Numbers 35:2

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.

Command {H6680} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that they give {H5414} unto the Levites {H3881} of the inheritance {H5159} of their possession {H272} cities {H5892} to dwell in {H3427}; and ye shall give {H5414} also unto the Levites {H3881} suburbs {H4054} for the cities {H5892} round about {H5439} them.

"Order the people of Isra'el to give to the L'vi'im cities to live in from the heritage they will possess, and you are also to give the L'vi'im some of the open land surrounding the cities.

โ€œCommand the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and suburbs for the cities round about them shall ye give unto the Levites.

Commentary

Numbers 35:2 marks a crucial command given by God to the children of Israel concerning the provision for the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other Israelite tribes who received specific territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, the Levites were set apart for sacred service, dedicated to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This verse outlines how they were to be supported.

Context

This instruction is given as the Israelites are on the cusp of entering Canaan, preparing for the division of the land. Chapter 35 of Numbers specifically deals with the allocation of cities for the Levites, ensuring they had places to dwell among the other tribes, rather than a consolidated territory. This arrangement allowed the Levites, who served as spiritual guides, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice, to be strategically dispersed throughout the nation. The "suburbs" mentioned refer to the common lands or pasture areas immediately surrounding these cities, crucial for their livestock, as the Levites would not be engaged in agricultural farming like the other tribes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Support: God meticulously planned for the sustenance of the Levites, who were consecrated to His service. This command ensures they had homes and resources, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who serve Him. This principle is further highlighted in Numbers 18:20, where the Lord Himself is declared the Levites' inheritance.
  • Unique Role of the Levites: The Levites' primary inheritance was their service to God and the spiritual welfare of Israel. Their duties included caring for the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching the Law, and assisting the priests. Their unique calling meant they were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, freeing them for their sacred duties, as detailed in Numbers 18:21.
  • Order and Justice in Land Distribution: Even without a tribal land inheritance, the Levites were not left without. This command demonstrates God's just and orderly approach to the distribution of resources within the nation, ensuring every segment of society, especially those fulfilling a vital spiritual role, was provided for.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "suburbs" is migrash (ืžึดื’ึฐืจึธืฉื), which specifically denotes the open, common pasturage land immediately outside a city's walls. This was distinct from cultivated fields and underscores that the Levites' livelihood was not to come from agriculture but from the support of the other tribes, allowing them to focus on their ministerial responsibilities.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless principles regarding the support of those in full-time spiritual ministry. Just as God commanded Israel to provide for the Levites, there is an enduring concept of ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to teaching God's Word and serving His people are adequately resourced. This allows them to focus on their divine calling without being unduly burdened by worldly concerns. It also reflects God's meticulous care for all His people, ensuring that each part of the community, including those with a unique spiritual purpose, is sustained within His divine order.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 14:3

    For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

  • Joshua 14:4

    For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

  • Ezekiel 48:8

    And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall be the offering which ye shall offer of five and twenty thousand [reeds in] breadth, and [in] length as one of the [other] parts, from the east side unto the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.

  • Ezekiel 48:22

    Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, [being] in the midst [of that] which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10

    Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14

    Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

  • Leviticus 25:32

    Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, [and] the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
โ† Back