Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 4:41
Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites in the plains of Moab, concluding his legal review by transitioning from the command to keep God’s statutes to their practical implementation. He formally establishes three eastern cities as part of this framework before the nation crosses into Canaan.
The words — The Hebrew verb יַבְדִּיל (yavdil) means "he set apart," indicating a deliberate legal designation rather than a casual arrangement. מִזְרְחָה (mizrecha) specifies the eastern direction, anchoring the cities geographically relative to the Jordan River.
The thread — The text anticipates the refuge system detailed in Numbers 35:6 and 35:14, where Moses is instructed to appoint cities for unintentional manslayers. Joshua 20:2 later records the fulfillment of this command as the Israelites occupy the land.
Why it lands — The verse states that Moses physically separated three locations for a specific legal function before interpreting the system's purpose. It requires readers to recognize that divine law provides concrete, accessible mechanisms for justice that address human frailty without relying on abstract mercy.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;
Cross-references
- Numbers 35:6 Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.
- Numbers 35:14 Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge.
- Joshua 20:2 “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses,