Numbers 35:6

Numbers 35:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.

King James Version KJV

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

American Standard Version ASV

And the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites, they shall be the six cities of refuge, which ye shall give for the manslayer to flee unto: and besides them ye shall give forty and two cities.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the towns which you give the Levites are to be the six safe places to which the taker of life may go in flight; and in addition you are to give them forty-two towns.

Free Bible Version FBV

Six of the towns you give the Levites are to be sanctuary towns, where a person who kills someone can run for protection. As well as these towns, give the Levites forty-two more.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And of the cities which yee shall giue vnto the Leuites, there shalbe sixe cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint, that he which killeth, may flee thither: and to them yee shall adde two and fourtie cities more.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And the cities which ye give to the Levites [are] the six cities of refuge, which ye give for the fleeing thither of the man-slayer, and besides them ye give forty and two cities;

World English Bible WEB

“The cities which you shall give to the Levites, they shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the man slayer to flee to. Besides them you shall give forty-two cities.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And among the cities which ye shall give to the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the man-slayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And among the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, six shall be separated for refuge to fugitives, that he who hath shed blood may flee to them: and besides these there shall be other forty-two cities,

Translation for Translators T4T

“Six of the cities that you give to the descendants of Levi will be cities to which people can run to be safe. If someone accidentally kills someone else, the one who killed that person may run to one of those cities to be safe.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 35:6

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 35:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אֵ֣ת הֶֽ/עָרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּתְּנוּ֙ לַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם אֵ֚ת שֵׁשׁ עָרֵ֣י הַ/מִּקְלָ֔ט אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתְּנ֔וּ לָ/נֻ֥ס שָׁ֖מָּ/ה הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ וַ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם תִּתְּנ֔וּ אַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּ/שְׁתַּ֖יִם עִֽיר

וְ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הֶֽ/עָרִ֗ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fp

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תִּתְּנוּ֙ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

לַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Prep | Ngmpa

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שֵׁשׁ shêsh H8337 six Adj

עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp

הַ/מִּקְלָ֔ט miqlâṭ H4733 refuge Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תִּתְּנ֔וּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

לָ/נֻ֥ס nûwç H5127 to flee Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

שָׁ֖מָּ/ה shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff

הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ râtsach H7523 to murder Art | V-Qal

וַ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep | Suff

תִּתְּנ֔וּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 forty Adj

וּ/שְׁתַּ֖יִם shᵉnayim H8147 two Conj | Adj

עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 35:6

וְ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.

הֶֽ/עָרִ֗ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | 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.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תִּתְּנוּ֙ 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/לְוִיִּ֔ם 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.

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

שֵׁשׁ shêsh H8337 "six" Adj

This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.

Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)

Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.

עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp

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.

הַ/מִּקְלָ֔ט miqlâṭ H4733 "refuge" Art | N-ms

A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.

Definition: refuge, asylum

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

תִּתְּנ֔וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

לָ/נֻ֥ס nûwç H5127 "to flee" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.

Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.

שָׁ֖מָּ/ה shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

הָ/רֹצֵ֑חַ râtsach H7523 "to murder" Art | V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.

Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.

וַ/עֲלֵי/הֶ֣ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

תִּתְּנ֔וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 "forty" Adj

The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.

Definition: forty

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.

וּ/שְׁתַּ֖יִם shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Conj | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

עִֽיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs

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.

Study Notes — Numbers 35:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 35:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:6
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 35:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:6
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:6
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:6
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:6
Sermons on Numbers 35:6

Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites

4The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. 5You are also to measure two thousand cubits outside the city on the east, two thousand on the south, two thousand on the west, and two thousand on the north, with the city in the center. These areas will serve as larger pasturelands for the cities.

6Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.

7The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. 8The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 21:13	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,
2	Joshua 21:3	So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
3	Psalms 9:9	The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
4	Joshua 21:38	And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim,
5	Joshua 21:21	they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer,
6	Joshua 21:27	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.
7	Joshua 21:32	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.
8	Joshua 21:36	From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz,
9	Isaiah 4:6	a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.
10	Joshua 20:2–9	“Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them. Now if the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the manslayer into his hand, because that man killed his neighbor accidentally without prior malice. He is to stay in that city until he stands trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest serving at that time. Then the manslayer may return to his own home in the city from which he fled.” So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.

Numbers 35:6 Summary

[The verse Numbers 35:6 tells us that six cities were set aside as special places of safety, called cities of refuge, where people who had accidentally hurt someone could run to and be protected, as also mentioned in Joshua 20:1-9. This shows us that God cares about people who make mistakes and wants to help them. Just like how God provided for the Levites, He also provides for us, 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.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were cities of refuge established in the Old Testament?

The cities of refuge were established to provide a safe haven for those who had unintentionally taken a life, as seen in Numbers 35:6, to flee from the avenger of blood, as explained in Deuteronomy 19:1-13 and Joshua 20:1-9.

How many cities were designated as cities of refuge?

According to Numbers 35:6, six cities were appointed as cities of refuge, in addition to the forty-two other cities given to the Levites, totaling forty-eight cities as mentioned in Numbers 35:7.

What was the purpose of giving the Levites forty-two other cities in addition to the cities of refuge?

The forty-two other cities were given to the Levites to provide for their livelihood and support, as they did not have a tribal inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, as seen in Numbers 35:1-8 and Deuteronomy 18:1-8.

How did the allocation of cities to the Levites relate to the tribal inheritance of the Israelites?

The allocation of cities to the Levites was proportional to the size of each tribe's inheritance, with larger tribes giving more cities and smaller tribes giving fewer, as stated in Numbers 35:8.

Reflection Questions

What does the concept of cities of refuge teach us about God's heart for those who have made mistakes or are in need of protection?
How can we, as believers, provide a safe and welcoming space for those who are seeking refuge or a fresh start?
What does the provision of cities for the Levites reveal about God's care and provision for those who are serving Him?
In what ways can we, like the Levites, trust in God's provision and care for our needs, even when we may not have the same resources or inheritance as others?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 35:6

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites,.... The number of which is not yet expressed, but is afterwards: there shall be six cities for refuge; a sort of asylums, of which there

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 35:6

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 35:6

For refuge, or, of receipt, or escape, or resort, to wit, for man-slayers; and these cities are assigned among the Levites, partly, because they might be presumed to be the most proper and impartial judges between man-slayers and wilful murderers; partly, because their presence, and counsel, and authority would more effectually bridle the passions of the avenger of blood who might pursue him thither; and partly, to signify that it is only in Christ (whom the Levitical priests did represent) that sinners find refuge and safety from the destroyer. The names of these cities, we have ,43 Jos 20:8. For the man-slayer, such as is here described, ,15,22,23.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 35:6

Numbers 35:6 And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites [there shall be] six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.Ver. 6. That he may flee thither.] All sins then are not equal, as the Stoics held; neither are all to be alike punished, as by Draco’ s laws they were, in a manner. Those laws were said to be written, not with black, but with blood, because they punished every peccadillo almost with death, as idleness, stealing of pot herbs, &c. Aristotle gives them this small commendation, that they are not worth remembrance, but only for their great severity.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 35:6

(6, 7, 8) And among the cities which ye shall give . . . —The construction of this verse is involved; or, rather, there is a suspension of the subject in Numbers 35:6, and a resumption of it in Numbers 35:7-8. The verses may be rendered thus: And as to the cities which ye shall give to the Levites, viz., the six cities of refuge which ye shall give that the manslayer may flee thither (and in addition to these ye shall give forty and two cities); as to all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites, viz., forty and eight cities, them and their suburbs; now as to the cities which ye shall give from the possession of the children of Israel; from the many ye shall take many, and from the few ye shall take few . . . It had already been announced in general terms that a place should be appointed whither any one should flee who had unintentionally smitten a man so that he died, and had not lain in wait with a view to commit murder (Exodus 21:12-13). In the verses which follow, the law is delivered at length, and is repeated and further expanded in Deuteronomy 19:1-13. There were many reasons why all the cities of refuge were Levitical cities. Of these reasons the chief probably were:—(1) That these cities were specially consecrated to the Lord (see Joshua 20:7, “And they appointed,” &c.—Heb., consecrated); and (2) that it was to the priests and Levites that the people looked as administrators of justice.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 35:6

1–8. The Levitical cities The Levites are to receive 48 cities with their surrounding land (E.VV. ‘suburbs’), six of which are to be ‘cities of refuge.’ The cities are to be contributed by each tribe in numbers proportionate to its size. Each plot of land is to be a square of 2,000 cubits (c. 1,000 yards). The carrying out of this law is related in fuller detail in Joshua 21, where the allotment is as follows: the Kohathite Levites were given 10 towns in Ephraim, Dan and western Manasseh, the Gershonites 13 in Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and eastern Manasseh, the Merarites 12 in Reuben, Gad and Zebulun, while the priests had 10 in Judah, Simeon and Benjamin. Two considerations, however, shew that this is a purely ideal arrangement, which could never have been actually brought about: 1st, In a hilly country like Palestine, cut with deep ravines, it would be impossible to find 48 square plots of land of such a size. 2nd, It is at variance with statements in earlier passages, (a) In Deuteronomy the Levites are classed with widows, orphans and strangers, as poor people who are commended to the charity of Israel; cf. Deuteronomy 12:12; Deuteronomy 12:18 f., Numbers 14:27; Numbers 14:29, Numbers 16:11; Numbers 16:14, Numbers 26:11 ff. In a few cases, indeed, priests settled in communities, and appear to have owned property, e.g. at Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26, Jeremiah 32:6 ff.), Nob (1 Samuel 21:1; 1 Samuel 22:19) and Bethel (Amos 7:10); but the two latter towns are not included in the list in Joshua 21. Deuteronomy 18:8 b may imply that some Levitical priests owned private property, but the passage is uncertain. (b) In Numbers 18, which must belong to an earlier stage of P than the present passage, the offerings to be made to the priests are expressly stated to be due to them because they have no landed property. Ezekiel (ch. 48) puts forward another ideal scheme for providing priests and Levites with land.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 35:6

The Levitical cities were in an special manner the Lord’s; and therefore the places of refuge, where the manslayer might remain under the protection of a special institution devised by divine mercy,

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 35:6

6. Cities for refuge… manslayer — Joshua 20:1-9, notes.

Sermons on Numbers 35:6

	Sermon	Description
	God Has Not Passed You By by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of greed in various aspects of society, including individuals, ministries, churches, and even high priests. The preacher expresses
	God Has Not Passed You - Part 1 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes that even in the darkest times, God has not forsaken His people. It draws parallels from the story in 1 Samuel where a widow faced immense pain and loss, fee
	Put Your Life in the Hands by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher uses a metaphor of a stagecoach running out of control to illustrate the need for Jesus to take control of our lives. He describes how in the Wild West
	The Refuge for the Oppressed by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the Lord being a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble, emphasizing the need for a personal experience with God's perfections, seeking Him sincer
	All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed in God Alone by Thomas a Kempis	Thomas a Kempis preaches about the unwavering trust and comfort found in God alone, emphasizing that true happiness and peace come from being in His presence. He acknowledges that
	The Lord, the Saints' Avenger by Octavius Winslow	Octavius Winslow emphasizes that God is the Avenger of the oppressed, standing firmly with the saints against injustice and oppression. He illustrates this with a missionary story
	(Isaiah) Sin’s Judgment and God’s Restoration by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of economic injustice and unfair treatment of the poor. He emphasizes the importance of being fair and treating others justly, as th