Numbers 35:2
Numbers 35:2 in Multiple Translations
“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.
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.
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and suburbs for the cities round about them shall ye give unto the Levites.
Give orders to the children of Israel to give to the Levites, from the heritage which is theirs, towns for themselves, with land on the outskirts of the towns.
“Order the Israelites to provide from their land allocation towns for the Levites to live in and pastures around the towns.
Commande ye children of Israel, that they giue vnto the Leuites of the inheritace of their possession, cities to dwell in: yee shall giue also vnto the Leuites the suburbes of the cities round about them.
'Command the sons of Israel, and they have given to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to inhabit; also a suburb for the cities round about them ye do give to the Levites.
“Command the children of Israel to give to the Levites cities to dwell in out of their inheritance. You shall give pasture lands for the cities around them to the Levites.
Command the children of Israel, that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also to the Levites suburbs for the cities around them.
Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites out of their possessions,
“Tell the Israeli people that from the land that they will receive, they must give to the descendants of Levi some cities in which they can live. They must also give them some land around these cities.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 35:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צַו֮
אֶת
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
לַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
מִֽ/נַּחֲלַ֛ת
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖/ם
עָרִ֣ים
לָ/שָׁ֑בֶת
וּ/מִגְרָ֗שׁ
לֶֽ/עָרִים֙
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי/הֶ֔ם
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
לַ/לְוִיִּֽם
צַו֮
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
לַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Prep | Ngmpa
מִֽ/נַּחֲלַ֛ת
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
Prep | N-fs
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖/ם
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
N-fs | Suff
עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
לָ/שָׁ֑בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וּ/מִגְרָ֗שׁ
migrâsh
H4054
pasture
Conj | N-ms
לֶֽ/עָרִים֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fp
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי/הֶ֔ם
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Prep | Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:2
צַו֮
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֒
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/נָתְנ֣וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִֽ/נַּחֲלַ֛ת
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
Prep | N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖/ם
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
עָרִ֣ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לָ/שָׁ֑בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
וּ/מִגְרָ֗שׁ
migrâsh
H4054
"pasture"
Conj | N-ms
A pasture or open land, often the area around a building or the margin of the sea. This term describes a common or shared space in the Bible.
Definition: common, common land, open land, suburb
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cast out, suburb. See also: Leviticus 25:34; Joshua 21:37; Ezekiel 48:17.
לֶֽ/עָרִים֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵי/הֶ֔ם
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
Study Notes — Numbers 35:2
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Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
1Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho:
2“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.
3The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. 4The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 14:3–4 | For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites. The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 48:8 | Bordering the territory of Judah, from east to west, will be the portion you are to set apart. It will be 25,000 cubits wide, and the length of a tribal portion from east to west. In the center will be the sanctuary. |
| 3 | Joshua 21:2–42 | at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them: They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon, Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands. In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath, Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands. In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans. This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans. For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. |
| 4 | Leviticus 25:32–34 | As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 48:22 | So the Levitical property and the city property will lie in the center of the area belonging to the prince—the area between the borders of Judah and Benjamin. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 9:10–14 | Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 45:1–8 | “When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance, you are to set aside a portion for the LORD, a holy portion of the land 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide. This entire tract of land will be holy. Within this area there is to be a section for the sanctuary 500 cubits square, with 50 cubits around it for open land. From this holy portion, you are to measure off a length of 25,000 cubits and a width of 10,000 cubits, and in it will be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. It will be a holy portion of the land to be used by the priests who minister in the sanctuary, who draw near to minister before the LORD. It will be a place for their houses, as well as a holy area for the sanctuary. An adjacent area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall belong to the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns in which to live. As the property of the city, you are to set aside an area 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, adjacent to the holy district. It will belong to the whole house of Israel. Now the prince will have the area bordering each side of the area formed by the holy district and the property of the city, extending westward from the western side and eastward from the eastern side, running lengthwise from the western boundary to the eastern boundary and parallel to one of the tribal portions. This land will be his possession in Israel. And My princes will no longer oppress My people, but will give the rest of the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes. |
Numbers 35:2 Summary
This verse is about God instructing the Israelites to give some of their land to the Levites, who were the spiritual leaders of the community. The Levites didn't have their own land, so God wanted to make sure they had a place to live and take care of their animals, as seen in Numbers 35:3. This shows us that God cares about His people and wants to provide for them, just like He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:13-15). It also reminds us that we should care for and support those who are serving God and others, just like the Israelites were supposed to care for the Levites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites need to give cities to the Levites?
The Israelites were instructed to give cities to the Levites because the Levites did not receive an inheritance of land like the other tribes, as God was their inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:2. This provision allowed the Levites to live among the people and serve them spiritually.
What is the significance of the pasturelands around the cities?
The pasturelands around the cities were for the Levites' herds, flocks, and other livestock, as mentioned in Numbers 35:3, providing them with a means of support and livelihood, similar to how God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 16:13-15.
How does this relate to the broader theme of God's care for His people?
This command demonstrates God's care for the Levites, who were set apart for spiritual service, and reflects His desire to provide for all His people, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, and all our needs will be met.
What can we learn from the Israelites' responsibility to provide for the Levites?
We can learn that God's people have a responsibility to care for one another, particularly those who are serving in spiritual roles, as seen in Galatians 6:6, where we are instructed to share our resources with those who teach us the Word of God.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for providing for those who serve Him?
- How can we apply the principle of caring for spiritual leaders in our own lives and communities?
- What does the concept of 'inheritance' mean in this context, and how does it relate to our own spiritual inheritance in Christ, as seen in Ephesians 1:11-14?
- In what ways can we, like the Israelites, provide a 'safe haven' for those who are serving God and others?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:2
Command the children of Israel,.... All the tribes of them; it is not a bare instruction that is given them, much less a mere request that is made to them, or something proposed, and left to their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 35:2
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.Ver. 2. Suburbs.] These were for pasture, pleasure, and other country commodities, not for tillage; for the Levites were to have no such employment.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:2
XXXV.(2) Cities to dwell in.—The object of the dispersion of the Levites throughout the other tribes seems to have been primarily with a view to the instruction of their brethren in the law of the Lord (Deuteronomy 33:10). It is probable that the Levites also discharged all those other functions which are now discharged by the learned professions. And ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs . . . —The word migrash, “suburb,” denotes, probably, pasture ground into which flocks are driven.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:2
2. suburbs] ‘pasture lands’ (marg.) rightly represents the true force of the word, which denotes lit. a place for driving cattle (cf. Numbers 35:3). But it came to be used more generally of common land surrounding a town, which all the inhabitants had the right to use. It occurs very frequently in P passages of Josh. and 1 Ch.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:2
Suburbs - Rather, “pasture-grounds,” required for their large cattle, for their sheep and goats, and for all their beasts whatever they might be Numbers 35:3.
Sermons on Numbers 35:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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One Thing Necessary by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the excellence and necessity of salvation, the act of working out sa |
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Epistle 114 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the mighty power of God, being sent by God to minister to all spirits and testify against deceivers. He emphasizes preaching |
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Epistle 65 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the light of Christ to comprehend the world's ways and bring others to salvation. He emphasizes the need to yoke the oxen, b |