Deuteronomy 4:41 - Meaning and Application

Here we see two things.

First, Moses set apart the cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan, where Israel was camped. Three cities were appointed for that purpose, one in Reuben’s portion, one in Gad’s, and one in the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 4:41-43). Moses did all he could for the people while he was still with them. In that way, he left an example for the rulers who would take over after him, so they could follow it more carefully once he was gone.

Second, this passage begins another sermon Moses preached to Israel, which continues in the next chapters. It likely came the next Sabbath, when the people gathered to hear instruction. In the previous chapter he had urged them in general to obey; here he repeats the law they were to keep. He was asking for full obedience, but not blind obedience. How can people do their duty if they do not know what God has required?

So Moses sets the law before them as their guide for life. It was the rule they were to follow and the path they were to walk. He also sets it before them like a mirror, so they could see their own condition and continue in “the perfect law that gives freedom.” These are the testimonies, statutes, and judgments, the moral, ceremonial, and civil laws, which had already been given when Israel came out of Egypt, and which are now repeated on this side of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:44-46).

The place where Moses gave these laws is also noted. It was opposite Beth-peor, a Moabite idol temple, which may have led Moses to warn them carefully against that and similar dangerous places. It was also on the ground of their new victories, in the very land they had taken from Sihon and Og and now possessed (Deuteronomy 4:47). Their present success was a strong reason for them to obey.