To give the Levites cities to inhabit and their surrounding fields
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This Mitzvah's Summary
The Israelites must set aside forty-eight cities, including open land around them, for the Levites to live in.
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.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Ramban (Num. 35:2) stresses that Levi’s inheritance in cities reflects faith that their true portion is Hashem.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 13:11) teaches that the Levite cities had restrictions preserving their sanctity.
Levites – לְוִיִּם
- The Levites’ forty-eight cities, including six of refuge, defined their distinct national role. (Talmud Arachin 33b.)
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- The Levites’ cities supported their role in Temple service and safeguarded their focus on holiness.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 511) explains that dispersing Levites allowed them to guide all Israelite communities.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- By ensuring every tribe supported Levi with land, the mitzvah maintained fairness and balance among Israel.
Torah – תּוֹרָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah V’Yovel 13:12) emphasizes that Levites were freed to devote themselves to Torah teaching.
Eretz Yisrael – אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל
- The mitzvah applies uniquely in Israel, where land distribution expressed Hashem’s covenant.
Family – מִשְׁפָּחָה
- The Levite families relied on these cities for sustenance, stability, and continuation of their sacred service.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- The cities reflected Israel’s obedience to Hashem’s design for Levi’s role.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- Ensuring Levites had homes and pasture demonstrated collective responsibility and compassion among tribes.
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