To give the Levites cities to inhabit and their surrounding fields

Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not given a territorial inheritance in the Land of Israel. Instead, they were to receive forty-eight cities distributed throughout the land, with surrounding pasture fields (migrash) for their animals and daily needs. Six of these were designated as cities of refuge.

This mitzvah ensured that the Levites were dispersed across all tribes, allowing them to serve as spiritual teachers, judges, and leaders throughout Israel. Rambam explains that this arrangement strengthened Torah education and made the Levites accessible to the entire nation.

The surrounding fields given to the Levites were strictly regulated: they could not be farmed extensively, sold permanently, or turned into vineyards, preserving their sanctity and communal character.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 13:11): Codifies that the Levites were given forty-eight cities with migrash, which could not be sold permanently.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 511): Explains that this mitzvah spread the Levites throughout Israel so they could guide and teach Torah to all.
• Rashi (Numbers 35:2): Notes that the fields were for grazing animals and basic needs, not agriculture or vineyards.
• Talmud (Arachin 33b): States that the Levites’ cities had unique laws, including redemption rules and restrictions on their fields.
• Ramban (Num. 35:2): Emphasizes that this distribution fulfilled Hashem’s plan that Levi’s inheritance was spiritual, not material.