That is, “to the east,” meaning east of the Jordan, in the territory occupied by the two and a half tribes.
Severed three cities.
Literally, “caused three cities to be separated,” that is, the cities of refuge. The same word, translated “separated,” is used of the setting apart of the tribe of Levi to carry the sacred furniture of the tabernacle (ch. 10:8). Ezekiel 42:20 speaks of a “separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.”