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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-40.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:40">◄</a> Deuteronomy 4:41 <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:42">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities of refuge east of the Jordan River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities in the east beyond the Jordan,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities on this side of the Jordan, toward the rising of the sun,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the east,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the east,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the east,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the <i>east</i> toward the sunrise,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities [of refuge] beyond the Jordan toward the rising of the sun (eastward),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the east.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities across the Jordan to the east. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Moses separated three cities beyond Jordan toward the sunrising;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities on the east side of the Jordan River.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities east of the Jordan River <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Moses designated three cities on the east side of the Jordan, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses selected three cities in the Transjordan, toward the east.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities on the side of Jordan, towards the sun-rising;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Moses separates three cities beyond the Jordan, toward the sun-rising,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Then Moses separateth three cities beyond the Jordan, towards the sun-rising,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses will separate three cities in the other side of Jordan from the rising of the sun;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities beyond the Jordan at the east side, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities, across the Jordan toward the eastern region,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities in the region east of the Jordan,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart on the east side of the Jordan three cities<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses set apart three cities on this side of the Jordan toward the rising sun;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then Moshe separated three cities at the crossing of Jordan from the dawning of the sun;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Moses separated three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrising;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Then Moses separated three cities beyond Jordan on the east,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1538" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">41</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/914.htm" title="914: yaḇ·dîl (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be divided, separate. A primitive root; to divide.">set aside</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šā·lōš (Number-fs) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rîm (N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/5676.htm" title="5676: bə·‘ê·ḇer (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Region across or beyond, side. From abar; properly, a region across; but used only adverbially on the opposite side.">across</a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the Jordan</a> <a href="/hebrew/4217.htm" title="4217: miz·rə·ḥāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- Place of sunrise, the east. From zarach; sunrise, i.e. The east.">to the east</a> <a href="/hebrew/8121.htm" title="8121: šā·meš (N-cs) -- From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e. A notched battlement."></a> </span><span class="reftext">42</span>to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/20-1.htm">Joshua 20:1-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13-38</a></span><br />So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, / Jattir, Eshtemoa, / Holon, Debir, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-57.htm">1 Chronicles 6:57-81</a></span><br />So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, / Hilen, Debir, / Ashan, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a></span><br />If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-21.htm">Acts 2:21</a></span><br />And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-13.htm">Romans 10:13</a></span><br />for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/25-4.htm">Isaiah 25:4</a></span><br />For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-7.htm">Nahum 1:7</a></span><br />The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-29.htm">Luke 10:29-37</a></span><br />But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” / Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13</a></span><br />Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sun rise;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6,14,15</a></b></br> And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites <i>there shall be</i> six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/20-2.htm">Joshua 20:2-9</a></b></br> Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/3-5.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-19.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-27.htm">East</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-5.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/31-42.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/numbers/6-6.htm">Separateth</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-26.htm">Severed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-32.htm">Side</a> <a href="/numbers/34-15.htm">Sunrise</a> <a href="/numbers/34-15.htm">Sunrising</a> <a href="/numbers/34-15.htm">Sun-Rising</a> <a href="/numbers/35-14.htm">Three</a> <a href="/numbers/34-15.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-19.htm">Towns</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/7-26.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-47.htm">East</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-46.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-8.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Separated</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Separateth</a> <a href="/judges/4-11.htm">Severed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-46.htm">Side</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-47.htm">Sunrise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-47.htm">Sunrising</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-47.htm">Sun-Rising</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/14-28.htm">Three</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-47.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm">Towns</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Moses set aside</b><br>This phrase indicates a deliberate action taken by Moses, the leader of the Israelites. It reflects his role as a lawgiver and mediator between God and the people. The setting aside of cities is part of the legal and societal structure established for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of justice and mercy within the community. This act is in obedience to God's earlier commands regarding cities of refuge (<a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-15</a>).<p><b>three cities</b><br>The number three is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or divine perfection. These cities were designated as places of refuge, providing a complete system of justice and mercy for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. The concept of cities of refuge is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Christ as our refuge and advocate (<a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a>).<p><b>across the Jordan</b><br>This geographical reference points to the Transjordan region, which was east of the Jordan River. The Jordan River served as a natural boundary for the Promised Land. The mention of "across the Jordan" indicates that these cities were located in the territories already conquered by the Israelites before crossing into Canaan proper. This area was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.<p><b>to the east</b><br>The direction "east" is often associated with beginnings and new opportunities in biblical literature. In this context, it signifies the establishment of a new societal order as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The eastern location of these cities also highlights the inclusivity of God's provision, ensuring that even those outside the main land of Canaan had access to justice and protection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who, under God's guidance, led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this verse, he is responsible for setting aside cities of refuge.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cities_of_refuge.htm">Cities of Refuge</a></b><br>These were designated places where individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter could flee for safety from the avenger of blood until they stood trial.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jordan_river.htm">Jordan River</a></b><br>A significant geographical landmark for the Israelites, representing the boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/east_of_the_jordan.htm">East of the Jordan</a></b><br>The region where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh settled. It is significant as the location of the cities of refuge mentioned in this verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were given laws and commandments to live by, including the establishment of cities of refuge.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Provision for Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The cities of refuge demonstrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a way for the innocent to be protected while awaiting trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Moses' obedience in setting aside these cities reflects the importance of following God's commands precisely, even in logistical matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refuge_in_christ.htm">Spiritual Refuge in Christ</a></b><br>Just as the cities provided physical safety, Christ offers spiritual refuge. Believers can find safety and rest in Him from the consequences of sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The establishment of these cities highlights the community's role in protecting the innocent and ensuring justice is served.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_planning.htm">Preparation and Planning</a></b><br>The foresight in establishing these cities before entering the Promised Land teaches the value of preparation and planning in accordance with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_key_events_in_joshua's_life.htm">What are key events in Joshua's life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_prophecies_in_the_bible.htm">What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_the_tribe_of_manasseh_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_moses_see_'all_the_land'.htm">How could Moses see 'all the land' from Mount Nebo when the geography would limit his view (Deut. 34:1-3)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>THE APPOINTMENT OF THREE CITIES OF REFUGE.</span><p>(41) <span class= "bld">Then Moses severed.</span>--The word "then" appears to be a note of time. It would seem that the appointment of the three cities of refuge on the eastern side of Jordan actually followed this discourse.<p><span class= "bld">On this side Jordan.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">b</span>' '<span class= "ital">eber hay-yarden. </span>The expression is here defined by the words that follow, "toward the sun-rising," and it need not, therefore, be taken to fix the writer's point of view. By itself, the expression would naturally mean, on the <span class= "ital">other </span>side of Jordan.<p>(43) <span class= "bld">Bezer</span> is as yet unidentified.<p><span class= "bld">Ramoth in Gilead</span>, though famous in the history of Israel as the scene of Ahab's death and of the anointing of Jehu (1 Kings 21 and 2 Kings 9), is also as yet unknown.<p><span class= "bld">Golan</span> has given a name to the district of Gaulonitis. But it is as yet also unknown. We may hope that when the survey of Eastern Palestine is concluded, these ancient sites will be recovered.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 41-43.</span> - APPOINTMENT OF THREE CITIES OF REFUGE BEYOND JORDAN. A short historical notice is here inserted, probably because it was during the interval between the first and second addresses of Moses that he carried into effect the Divine command to appoint cities of refuge for the manslayer (<a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9</a>, etc.; cf. <a href="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a>). This notice, therefore, is here in its proper place in the order of the narrative. That Moses should, just at this stage, have made this appointment was fitting and proper, seeing he had been urging on the people obedience to the Divine statutes and commandments, and had represented their conquest of the territory of Sihon and Og as an earnest of their ultimate possession of the whole land of the Amorites. By appointing these cities, Moses gave an example of obedience to God's injunction, and, at the same time, not only asserted on the part of Israel a right of proprietorship in this trans-Jordanic territory, but assumed as certain that, on the ether side of Jordan also, the same right of proprietorship should be possessed and exercised by Israel in the fulfilling of the whole law concerning cities of refuge (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1</a>, etc.). That this section belongs properly to <a href="/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35, 36</a>, and has been interpolated here by some later hand, is a pure assumption, for which there is no ground. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 41.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">On this side Jordan</span>; beyond Jordan, more expressly defined as toward the sun rising, viz. on the east of that river. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֣ז</span> <span class="translit">(’āz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> </span><span class="str2">At that time, place, therefore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set aside</span><br /><span class="heb">יַבְדִּ֤יל</span> <span class="translit">(yaḇ·dîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_914.htm">Strong's 914: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be divided, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלֹ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cities</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">across</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵ֖בֶר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·ḇer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5676.htm">Strong's 5676: </a> </span><span class="str2">A region across, on the opposite side</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Jordan</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yar·dên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the east</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְרְחָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(miz·rə·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4217.htm">Strong's 4217: </a> </span><span class="str2">Place of sunrise, the east</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:41 Then Moses set apart three cities beyond (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-40.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:40"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:40" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-42.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:42"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:42" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>