Numbers 35:1

1 While Israel was camped beside the Jordan on the plains of Moab across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses,

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 While Israel was camped beside the Jordan on the plains of Moab across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses,

2 “Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites from their property certain towns to live in, along with the surrounding pasturelands.

3 These towns will be for the Levites to live in, and the surrounding lands will provide pasture for their cattle, flocks, and other livestock.

4 The pastureland assigned to the Levites around these towns will extend 1,500 feet from the town walls in every direction.

5 Measure off 3,000 feet outside the town walls in every direction—east, south, west, north—with the town at the center. This area will serve as the larger pastureland for the towns.