Not to sell the fields but they shall remain the Levites' before and after the Jubilee year

The Torah prohibits the permanent sale of Levite pasture fields. These migrashim—the open areas surrounding Levite cities—were given to the Levites for their sustenance, to graze their animals, and to maintain their households. Unlike other property in Israel, which could revert at Yovel, these fields could never be permanently transferred to another tribe or family.

Rambam explains that this mitzvah ensured the Levites’ stability and independence, preventing their unique inheritance from being diminished. The prohibition reflects their sacred role as servants of Hashem and teachers of Torah, who were not meant to be entangled in commercial land transfers.

This mitzvah highlights the permanence of Levi’s covenant with Hashem: while other land in Israel cycles back at Yovel, Levite pasture fields remain theirs “as an eternal inheritance.”

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 13:11): Rules that Levite pasture fields may never be sold permanently, reflecting their eternal sanctity.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 512): Explains that this mitzvah ensures the Levites always have the means to sustain themselves, allowing them to focus on Torah and service.
• Rashi (Leviticus 25:34): Notes that unlike city houses, Levite fields remain theirs forever, a unique distinction.
• Talmud (Arachin 33b): Teaches that Levite cities and their fields had unique halachot, forbidding permanent sale.
• Ramban (Lev. 25:34): Emphasizes that these fields symbolize Levi’s eternal covenant with Hashem.