Moses set apart three cities of refuge east of the Jordan to provide protection for those who committed unintentional manslaughter, ensuring justice without vengeance. These cities were a part of God’s legal provision for mercy within the law. Though the Israelites had not yet fully crossed into the Promised Land, the territory east of the Jordan had already been settled by Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Establishing these cities showed immediate obedience to God’s command and readiness to implement His statutes.
“Then Moses set apart three cities on this side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the sun, that the manslayer might flee there, who kills his neighbor unintentionally… and that by fleeing to one of these cities he might live.” (Deuteronomy 4:41–42)
These cities demons/”>demonstrated that God’s justice was balanced with mercy. The manslayer could escape the avenger of blood until a fair hearing. This provision protected the innocent while still honoring the seriousness of taking life. Moses’ action also affirmed that God’s law applied equally on both sides of the Jordan and that justice was foundational to Israel’s identity as a covenant people.
