by faith are safe.

How does Deuteronomy 19 show us that God protects innocent life and requires judgments established in truth?

God provides protection for innocent life.

A person might kill a neighbor without prior hatred or intent. The road to refuge must be prepared so that he can escape the avenger. The whole community must prevent innocent bloodshed. Christ is the refuge God has brought near to guilty sinners.

God’s refuge must never conceal murder.

A man who kills from hatred may also flee to a refuge city. The elders must bring him out and hand him over to die. Pity must never erase the distinction between accident and murder.

God requires witnesses to tell the truth.

Judges must hear established testimony and investigate claims of wrongdoing. A lying witness must face the harm he intended for another. This judgment warns the people against using false words to destroy a neighbor.

Memorise

At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.

Deuteronomy 19:15

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, when have my words harmed someone, and why do I need Jesus to forgive me?

The LORD gives refuge so “that innocent blood will not be shed”. He also requires the deliberate murderer to face judgment. His justice protects the innocent and exposes the guilt that false testimony would hide.

Jesus was innocent, yet false witnesses spoke against Him. He died in the place of the guilty, giving His life for His people. He rose from the grave, and His finished work is enough for those who flee to Him for refuge.

Come to Him with the guilt you cannot hide from God. Turn from lies and trust the Savior who offers Himself as your refuge. Anyone who takes refuge in Jesus is forgiven, and the refuge He gives is always open.

Parent's note

Tell your children the difference between an accident and a deliberate act of harm. Encourage truthful speech that protects others, and explain the death penalty for murder without graphic detail. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His just protection, and bring the harm named in the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so invite each one to confess and seek help.

There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

Hebrews 4:13

Father in heaven, You know the truth about every word we speak. Forgive our lies and the harm they cause. Lead us to take refuge in Christ’s sacrifice, and help those who trust Him to protect their neighbors through truthful speech and just actions. In Jesus' name, Amen.