Verses 1–2
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing {k} follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
(k) Under this sure note he comprises all the other tokens.
Verses 3–4
Thou shalt {a} prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every {b} slayer may flee thither.
(a) Make an open and ready way. (b) Who killed against his will, and bore no hatred in his heart.
Verses 5–7
As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he {c} shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
(c) That murder not be committed on murder.
Verses 8–9
And if the LORD thy God {d} enlarge thy coast, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all the land which he promised to give unto thy fathers;
(d) When you go over Jordan to possess the whole land of Canaan.
Verses 10–11
That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance, and {e} [so] blood be upon thee.
(e) Lest you be punished for innocent blood.
Verse 12
Then the {f} elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.
(f) The magistrates.
Verses 13–16
Thine {g} eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.
(g) Then whoever pardons murder, goes against the word of God.
Verses 17–21
Then both the men, between whom the controversy [is], shall stand before the {h} LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
(h) God's presence where his true ministers are assembled.