Manslaughter 19:1-13

God revealed the law concerning how the Israelites were to deal with manslayers earlier (cf. Num. 35:9-34). In Israel this kind of crime was a domestic rather than a civil matter. Families were to deal with it rather than the courts. The instructions given here urge application of this law and explain the need for three more cities of refuge west of the Jordan River. Moses had already designated three towns on the east side of the Jordan (4:41-43). The provision of cities of refuge taught the Israelites how important life is to God. The cities of refuge were extensions of the altar in the tabernacle courtyard as a place of asylum.²¹²

"The extension of the power of Israel to the Euphrates under David and Solomon, did not bring the land as far as this river into their actual possession, since the conquered kingdoms of Aram were still inhabited by the Aramaeans, who, though conquered, were only rendered tributary. And the Tyrians and Phoenicians, who belonged to the Canaanitish population, were not even attacked by David."²¹³

The Israelites never appointed this third set of three cities of refuge since she never secured the full extent of the Promised Land.