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Numbers 35:2 - Levites' sacred cities: why?

Numbers 35:2 - במדבר 35:2

Hebrew Text

צַו אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְנָתְנוּ לַלְוִיִּם מִנַּחֲלַת אֲחֻזָּתָם עָרִים לָשָׁבֶת וּמִגְרָשׁ לֶעָרִים סְבִיבֹתֵיהֶם תִּתְּנוּ לַלְוִיִּם׃

English Translation

Command the children of Yisra᾽el, that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and you shall give also to the Levites an open space for the cities round about them.

Transliteration

Tzav et-bnei Yisrael v'natnu la'Leviim minachalot achuzatam arim lashevet umigrash la'arim svivoteyhem titnu la'Leviim.

Hebrew Leining Text

צַו֮ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְנָתְנ֣וּ לַלְוִיִּ֗ם מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם עָרִ֣ים לָשָׁ֑בֶת וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ לֶֽעָרִים֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם תִּתְּנ֖וּ לַלְוִיִּֽם׃
צַו֮ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵל֒ וְנָתְנ֣וּ לַלְוִיִּ֗ם מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם עָרִ֣ים לָשָׁ֑בֶת וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ לֶֽעָרִים֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם תִּתְּנ֖וּ לַלְוִיִּֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Command to Allocate Cities for the Levites

The verse (Bamidbar 35:2) commands Bnei Yisrael to designate cities and surrounding open land for the Levites from their tribal inheritances. Rashi explains that this mitzvah was given specifically to the entire congregation of Israel, emphasizing that all tribes—not just those adjacent to the Levites—must participate in this allocation. This underscores the principle of collective responsibility in supporting those who serve in the Mishkan (and later the Beit HaMikdash).

Purpose of the Cities and Migrashim (Open Spaces)

The Levites were not given a territorial portion like the other tribes (Devarim 18:1-2). Instead, they received 48 cities (Bamidbar 35:7) scattered among the tribes. The migrashim (open spaces around the cities) served multiple purposes:

  • Agricultural Use: Ramban notes that the Levites, though dedicated to spiritual service, needed land for basic sustenance (e.g., grazing livestock and small-scale farming).
  • Boundary Markers: The Talmud (Arachin 33b) teaches that the migrashim ensured a clear separation between the sacred cities and secular settlements, preserving the Levites' sanctity.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Sifrei) highlights that the dispersion of the Levites among the tribes was divinely intentional. As teachers of Torah (Devarim 33:10), their presence in every region ensured widespread access to Torah knowledge. The cities also functioned as arei miklat (cities of refuge), symbolizing the Levites' role in guiding those seeking spiritual or physical protection.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah 13:12) rules that the sanctity of these cities and their migrashim remains eternal, even after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. This reflects the enduring role of the Levites—and by extension, Torah scholars—as spiritual anchors for Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Arakhin 33b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws pertaining to the cities given to the Levites and the open spaces around them.
📖 Sotah 48b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the allocation of cities to the Levites and their surrounding open spaces as part of their inheritance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the Levites given cities to live in?
A: The Levites were given cities to live in because they did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes of Israel. Their role was to serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), so they needed places to live near their sacred duties (Rashi on Numbers 35:2).
Q: What was the purpose of the open space around the Levite cities?
A: The open space (migrash) around the Levite cities served as pastureland for their livestock and also provided a buffer zone to maintain the sanctity of their dwellings. The Talmud (Arachin 33b) explains that this space was essential for their livelihood and spiritual needs.
Q: How many cities were given to the Levites?
A: According to the Torah (Numbers 35:7), the Levites were given a total of 48 cities, including the 6 cities of refuge. This is also discussed in the Talmud (Sotah 48b), which explains the distribution among the Levite families.
Q: Do the laws about Levite cities apply today?
A: While the specific mitzvah of giving cities to the Levites is not applicable today without the Beit HaMikdash, the Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah 13:12-13) teaches that the underlying principle—supporting those who dedicate their lives to Torah and service—remains important in Jewish communities.
Q: What can we learn from this commandment about supporting Torah scholars?
A: This verse teaches the importance of supporting those who devote themselves to spiritual service. Just as the Levites were given cities to enable their sacred work, today we have a responsibility to support Torah scholars and teachers who preserve and transmit Jewish tradition (based on Rambam, Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:10).