Numbers 35:3

The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock.

Study Bible

The cities will be for them to live in
This phrase refers to the cities designated for the Levites, who were the priestly tribe of Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a large territorial inheritance. Instead, they were given specific cities scattered throughout the land of Israel. This arrangement ensured that the Levites, who were responsible for religious duties and teaching the Law, were accessible to all the tribes. The distribution of these cities reflects God's provision for the Levites and His desire for spiritual leadership to be present among His people. This also foreshadows the New Testament concept of believers being a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), living among the nations to spread the knowledge of God.

and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock
The inclusion of pasturelands around the Levitical cities highlights the practical needs of the Levites. Although they were primarily focused on spiritual duties, they still required means to sustain themselves and their families. The pasturelands provided space for their animals, which were essential for food, clothing, and sacrifices. This provision underscores the balance between spiritual service and practical living. It also reflects the broader biblical principle of God caring for the needs of those who serve Him, as seen in the New Testament where Paul speaks of the right of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). The arrangement of cities and pasturelands ensured that the Levites could fulfill their roles without neglecting their personal and familial responsibilities.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Levites
The tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service to God. They were not given a specific territory like the other tribes but were provided with cities and pasturelands.

2. Cities of Refuge
These were specific cities designated for the Levites, which also served as places of asylum for those who committed unintentional manslaughter.

3. Pasturelands
Areas surrounding the Levitical cities designated for the grazing of livestock, essential for the sustenance of the Levites and their families.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those dedicated to His service. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we commit our lives to His work.

Community Responsibility
The other tribes were responsible for supporting the Levites, teaching us the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Spiritual Refuge
The cities of refuge symbolize the safety and protection found in God. Just as these cities provided asylum, we find refuge in Christ from the consequences of sin.

Stewardship of Resources
The Levites were given specific resources to manage, teaching us the importance of stewardship and using what God has entrusted to us for His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision for the Levites in Numbers 35:3 reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in supporting church leaders today?

2. In what ways do the cities of refuge point to the spiritual refuge we have in Christ, and how can this understanding impact our daily walk with God?

3. Considering the Levites' dependence on the other tribes, how can we foster a sense of community and mutual support within our own church or Christian community?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Levites' stewardship of their resources, and how can we apply these lessons to our personal management of God's blessings?

5. How does the role of the Levites in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of the priesthood of all believers, and what practical implications does this have for our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 21
This chapter details the allocation of the Levitical cities, fulfilling the command given in Numbers 35.

Deuteronomy 18
Discusses the provision for the Levites, emphasizing their dependence on the offerings and support from the other tribes, as they had no inheritance of land.

Hebrews 7
Reflects on the priesthood of the Levites and contrasts it with the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, highlighting the temporary and preparatory nature of the Levitical system.