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Deuteronomy 19 · Grade 5

A Refuge Prepared

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Read and Think

Deuteronomy 19 commands three cities of refuge in Canaan, with three more to be added if God enlarged their borders. Israel must prepare the way and divide the land so that every manslayer could flee there quickly. The goal was that innocent blood not be shed in the land. A person who killed unintentionally, like the man whose ax head slipped from the handle, could live in safety.

The refuge did not cancel justice. A man who hated his neighbor, lay in wait, and struck him must be handed over by the elders. God's law weighed intent as well as outcome, a principle still basic to just courts.

The chapter also protects property and truth. Moving a boundary stone was theft of inheritance. A single witness could not convict, and a malicious witness who lied would suffer the penalty he intended. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth was a rule of proportion for judges, not permission for personal revenge, as Jesus taught (Matthew 5:38-39). Hebrews 6:18 describes believers as those who have fled for refuge to the hope set before us in Christ.

Show What You Know

  1. What was the goal of the cities of refuge?

  2. What did God's law weigh besides outcome?

  3. Why could a single witness not convict?

  4. What was eye for eye?

  5. How does Hebrews 6:18 use the idea of refuge?

Crossword

12534

Across

  1. He may ____ to one of these cities.
  2. Two or three ____.

Down

  1. Do not move your neighbor's ____.
  2. Three ____ set apart.
  3. The ____ slipped from the handle.

Think About It

  1. How is Jesus a refuge for people who need mercy?

  2. Why does God care whether harm was done on purpose or by accident?

Memory Verse

“One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.”

Deuteronomy 19:15 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being my safe place. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why does God care about protecting the innocent?
  • How can you be fair when telling what happened?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.