Numbers 35:3
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָי֧וּ
H1961
וְהָי֧וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הֶֽעָרִ֛ים
And the cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֛ים
And the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לָשָׁ֑בֶת
shall they have to dwell in
H3427
לָשָׁ֑בֶת
shall they have to dwell in
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֗ם
and the suburbs
H4054
וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֗ם
and the suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
5 of 10
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
יִֽהְי֤וּ
H1961
יִֽהְי֤וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִבְהֶמְתָּם֙
of them shall be for their cattle
H929
לִבְהֶמְתָּם֙
of them shall be for their cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Historical Context
Levitical cities were functioning towns with surrounding pasturelands, not isolated religious compounds. Levites lived among their fellow Israelites, raising families, tending flocks, and engaging in normal economic life while fulfilling their priestly and teaching duties. The suburban lands extended 1,000-2,000 cubits from the city walls (v. 4-5), providing adequate grazing and agricultural space.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's comprehensive provision for Levites (housing, pastureland, goods) challenge any notion that spiritual leaders should live in poverty?
- What practical needs of those in ministry (beyond salary) might your church community be overlooking?
- How can you ensure that your support of ministry enables both service and stable family life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts—God's provision was comprehensive: not just housing (cities) but also מִגְרָשׁ (miḡrāš, suburbs/pasture lands) for livestock and possessions. The Levites' spiritual calling didn't negate physical needs—God ordained material provision for those who serve Him.
The inclusion of 'cattle...goods...beasts' shows that ministry support isn't merely subsistence but adequate provision for family, possessions, and economic stability. Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 5:17-18: elders who labor in preaching are 'worthy of double honor.' The Levitical system modeled that those who serve the altar should live from the altar, but with dignity and sufficiency, not poverty.