Numbers 35:7

KJV

[So] all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites [shall be] forty and eight cities: them [shall ye give] with their suburbs.

KJV (with Strong's)

So all the cities {H5892} which ye shall give {H5414} to the Levites {H3881} shall be forty {H705} and eight {H8083} cities {H5892}: them shall ye give with their suburbs {H4054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus you will give the L'vi'im forty-eight cities, with their surrounding open land.

Berean Standard Bible

The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands.

American Standard Version

All the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities; them shall ye give with their suburbs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:7 is a foundational verse within the Mosaic Law, precisely stipulating that the Israelite tribes were to allocate a total of forty-eight cities, complete with their surrounding pasturelands, to the Levites. This divine directive ensured the sustenance and functional dispersion of the tribe consecrated for sacred service throughout the Promised Land. This meticulous provision underscores God's unwavering care for His chosen servants and His detailed blueprint for the ordered and spiritually vibrant life of the Israelite nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:7 is situated within a crucial section of divine legislation given to Moses on the plains of Moab, immediately preceding Israel's entry into Canaan. The chapter begins with God's command to the Israelites, through Moses, to provide cities for the Levites from their tribal inheritances ([Numbers 35:1-2](/numbers/35-1-2 "Numbers 35:1-2 - Cities for the Levites")). The preceding verses ([Numbers 35:3-5](/numbers/35-3-5 "Numbers 35:3-5 - Dimensions of the Suburbs")) meticulously detail the specific dimensions and purpose of the "suburbs" or pasturelands accompanying these cities, emphasizing their economic necessity for the Levites' livelihood. Following verse 7, [Numbers 35:8](/numbers/35-8 "Numbers 35:8 - Proportional Contribution of Cities") clarifies that the number of cities contributed by each tribe should be proportional to the size of their inheritance, ensuring equity. Crucially, [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge Introduced") introduces the concept of six of these forty-eight cities serving as "cities of refuge," a vital legal provision for those who committed unintentional homicide. The entire chapter forms a cohesive unit of divine law, establishing the Levites' dwelling arrangements and laying the groundwork for the administration of justice in the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As the Israelites stood on the cusp of transitioning from a nomadic existence in the wilderness to a settled agricultural life in Canaan, the equitable distribution of land was paramount. Unique among the tribes, Levi was consecrated for exclusive service to Yahweh, performing duties related to the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and serving as spiritual instructors, judges, and guardians of the Law. Consequently, they were explicitly denied a territorial inheritance, as clearly stated in passages like [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance") and [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - Levites Have No Inheritance"). Instead, God commanded that they be provided with cities and their associated pasturelands from the inheritances of the other tribes. This arrangement ensured their sustenance without tying them to agricultural labor and facilitated their strategic dispersion, allowing them to minister to all tribes across the land. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) were not merely empty plots but specifically designated, measured pasturelands vital for the Levites' livestock, which formed a significant part of their economic livelihood. The historical fulfillment of this command is recorded later in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levite Cities").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:7 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision**, showcasing God's meticulous and faithful care for His consecrated servants, ensuring their needs are met even without a traditional land inheritance. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Structure**, revealing God's precise blueprint for the Israelite nation, where every detail, including the number and strategic location of cities, served a specific purpose in maintaining national and spiritual integrity. The command for the other tribes to "give" these cities also underscores the theme of **Communal Responsibility** and mutual support within the covenant community. Thirdly, the **Levitical Dispersion and Purpose** is a central theme; by scattering the Levites throughout the land, God ensured that spiritual instruction, the administration of justice, and the knowledge of His laws would be accessible to all tribes, fostering unity and adherence to the covenant. Finally, the integration of **Cities of Refuge** within these forty-eight cities (as introduced in [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge")) showcases God's profound concern for justice, the sanctity of life, and the provision of sanctuary, even in cases of unintentional wrongdoing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lêvîyîy'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Levi, the priestly tribe set apart by God for sacred service. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a territorial inheritance but were instead to reside in these designated cities. Their unique calling involved duties related to the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching the Law, and administering justice, making their strategic dispersion throughout Israel essential for the spiritual health of the nation.
* **Cities (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** While the verse uses the plural, the singular form *ʻîyr* refers to a fortified settlement or town. In this context, these were not merely dwelling places but strategic centers from which the Levites would carry out their diverse functions—priestly, pedagogical, and judicial. The command for their distribution among all tribes highlights their importance as hubs of divine instruction and justice, ensuring the accessibility of spiritual guidance across the land.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This crucial term denotes the open, common land or pasture ground surrounding the cities. As detailed in [Numbers 35:3-5](/numbers/35-3-5 "Numbers 35:3-5 - Dimensions of the Suburbs"), these were specifically measured and designated areas, not unassigned wilderness. Essential for the Levites' livestock, which provided a significant part of their economic sustenance since they were not to engage in agriculture, the provision of these *migrâsh* was integral to their livelihood and their ability to fulfill their divine calling without worldly distraction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites":** This opening clause highlights the communal responsibility of the other Israelite tribes to provide for the Levites. It was not a matter of conquest or self-acquisition by the Levites, but a mandated act of obedience and support from the other tribes, a tangible expression of their commitment to God's covenant and His consecrated servants. This act of "giving" underscored inter-tribal cooperation under divine mandate.
* **"shall be forty and eight cities":** The precise number, forty-eight, is a direct divine stipulation, not an arbitrary figure. This exact quantity underscores God's meticulous planning and comprehensive provision for the Levites. It ensured that the Levites would be sufficiently numerous and geographically dispersed to fulfill their roles across the entire land, establishing centers of spiritual influence, legal administration, and the teaching of the Law in every tribal territory.
* **"them shall ye give with their suburbs":** This final phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's provision. The cities alone would not suffice; the accompanying "suburbs" (pasturelands) were indispensable for the Levites' economic viability. This detail reveals God's practical care, ensuring that His consecrated servants had all necessary resources to thrive and effectively perform their duties without being burdened by the need to acquire agricultural land or means of sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage prominently employs **Divine Precision**, evidenced by the exact number "forty and eight cities" and the detailed measurements for the "suburbs" provided in the preceding verses. This precision underscores the meticulous nature of God's plan and His comprehensive oversight of Israel's societal and spiritual structure. The verse also functions as a **Legal Stipulation**, being a direct command from God to Moses, which would become a binding law for the distribution of the land and the establishment of the Levites' dwelling. This highlights the authoritative and non-negotiable character of divine instructions. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** as this legal framework sets the stage for the actual land distribution recorded later in the book of Joshua, demonstrating the faithful fulfillment of God's promises and commands through the obedience of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:7 profoundly illustrates God's faithfulness and meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service. It reveals a divine economy where those who dedicate their lives to spiritual duties are sustained by the community, reflecting God's design for mutual support within His covenant people. This principle extends beyond the Levitical system, teaching that God ensures the needs of His ministers are met, enabling them to focus on their calling without undue worldly distraction. The precise number and strategic dispersion of these cities also speak to God's desire for order, justice, and spiritual instruction to permeate every corner of His people's lives, fostering a holistic and God-centered society.

* [Deuteronomy 12:12](/deuteronomy/12-12 "Rejoicing with the Levite in God's Presence")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "Support for Those Who Proclaim the Gospel")
* [Matthew 10:9-10](/matthew/10-9-10 "Jesus' Instructions on Provision for Disciples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to providing for His servants and His meticulous attention to detail in His divine plan. For believers today, this verse encourages profound trust in God's provision, especially for those who dedicate their lives to ministry. Just as the Levites were sustained by the collective generosity of Israel, so too are those who serve the Lord in various capacities today often supported by the body of Christ. This passage also calls the church to intentionality and order in its operations, recognizing that God's blueprint for His people is comprehensive and designed for flourishing. We are prompted to consider how we, as individuals and as a community, contribute to the sustenance and effectiveness of those called to full-time service, ensuring they are equipped to fulfill their spiritual mandate without being unduly burdened by material concerns. This divine pattern of provision and communal responsibility fosters a healthy and interdependent spiritual ecosystem within God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine provision for the Levites in Numbers 35:7 deepen your trust in God's care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can the modern church emulate the principle of communal support for those in full-time ministry, as seen in the provision for the Levites?**
* **What does the precise number of cities and their strategic dispersion teach us about God's desire for order and intentionality in our spiritual lives and community structures?**

### FAQ

**Why exactly forty-eight cities?**

Answer: The specific number of forty-eight cities is a divine command, not an arbitrary figure. While the Bible doesn't explicitly state the mathematical reason for this number, it represents a comprehensive and equitable distribution. With twelve tribes, each contributing cities proportionally to their inheritance (as clarified in [Numbers 35:8](/numbers/35-8 "Numbers 35:8 - Proportional Contribution of Cities")), forty-eight cities ensured that the Levites, though landless, were sufficiently numerous and strategically dispersed throughout all tribal territories. This allowed them to fulfill their roles as teachers, judges, and spiritual guides, making the knowledge of God's law and the administration of justice accessible to all Israelites. It underscores God's meticulous planning for the spiritual and social order of His people, ensuring that His presence and instruction permeated every corner of the land.

**Why did the Levites not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance because they were consecrated to the Lord for special service. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance") and reiterated in [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - Levites Have No Inheritance"). Their primary role was to serve in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), ministering to God and to the people. By not being tied to agricultural land, they were freed from the responsibilities of farming and land management, allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual duties, including teaching the law, administering justice, and leading worship throughout Israel. The provision of cities and pasturelands ensured their sustenance while maintaining their unique and indispensable status as spiritual guides for the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:7, with its meticulous provision for the Levites, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His new covenant people. The Levitical priesthood, though divinely ordained, was a shadow of the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") according to the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:11-28](/hebrews/7-11-28 "Hebrews 7:11-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Just as the Levites were dispersed throughout Israel to bring the knowledge of God and administer justice, so too is the Church, the body of Christ, dispersed throughout the world as a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:2-9 - A Royal Priesthood"), proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. The provision for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance for ministry, foreshadows God's faithful care for those called into His service in the New Covenant, where the Lord promises that if we [seek first His kingdom and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"), all our needs will be met. Ultimately, Christ Himself is our true and eternal inheritance, far surpassing any earthly possession, and through Him, we are equipped and sustained by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our priestly calling in the world, serving as His ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Ministers of Reconciliation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 6:54

¶ Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

1 Chronicles 6:81

And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.

Joshua 21:3

And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

Joshua 21:42

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus [were] all these cities.