Numbers 35:1

Cities for the Levites

1 The Lord again spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan [across from] Jericho:

Numbers 35:1 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 35:1

And the Lord spake to Moses
After he had described the borders of the land, and given instructions about the division of it among the several tribes, and named the persons that should be concerned in parting and putting it into the possession of the Israelites, he makes a provision for the Levites; for though they had no inheritance in the land as a tribe, yet it was proper they should have cities and houses to dwell in; for it would not be suitable that they should be always about the tabernacle, as they were in the wilderness; and it is concerning this the Lord is said to speak to Moses,

in the plains of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho:
where the Israelites now were, and had been for some time:

saying;
as follows.

Numbers 35:1 In-Context

1 The Lord again spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan [across from] Jericho:

2 "Command the Israelites to give cities out of their hereditary property for the Levites to live in and pastureland around the cities.

3 The cities will be for them to live in, and their pasturelands will be for their herds, flocks, and all their [other] animals.

4 The pasturelands of the cities you are to give the Levites [will extend] from the city wall 500 yards on every side.

5 Measure 1,000 yards outside the city for the east side, 1,000 yards for the south side, 1,000 yards for the west side, and 1,000 yards for the north side, with the city in the center. This will belong to them as pasturelands for the cities.