Numbers 35:6
“The cities that you give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, where you shall permit the manslayer to flee, and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the verse highlights the six cities of refuge, it also states that in addition to these, forty-two other cities were given to the Levites. This means the entire total of cities designated for the Levites was forty-eight, with only a portion of them serving as these special sanctuaries.
The Lord is instructing Moses on how to provide for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no land inheritance. These instructions detail that the Levites will be given a total of forty-eight cities across the land, with specific provisions for their suburbs. Six of these cities are designated as special cities of refuge, alongside the forty-two other cities where the Levites will reside.
Why were these cities specifically given to the Levites? It wasn't just about assigning property.
The text here reveals a strategic distribution of cities across the land for the Levites. Numbers 35:1-8 outlines a total of 48 cities for them. Six of these are designated as cities of refuge, where someone who had unintentionally taken a life could flee.
But the significance goes deeper. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for God's service, were meant to be spiritual guides and teachers. Placing these cities of refuge within their broader allotment ensured:
Beyond just personal safety, these cities established a critical framework for justice in Israel.
The provision of cities of refuge wasn't merely an act of mercy; it was foundational for maintaining order and justice within Israelite society.
Understand the original words
ʿārîm · Hebrew Noun (plural)
The sacred, central place of residence for the tribe of Levi, who were set apart by God for priestly and tabernacle service, possessing no inheritance of land themselves but living among the other tribes.
miqlāṭ · Hebrew Noun
Designated locations appointed by God to provide asylum for someone who committed unintentional homicide, preventing immediate retaliatory blood vengeance while legal adjudication could take place.
rōṣēaḥ · Hebrew Noun
One who has caused the death of another person, specifically used in legal contexts regarding the transition from accidental killing to judicial review.
The establishment of cities of refuge within the Levitical cities highlights God's concern for justice and mercy, providing a sanctuary for the unintentional killer while ensuring the Levites, as spiritual leaders, were distributed throughout the land to teach God's law.
c. 1440 BC
Israelites Conquered Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. This conquest set the stage for the distribution of land among the tribes.
c. 1440 BC
Land Divided Among Tribes
The land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites, however, were not given a territorial inheritance, as their role was dedicated to serving God.
c. 1440 BC
Levitical Cities Designated
God commanded the Israelites to set aside cities from their tribal inheritances for the Levites to dwell in, ensuring they had places to live throughout the land.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Establishment of Cities of Refuge
As part of the Levitical cities, six specific cities were designated as cities of refuge, providing sanctuary for those who had unintentionally caused someone's death.
This passage directly introduces the concept of a place of refuge for those who unintentionally kill, setting the stage for the detailed laws in Numbers.
Deuteronomy 19:1-7This section elaborates on the purpose and function of the cities of refuge, explaining the process and the reasons for their establishment, reinforcing the divine provision for unintentional manslaughter.
Joshua 20:7-9This passage recounts the actual designation and setting apart of the six cities of refuge, showing the fulfillment of the commandment given in Numbers.
Hebrews 6:18The New Testament uses the imagery of fleeing to a 'refuge' as a powerful metaphor for the security found in Christ, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical cities of refuge.
calvinNumbers 35:1-8: "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,"
Et loquutus est Jehova in campestribus Moab juxta Jordanem. Jericho, dicendo:
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.
Praecipe filiis Israel ut dent Levitis de haereditate possessionis suae urbes ad habitandum, et suburban…
ellicottNumbers 35:6: "And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities."
(6, 7, 8) And among the cities which ye shall give . . . — The construction of this verse is involved; or, rather, there is a suspension of the subject in Numbers 35:6 , and a resumption of it in Numbers 35:7-8 . The verses may be rendered thus: And as to the cities which…
While the verse highlights the six cities of refuge, it also states that in addition to these, forty-two other cities were given to the Levites. This means the entire total of cities designated for the Levites was forty-eight, with only a portion of them serving as these special sanctuaries.
The Lord is instructing Moses on how to provide for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no land inheritance. These instructions detail that the Levites will be given a total of forty-eight cities across the land, with specific provisions for their suburbs. Six of these cities are designated as special cities of refuge, alongside the forty-two other cities where the Levites will reside.
The Lord is instructing Moses on how to provide for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no land inheritance. These instructions detail that the Levites will be given a total of forty-eight cities across the land, with specific provisions for their suburbs. Six of these cities are designated as special cities of refuge, alongside the forty-two other cities where the Levites will reside.
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c. 1440 BC
Levitical Suburbs Defined
Beyond the city walls, additional land was designated as suburbs for the Levites, intended for their livestock and pasture, providing for their material needs.
"“The cities that you give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, where you shall permit the manslayer to flee, and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities." — While the verse highlights the six cities of refuge, it also states that in addition to these, forty-two other cities were given to the Levites. This means the entire total of cities designated f…
