In biblical times, the term "suburbs" referred to the pasturelands or open lands surrounding a city, particularly those designated for the Levites. These areas were essential for the sustenance of livestock and served as a buffer zone between the city and the wilderness. The concept of suburbs in the Bible is closely tied to the allocation of land and the provision for the Levitical priesthood.

Allocation to the Levites

The Book of Numbers provides specific instructions regarding the suburbs allocated to the Levites. In Numbers 35:2-3 , God commands the Israelites: "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance they possess, and you are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities. The cities will be theirs to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their cattle, flocks, and all their other livestock."

This passage highlights the importance of suburbs as a means of support for the Levites, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were given cities with surrounding pasturelands to sustain their needs.

Dimensions and Purpose

The dimensions and purpose of these suburbs are further detailed in Numbers 35:4-5 : "The pasturelands around the cities you give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the city wall on every side. You are also to measure two thousand cubits outside the city on the east side, two thousand on the south side, two thousand on the west side, and two thousand on the north side, with the city in the center. These areas will serve as pasturelands for the cities."

The specified measurements ensured that the Levites had adequate space for their livestock and agricultural activities, which were vital for their sustenance and service to the community.

Cities of Refuge

The suburbs also played a role in the establishment of cities of refuge, as outlined in Joshua 21. These cities provided asylum for individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood. The cities of refuge, along with their suburbs, were strategically located to be accessible to all Israelites, ensuring justice and mercy were upheld.

Symbolic Significance

The suburbs surrounding Levitical cities symbolize the provision and care God extends to those who serve Him. They represent a place of refuge, sustenance, and community, reflecting God's desire for order and justice within His people.

Historical Context

In the historical context of Israel, the suburbs were not merely functional but also held spiritual significance. They were a tangible expression of God's covenant with the Levites, ensuring their needs were met so they could focus on their priestly duties. The allocation of suburbs underscores the importance of community support for those dedicated to spiritual service.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of suburbs, as seen in the allocation of land to the Levites, highlights the balance between spiritual service and practical provision. These areas served as a vital resource for the Levitical priesthood, ensuring they could fulfill their roles within the community. Through the establishment of suburbs, God demonstrated His care for those who ministered before Him, providing them with the necessary means to sustain their lives and service.Numbers 35:3-5
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 14:4
For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part to the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.
Nave's Topical Index

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... by day with the study of the Scriptures, and by ... of the practice, one will suffice
to mark the general feeling: He ... not to speak of the many suburbs and quarters ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

Apion Book 1 Footnotes
... small distance, after the gardens and suburbs were destroyed ... confirm the same history
in the general, and are ... accounts we have in the Scriptures and Josephus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/apion book 1 footnotes.htm

The Regular or Calvinistic Baptists.
... in the will and choice professedly against the Scriptures. ... found in Scripture, which,
by a general Protestant maxim ... in our chief cities and suburbs thereof, and ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 105 the regular or.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Moncrief.
... time lodged in a remote part of the suburbs of Edinburgh ... town is in such disorder,
and a general search to ... of his years." Fulfilling of the scriptures, page 428 ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 3.htm

Banishment of Eunomius by Theodosius the Great. Theophronius, his ...
... had fixed his residence in the suburbs of Constantinople ... are placed in the Sacred
Scriptures, that though ... by Plinthas, formerly a consul, [1553] general of the ...
/.../chapter xvii banishment of eunomius by.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... settlement of Chandernagore, had settled in the suburbs of Serampore ... could read,
and not one woman, "a general perusal of the Scriptures amongst natives will ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... the walls, or in the suburbs, "brought oxen ... by individuals and families, amidst the
general corruption ... have learned this fundamental truth from our Scriptures. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

The Life.
... among the converts, especially as an interpreter of the Scriptures. ... the Baptist to
Hebdomas, in the suburbs, where was ... viii.9), and alludes in a general way to ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part i the life.htm

Sozomen as Author.
... a man intimately acquainted with Sacred Scriptures and the ... which is correct enough
as a general principle; but ... fell at Constantinople and in the suburbs of the ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part ii sozomen as author.htm

Extracts No. X.
... and seems to suggest that my reply may be general. ... But let the scriptures be once
considered as free from ... city of mystery Babylon and its suburbs, and advances ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no x.htm

What caused the extinction of the dinosaurs? | GotQuestions.org

Suburbs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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