Command the Israelites to giveThis directive comes from God through Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine instructions. The Israelites are reminded of their covenant relationship with God, which requires them to follow His commands. This command also highlights the communal responsibility of the Israelites to support the Levites, who serve a unique role among the tribes.
from the inheritance they will possess
The land inheritance was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each tribe received a portion of the Promised Land, except for the Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties. This phrase underscores the principle of sharing God's blessings with those who serve Him, reflecting the communal and sacrificial nature of the Israelite society.
cities for the Levites to live in
The Levites were not given a specific territory like the other tribes but were instead provided with cities scattered throughout Israel. This arrangement ensured that the Levites could perform their religious duties and teach the Law across the nation. It also symbolizes the presence of God among His people, as the Levites were His representatives.
and pasturelands around the cities
The provision of pasturelands was necessary for the Levites' sustenance, as they relied on livestock for food and offerings. This practical arrangement allowed the Levites to maintain their livelihood while focusing on their spiritual responsibilities. The pasturelands also signify God's provision and care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring they have what they need to fulfill their calling.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are about to enter the Promised Land.
2.
The LevitesA tribe set apart for religious duties and service to God, not given a specific territory like other tribes.
3.
Cities of RefugeSpecific cities designated for the Levites, which also serve as places of asylum for those accused of manslaughter.
4.
InheritanceThe land that the Israelites are to possess, divided among the tribes, except for the Levites who receive cities and pasturelands.
5.
PasturelandsAreas surrounding the Levite cities, meant for their livestock and sustenance.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His ServantsThe Levites were provided for by God through the inheritance of the other tribes, showing God's care for those dedicated to His service.
The Role of the LevitesThe Levites were set apart for spiritual leadership and service, reminding us of the importance of dedicating our lives to God's work.
Community ResponsibilityThe Israelites were responsible for supporting the Levites, teaching us about the importance of supporting those in ministry today.
Spiritual InheritanceJust as the Levites' inheritance was the Lord, believers today are called to find their inheritance in Christ, not in earthly possessions.
Sanctuary and RefugeThe cities of refuge symbolize the safety and sanctuary found in God, pointing to Christ as our ultimate refuge.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 35:2?
2.How does Numbers 35:2 emphasize the importance of providing for the Levites' needs?
3.What does Numbers 35:2 teach about God's provision for spiritual leaders today?
4.How can we apply the principle of supporting church leaders in our community?
5.What connections exist between Numbers 35:2 and New Testament teachings on church support?
6.How does providing for spiritual leaders reflect our obedience to God's commands?
7.What is the significance of the Levitical cities in Numbers 35:2 for ancient Israelite society?
8.How does Numbers 35:2 reflect God's provision for the Levites?
9.Why were the Levites given cities instead of land like other tribes?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35?
11.How plausible is it that every tribe simultaneously relinquished these cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:8–16) without recorded opposition?
12.Joshua 13:33 – Does the unique inheritance of Levi (no land portion) imply internal contradictions with God’s earlier covenant commands regarding tribal allocations?
13.If the Levites had no land inheritance (Joshua 21:2), how could they sustainably live in the granted cities without farmland?
14.How does Deuteronomy 10:8’s statement that Levi had no land inheritance align with inherited lands described in other biblical texts?What Does Numbers 35:2 Mean
Command the Israelites to give“Command the Israelites to give…” (Numbers 35:2)
• God issues a direct, non-optional instruction through Moses. Much likeExodus 25:1-2, where the people were to give materials for the tabernacle, this command underscores that giving is an act of obedience, not a suggestion.
• The authority is divine, not tribal or political. As inDeuteronomy 10:8-9, the Levites depend on the Lord’s word for their provision.
• By starting with “command,” the passage reminds believers that generosity toward God’s servants is rooted in God’s own directive (cf.1 Timothy 5:17-18).
from the inheritance they will possess“…from the inheritance they will possess…”
• The land allotments in Canaan, detailed later inJoshua 13–19, are treated as certain even before conquest. God speaks in the future perfect: the land is as good as theirs because His promise is sure (Genesis 15:18;Numbers 26:52-56).
• Every tribe’s inheritance is a gift; therefore, sharing a portion with the Levites is simply passing along what was first received from the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:14).
• This principle foreshadows the New Testament call to steward whatever we “possess” for Kingdom purposes (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
cities for the Levites to live in“…cities for the Levites to live in…”
• Instead of one contiguous territory, the Levites receive forty-eight cities scattered among Israel (Joshua 21:1-3). This dispersal places priests and teachers within reach of every tribe (Deuteronomy 33:10;Malachi 2:7).
• The arrangement keeps spiritual guidance woven into daily community life, a pattern echoed when Jesus sends disciples two by two into various towns (Luke 9:6; 10:1).
• It also prevents the Levites from amassing political power tied to land, keeping their dependence—and influence—focused on service to God alone (Numbers 18:20).
and pasturelands around the cities“…and pasturelands around the cities.”
• Each Levitical city is encircled by common grazing areas (Numbers 35:4-5). This provides food for flocks used in temple service and household sustenance (Leviticus 1:10; 27:32).
• The arrangement safeguards the cities from being swallowed by urban expansion; land is set apart, much like the Sabbath principle sets apart time (Exodus 20:8-11;Leviticus 25:34).
• Giving both city and pastureland portrays a balanced provision—places to live and means to live—mirroring God’s holistic care for His servants (Psalm 23:1-2).
summaryNumbers 35:2 establishes a God-ordered system of support for the Levites by directing every tribe to allocate living space and surrounding pasture from its own inheritance. The verse highlights obedience-based giving, the certainty of God’s promises, the strategic placement of spiritual leaders throughout the nation, and the Lord’s comprehensive provision for those devoted to His service.
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 wordmigrash,"suburb," denotes, probably, pasture ground into which flocks are driven.
Verse 2. -
That they give unto the Levites... cities to dwell in. This legislation forms the natural sequel and complement of the Divine decrees already promulgated concerning the Levites. Separated from the rest of the tribes from the time of the first census (
Numbers 1:49), excluded from any tribal inheritance (
Numbers 18:20), but endowed with tithes and offerings for their maintenance (
Numbers 18:21, etc.), it was also necessary that they should be provided with homes for themselves and their cattle. They might indeed have been left to exist as they could, and where they could, upon the provision made for them in the law. But, on the one hand, that provision was itself precarious, depending as it did upon the piety and good feeling of the people (which must often have been found wanting: cf.
Nehemiah 13:10;
Malachi 3:8, 9); and, on the other, it is evident that the Levites were intended, as far as their family and social life was concerned, to share the ordinary comforts and enjoyments of Israelites. Nothing could have been more foreign to the Mosaic ideal than a ministry celibate, ascetic, and detached from this world's wealth, such as readily enough sprang up (whether intended or not) under the teaching of the gospel (cf.
Luke 10:4;
Luke 12:33;
Acts 20:34, 35;
1 Corinthians 7:7, 25, 26;
1 Corinthians 9:18, 27;
2 Corinthians 6:10;
2 Timothy 2:4).
Suburbs. The Hebrew word
מִגְרָשׁ undoubtedly means here a pasture, or a paddock, an enclosed place outside the town into which the cattle were driven by day to feed. It is possible that the A.V. may have used the word "suburbs" in that sense. To keep cattle to some extent was not only a universal custom, but was well-nigh a necessity of life in that age.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Commandצַו֮(ṣaw)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderthe Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonto give,וְנָתְנ֣וּ(wə·nā·ṯə·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setfrom the inheritanceמִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת(min·na·ḥă·laṯ)Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portionthey will possess,אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם(’ă·ḥuz·zā·ṯām)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 272:Something seized, a possessioncitiesעָרִ֣ים(‘ā·rîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892:Excitementfor the Levitesלַלְוִיִּ֗ם(lal·wî·yim)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881:Levites -- descendant of Levito live inלָשָׁ֑בֶת(lā·šā·ḇeṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryand pasturelandsוּמִגְרָ֗שׁ(ū·miḡ·rāš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4054:A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the seaaroundסְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם(sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·hem)Adverb | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, aroundthe cities.לֶֽעָרִים֙(le·‘ā·rîm)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892:Excitement
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OT Law: Numbers 35:2 Command the children of Israel that they (Nu Num.) 
