Not to sell the fields but they shall remain the Levites' before and after the Jubilee year
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to sell permanently the pasture fields (migrash) around Levite cities.
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.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Ramban (Lev. 25:34) stresses that Levi’s eternal inheritance shows faith that Hashem Himself sustains them.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 13:11) states the prohibition sanctifies the Levites’ property, keeping it distinct and holy.
Levites – לְוִיִּם
- The Levites’ pasture fields are a perpetual inheritance, never leaving their tribe. (Talmud Arachin 33b.)
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- By preserving their land, the Levites remained free to serve the Temple and the people.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Ensuring Levi’s fields remain intact supported their stability, which benefited the entire nation.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 512) explains that this mitzvah prevents injustice, ensuring Levi’s sustenance is never lost.
Torah – תּוֹרָה
- With guaranteed resources, Levites were free to focus on Torah teaching for all of Israel.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- This mitzvah reflects the unique laws of the land in Israel, highlighting its covenantal nature.
Family – מִשְׁפָּחָה
- The prohibition protects Levite families from generational loss of their sacred property.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Protecting the Levites’ fields honors Hashem’s designation of their eternal role.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- This law prevents disputes and exploitation, ensuring fairness toward the Levites.
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