All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight, with their pasturelands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's not just about the number of cities; the crucial part is that they came with "pasturelands." This detail highlights that the Levites weren't just given a place to live, but also the resources needed for their livelihood, ensuring they could focus on their sacred duties without worldly distraction.
All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight, with their pasturelands.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God instructs Moses to set aside numerous cities for the Levites, the priestly tribe who received no land inheritance. This provision includes designated areas around each city for their livestock and belongings, ensuring they are adequately supported throughout the land. Among these cities, six are specifically designated as cities of refuge for those who have accidentally caused someone's death.
Imagine dedicating your life to God's service, with no inherited land or personal estate. How would you survive? God’s answer here is both practical and profound.
The tribe of Levi was unique; they received no tribal land inheritance like the other Israelites. Instead, their 'inheritance' was to serve God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, and to teach the people God's law.
To ensure they could fully focus on this sacred calling without the burdens of farming or managing estates, God commanded the other tribes to provide them with cities to live in, complete with surrounding pasturelands. This wasn't charity; it was a divine appointment, ensuring God's ministers had what they needed to serve Him.
Think of it as God's early model for supporting those dedicated to His work: provision based on calling, not earthly possessions.
It wasn't just about a house and a small yard. God's plan for the Levites' cities included generous surrounding lands. What was the purpose behind such extensive provision?
The command wasn't just to give the Levites cities, but also 'their suburbs' (pasturelands). The measurements given (though debated historically) were substantial, extending far beyond the city walls.
Purpose of the Pastures:
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Why scatter nearly 50,000 people across 48 locations? This wasn't about creating isolated communities but about strategic spiritual influence.
The 48 cities, including the 6 cities of refuge, were not concentrated in one area. They were distributed among all the tribes of Israel.
Strategic Dispersion:
This arrangement ensured that 'no parts of the country were left to sit in darkness,' as Henry notes, diffusing God's light and truth to the farthest corners.
Understand the original words
migrāš · Hebrew Noun (plural)
Open land or common grazing fields surrounding the Levitical cities, provided for the sustenance of their livestock and essential for their livelihood within the inheritance of Israel.
This directive for the Levites' cities and pasturelands wasn't just about housing a specific tribe; it was a strategic move to ensure God's teaching and worship were accessible across the entire land, acting as spiritual anchors for each community.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
Following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads them to conquer the Promised Land, a process that takes several years.
c. 1370 BC
Land allotment by lot
After the conquest, the land of Canaan is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by casting lots, according to God's instructions.
c. 1370 BC— this verse
Levitical cities assigned
As part of the land allotment, God commands that the Levites, who received no territorial inheritance, be given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands.
c. 1370 BC
Cities of Refuge established
Six of the Levitical cities are designated as Cities of Refuge, providing sanctuary for those who accidentally caused a death.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy established
Saul, David, and Solomon reign over a united Israel. The Levites continue to serve in their appointed cities and at the central sanctuary.
c. 930 BC
Kingdom divides
After Solomon's death, the kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Levites continue to be scattered throughout both realms.
This passage directly lists the forty-eight cities given to the Levites, confirming the number and purpose mentioned in Numbers 35:7.
1 Chronicles 6:64-81This passage also details the cities assigned to the Levites, providing further confirmation and context for this significant provision.
Deuteronomy 14:27This verse, along with others in Deuteronomy, highlights the Levites' lack of an allotted inheritance, making the provision of cities and pasturelands in Numbers a crucial means of support and dwelling.
Nehemiah 13:10This passage demonstrates the practical importance of the Levites having their allotted cities and resources, as Nehemiah had to restore their rights when they were neglected.
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…
gillNumbers 35:7: "So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs."
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty eight cities,.... Of these forty eight cities, their names, and what tribes they were in, and which of them were particularly cities of refuge, an account is given in Joshua 21:10 , them shall ye give, with their suburbs; according to the dimensions before prescribed.
It's not just about the number of cities; the crucial part is that they came with "pasturelands." This detail highlights that the Levites weren't just given a place to live, but also the resources needed for their livelihood, ensuring they could focus on their sacred duties without worldly distraction.
God instructs Moses to set aside numerous cities for the Levites, the priestly tribe who received no land inheritance. This provision includes designated areas around each city for their livestock and belongings, ensuring they are adequately supported throughout the land. Among these cities, six are specifically designated as cities of refuge for those who have accidentally caused someone's death.
God instructs Moses to set aside numerous cities for the Levites, the priestly tribe who received no land inheritance. This provision includes designated areas around each city for their livestock and belongings, ensuring they are adequately supported throughout the land. Among these cities, six are specifically designated as cities of refuge for those who have accidentally caused someone's death.
"All the cities that you give to the Levites shall be forty-eight, with their pasturelands." — It's not just about the number of cities; the crucial part is that they came with "pasturelands." This detail highlights that the Levites weren't just given a place to live, but also the resources ne…
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Last reviewed October 2026