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.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
and ye shall give
H5414
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
and ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת
of the inheritance
H5159
מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת
of the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם
of their possession
H272
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם
of their possession
Strong's:
H272
Word #:
8 of 15
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
לֶֽעָרִים֙
cities
H5892
לֶֽעָרִים֙
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לָשָׁ֑בֶת
to dwell in
H3427
לָשָׁ֑בֶת
to dwell in
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ
suburbs
H4054
וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ
suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
11 of 15
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
לֶֽעָרִים֙
cities
H5892
לֶֽעָרִים֙
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
12 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם
round about
H5439
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
13 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Historical Context
The Levites were the priestly tribe descended from Levi, set apart for tabernacle/temple service and teaching the Law. They comprised three clans: Kohathites, Gershonites, and Meraanites. This command was fulfilled during Joshua's distribution of the land (Joshua 21). The Levitical cities were distributed proportionally among the twelve tribes' territories.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you take your responsibility to support those who devote themselves to teaching God's Word and spiritual ministry?
- What does the principle 'the LORD is their inheritance' teach about the calling and compensation of those in ministry?
- How might scattering spiritual leaders throughout communities (rather than centralizing them) benefit the church today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in—The Levites received no tribal land inheritance (Numbers 18:20, 24) because 'the LORD is their inheritance.' Yet God commanded the other tribes to provide עָרִים (ʿārîm, cities) from their נַחֲלָתָם (naḥălāṯām, inheritance). This was not charity but covenant obligation—enabling Levitical service throughout Israel.
This distribution of Levites among all tribes (48 cities total, v. 7) strategically scattered teachers of the Law, priests, and worship leaders throughout the nation. The Levitical cities became centers of instruction and justice, preventing the centralization of spiritual knowledge. This principle of supporting full-time ministry from the tithes and offerings of God's people extends into the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).