Deuteronomy 4:41-43·~1 min
Cities of Refuge
Moses designates three cities east of the Jordan as refuge for an unintentional killer. Their names are given plainly, fixing mercy and due process within Israel’s geography.
T41hen Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east 42to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. 43To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.
Section summaryMoses sets apart three eastern cities where a person who kills without prior malice may flee and live. The brief notice gives a concrete legal shape to the ordered life Israel is about to receive.
Role in the chapterThis short section interrupts exhortation with a practical act. It shows the law beginning to take form on the ground, not only as speech but as provision for justice and protection.