Deuteronomy 19 - The Rules for Witnesses | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church
The Bible by David Alley · David Alley
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Show Notes
In this video listen to Deuteronomy 19 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Deuteronomy 19 the three (or six) cities of refuge are again discussed. These are for cases of second degree murder, or what we call manslaughter in Australia. This is killing without intention or planning, through negligence.
In this chapter, the intention to murder is a big deal, and hatred is here mentioned. Jews always made a big deal out of action, but a key difference between first and second degree murder is the intention. Jesus took this whole topic to its logical end saying that when you hate someone, that alone is murder.
He made the intention itself the sin. This must be purely correct because if an “innocent blood” must be protected as in verse ten, then a pure intention is innocent, but conversely an evil intention even without the corresponding action is guilty.
This chapter also discusses the importance of boundary stones - which related to the dividing of the land initially, and how it was not to be changed. We are not to desire that which God gives to another as his inheritance, but to serve God and obtain our own.
Finally, witnesses are discussed. A witness who harms another is to be repaid in like, at least according to the Levitical system here. What is not accounted for is intention, which was also a theme in this chapter. However, in this system, we find forgiveness works in like as in the new testament.
This is why showing grace and patience to others is a big priority as believers. How can we expect God’s grace if we are not ourselves gracious. This passage is a guide for judges, but we are not to be the judges according to Christ.