Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites 1Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: 2“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. 3The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. 4The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubitsa from the wall on every side. 5You are also to measure two thousand cubitsb outside the city on the east, two thousand on the south, two thousand on the west, and two thousand on the north, with the city in the center. These areas will serve as larger pasturelands for the cities. 6Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. 7The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. 8The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.” Six Cities of Refuge 9Then the LORD said to Moses, 10“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. 12You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. 13The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. 14Select three cities across the Jordan and three in the land of Canaan as cities of refuge. 15These six cities will serve as a refuge for the Israelites and for the foreigner or stranger among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. 16If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. 17Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. 18If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. 19The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. 20Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, 21or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him. 22But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, 23or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, 24then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. 25The assembly is to protect the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood. Then the assembly will return him to the city of refuge to which he fled, and he must live there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil. 26But if the manslayer ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he fled 27and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed, 28because the manslayer must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest. Only after the death of the high priest may he return to the land he owns. 29This will be a statutory ordinance for you for the generations to come, wherever you live. 30If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. 31You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. 32Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. 33Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. 34Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites.” Footnotes: 4 a 1,000 cubits is approximately 1,500 feet or 457.2 meters. 5 b 2,000 cubits is approximately 3,000 feet or 914.4 meters. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Numbers 35 Summary Forty-Eight Cities for the LevitesVerses 1–5 – Cities and Pastureland for the Levites Verses 6–8 – The Six Cities of Refuge and Total Allocation Verses 9–15 – Purpose and Accessibility of the Refuge Cities Verses 16–21 – Defining Intentional Murder Verses 22–25 – Handling Accidental Killing Verses 26–28 – Safety Boundaries for the Manslayer Verses 29–34 – Safeguards, No Ransom, and Purging Bloodguilt Numbers 35 presents a unique interplay of law, sanctuary, and social justice as defined by divine instructions. It outlines the distribution of towns and pasturelands to the Levites, the establishment of Cities of Refuge, and the laws concerning intentional and unintentional killings. This chapter exemplifies how God carefully considered both the spiritual and physical needs of His people, while also providing a system for justice. Historical Setting Numbers 35 is spoken in the final months before Israel crosses the Jordan (Numbers 36:13). The Levites, set apart for priestly service (Numbers 3:5-10), have no tribal territory. Their cities weave them throughout Israel, turning the entire nation into a network of teaching and worship centers (Deuteronomy 33:10). Levitical Cities and Their Function • Forty-eight towns create nearly a nationwide grid. • Every Israelite household lives within a day or two of a Levitical teacher who can read the Law, settle disputes, and guide worship (Malachi 2:7). • Pasturelands provide food and income without owning great farmlands, keeping the Levites dependent on God and the tithes of the people (Numbers 18:21-24). Cities of Refuge: Geography and Archaeology West of Jordan: 1. Kedesh in Galilee (likely at Tell Qedesh). 2. Shechem in Ephraim (modern Nablus area). 3. Hebron/Kiriath-arba in Judah (el-Khalil). East of Jordan: 4. Bezer in Reuben (thought near modern Umm el-‘Amad). 5. Ramoth-Gilead in Gad (Tell Ramith). 6. Golan in Bashan (Sahm el-Jolan region). Archaeological surveys show these were significant population centers positioned along main roads, making them reachable “in a day’s run” from anywhere in the land (Deuteronomy 19:3). Later, causeways and clear signage were mandated so no one would mistake the way. Avenger of Blood and Court Procedures • The “avenger” (Hebrew go’el) is the nearest male relative responsible to uphold family honor (Ruth 3:12-13). • Yet vigilante justice is curbed: the killer must be tried by “the whole assembly” (Numbers 35:24). • Two or more witnesses are required (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:16). • The principle balances personal responsibility with communal oversight, prefiguring later court systems. Accidental vs. Intentional Killing in Biblical Law Intent: Object used, prior hatred, ambush = murder (Exodus 21:12-14). Accident: Shared work mishap, tool slip (Deuteronomy 19:4-5) = manslaughter. God’s law recognizes motive, an idea echoed when Jesus weighs heart-level anger alongside outward acts (Matthew 5:21-22). Pasturelands and Land Tenure • 1,000 cubits (~1,500 ft) form an inner ring for immediate needs. • 2,000 cubits (~3,000 ft) on each side shape a square of about 150 acres. • The land never leaves Levitical hands (Leviticus 25:32-34), ensuring their continuous presence. High Priest and the Release of the Manslayer • When the high priest dies, the manslayer goes free (Numbers 35:28). • His death is seen as a national “reset,” symbolically covering the earlier blood guilt. • Hebrews draws on this imagery: “We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged” (Hebrews 6:18), pointing to Jesus as both Priest and Refuge. The Bloodguilt Principle and the Sanctity of Life Genesis 9:6—“Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed.” Numbers 35 applies this universally; even a king like David cannot overlook murder (2 Samuel 12:9-10, 13:33). God’s presence among His people means life is sacred, and justice must be transparent, swift, and proportional. Echoes in the New Testament • Refuge image: Christ offers asylum from judgment (Hebrews 6:18-20). • No ransom for a murderer: redemption comes only through the innocent blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Two-witness rule surfaces at Jesus’ trial—yet was ignored (Mark 14:55-59). • The avenger finds parallel in divine justice; yet mercy is offered through the cross (Romans 3:25-26). Practical Applications for Believers Today 1. Value of Human Life: Every person bears God’s image; acts of violence must be judged fairly. 2. Mercy within Justice: The refuge cities teach that even those who err unintentionally need protection and community oversight. 3. Leadership Responsibility: Like the high priest, leaders today carry weight; their lives affect the community. 4. Holiness of the Land: While Christians await a heavenly city, we still honor God by keeping our surroundings free from violence and injustice (2 Peter 3:11-14). Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. This verse connects to the concept of cities of refuge as places of safety. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. This Beatitude reflects the balance of justice and mercy found in Numbers 35. Hebrews 6:18 So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. This passage draws a parallel to the refuge we find in Christ. Teaching Points Cities of RefugeNumbers 35:6-7 describes the allocation of six cities of refuge among the 48 towns given to the Levites. These cities served as safe havens for those who accidentally killed someone, highlighting God's provision for justice and mercy. Role of the Levites The Levites were given these cities because they were set apart for God's service. Their role in maintaining the cities of refuge underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in administering justice (Numbers 35:2-3). Distinction between Murder and Manslaughter Numbers 35:16-21 makes a clear distinction between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter, with different consequences for each. This distinction emphasizes the value God places on intent and justice. The Avenger of Blood The concept of the avenger of blood (Numbers 35:19) reflects the cultural context of the time, where family members sought justice for the death of a relative. The cities of refuge provided a means to prevent blood feuds and ensure fair trials. Sanctity of Life Numbers 35:33-34 stresses that bloodshed defiles the land, and only the blood of the one who shed it can atone for it. This underscores the sanctity of life and the seriousness of taking a life. Practical Applications Seek Justice and MercyAs believers, we are called to uphold justice while extending mercy, reflecting God's character in our interactions with others. Value Intentions In our judgments and decisions, we should consider the intentions behind actions, just as God distinguishes between murder and manslaughter. Promote Reconciliation Like the cities of refuge, we should be places of safety and reconciliation, helping others find peace and restoration. Respect for Life Uphold the sanctity of life in all circumstances, recognizing that every life is precious in God's sight. People 1. The LevitesThe tribe of Levi, who were given specific cities to dwell in, including the cities of refuge. They were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 35:2-3). 2. The Israelites The broader community of the children of Israel, who were responsible for providing the Levites with cities and pasturelands (Numbers 35:2). 3. The Manslayer An individual who has killed someone unintentionally and seeks refuge in one of the designated cities to avoid the avenger of blood (Numbers 35:6, 11). 4. The Avenger of Blood A family member of the deceased who has the right to pursue the manslayer to avenge the death, according to ancient customs (Numbers 35:19). 5. The Assembly The congregation or community of Israel, who are responsible for judging cases of manslaughter and determining whether the manslayer acted unintentionally (Numbers 35:24-25). 6. The High Priest The religious leader whose death marks the end of the manslayer's period of refuge, allowing them to return home without fear of retribution (Numbers 35:25, 28). Places 1. Cities of the LevitesThese are the towns given to the Levites from the inheritance of the other Israelite tribes. The Levites, being the priestly tribe, did not receive a specific territory like the other tribes but were instead given cities to dwell in along with surrounding pasturelands. 2. Cities of Refuge These are specific cities designated as places where someone who has killed another unintentionally can flee for safety. They serve as a refuge from the avenger of blood until the accused can stand trial before the assembly. The concept of refuge is rooted in the Hebrew word "מִקְלָט" (miqlat), meaning a place of asylum or protection. 3. Kedesh One of the cities of refuge located in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali. The name "Kedesh" comes from the Hebrew root "קָדַשׁ" (qadash), meaning "to be holy" or "to be set apart." 4. Shechem Another city of refuge, located in the hill country of Ephraim. Shechem has historical significance as a central city in Israelite history and is associated with the Hebrew root "שָׁכַם" (shakam), meaning "to rise early" or "to shoulder a burden." 5. Hebron Also known as Kiriath Arba, this city of refuge is located in the hill country of Judah. Hebron is a significant biblical city, often associated with the patriarchs, and its name comes from the Hebrew root "חֶבֶר" (cheber), meaning "association" or "fellowship." 6. Bezer A city of refuge located in the wilderness on the plateau for the Reubenites. The name "Bezer" is derived from the Hebrew root "בָּצַר" (batsar), meaning "to fortify" or "to enclose." 7. Ramoth Situated in Gilead for the Gadites, this city of refuge is associated with the Hebrew root "רָמָה" (ramah), meaning "height" or "high place." 8. Golan Located in Bashan for the Manassites, Golan is the final city of refuge mentioned. The name "Golan" is related to the Hebrew root "גָּלָה" (galah), meaning "to reveal" or "to go into exile." Events 1. Command to Assign Cities to the LevitesGod instructs Moses to command the Israelites to give cities to the Levites from their own inheritance. These cities are to include pasturelands for their livestock. ^Reference: Numbers 35:1-3^ 2. Specification of the Cities and Pasturelands The cities given to the Levites are to include six cities of refuge, along with forty-two other cities, making a total of forty-eight cities. The pasturelands are to extend a specific distance from the city walls. ^Reference: Numbers 35:4-5^ 3. Designation of Cities of Refuge Six of the Levite cities are designated as cities of refuge, where someone who has killed another unintentionally may flee for safety. ^Reference: Numbers 35:6^ 4. Distribution of Cities Among the Tribes The cities are to be distributed among the tribes of Israel, with more cities given from larger tribes and fewer from smaller tribes. ^Reference: Numbers 35:7-8^ 5. Purpose of the Cities of Refuge The cities of refuge are established to protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood until a fair trial can be conducted. ^Reference: Numbers 35:9-12^ 6. Criteria for Manslaughter vs. Murder Distinctions are made between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter, with specific examples given to illustrate each. ^Reference: Numbers 35:16-21^ 7. Trial and Judgment Procedures The congregation is responsible for judging between the slayer and the avenger of blood, ensuring justice is served according to the circumstances of the killing. ^Reference: Numbers 35:22-25^ 8. Conditions for Leaving the City of Refuge The manslayer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which he may return to his own land without fear of retribution. ^Reference: Numbers 35:26-28^ 9. Prohibition Against Ransom for Murderers No ransom is allowed for the life of a murderer who is guilty and deserving of death; he must be put to death. ^Reference: Numbers 35:31^ 10. Prohibition Against Ransom for Manslayers Similarly, no ransom is allowed for a manslayer to return to his land before the death of the high priest. ^Reference: Numbers 35:32^ 11. Command to Maintain the Purity of the Land The Israelites are commanded not to defile the land with bloodshed, as blood pollutes the land, and atonement for the land can only be made by the blood of the one who shed it. ^Reference: Numbers 35:33-34^ Topics 1. Cities for the LevitesNumbers 35 begins with God instructing Moses to allocate cities for the Levites. These cities are to be given from the inheritance of the other tribes of Israel. The Levites, being the priestly tribe, do not receive a specific territory like the other tribes. Instead, they are given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "mishkan" (מִשְׁכָּן), meaning dwelling or habitation, emphasizing the Levites' role in maintaining the spiritual dwelling of God among His people. 2. Cities of Refuge The chapter introduces the concept of cities of refuge, which are designated places where someone who has killed another unintentionally can flee for safety. These cities provide protection from the "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el ha-dam), a family member seeking to avenge the death. This system underscores the Hebrew principle of justice tempered with mercy, allowing for due process and protection for those who commit manslaughter. 3. Regulations for Manslaughter and Murder Numbers 35 outlines the legal distinctions between murder and manslaughter. Intentional murder is met with the death penalty, while unintentional killing allows the perpetrator to seek asylum in a city of refuge. The Hebrew term "ratsach" (רָצַח) is used for murder, indicating a deliberate and unlawful killing, whereas unintentional killing is treated with more leniency, reflecting the importance of intent in biblical law. 4. Role of the High Priest The chapter specifies that the person who flees to a city of refuge must remain there until the death of the high priest. This provision highlights the high priest's role as a mediator and a symbol of atonement. The Hebrew word "kohen" (כֹּהֵן) for priest signifies one who stands in the gap between God and man, and the death of the high priest marks a transition that allows the manslayer to return home without fear of retribution. 5. Inheritance and Justice The allocation of cities and the establishment of cities of refuge reflect broader themes of inheritance and justice in Israelite society. The Levites' cities are a reminder of their unique inheritance in serving God, while the cities of refuge illustrate a balanced approach to justice, ensuring both protection for the innocent and punishment for the guilty. The Hebrew concept of "nachalah" (נַחֲלָה), meaning inheritance, underscores the divinely ordained distribution of land and responsibility among the tribes. Themes 1. Cities of RefugeNumbers 35 introduces the concept of cities of refuge, which were designated places where individuals who had accidentally committed manslaughter could seek asylum. This theme emphasizes God's provision for justice and mercy, allowing for due process and protection from the avenger of blood. The Hebrew term "מִקְלָט" (miqlat) is used for "refuge," highlighting the idea of shelter and safety. 2. Levitical Cities The chapter outlines the allocation of cities to the Levites, who were given no inheritance of land like the other tribes. Instead, they were provided with cities and surrounding pasturelands. This theme underscores the special role of the Levites as spiritual leaders and caretakers of the tabernacle, emphasizing their dependence on God and the community for sustenance. 3. Distinction Between Murder and Manslaughter Numbers 35 makes a clear distinction between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter. This theme highlights the importance of intent in determining guilt and the appropriate response. The Hebrew word "רָצַח" (ratsach) is used for murder, indicating a premeditated act, while unintentional killing is treated with more leniency. 4. Role of the Avenger of Blood The chapter discusses the role of the "avenger of blood" (גֹּאֵל הַדָּם, go'el ha-dam), a family member responsible for avenging the death of a relative. This theme reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of familial justice and the balance between justice and mercy within the community. 5. Sanctity of Life The laws in Numbers 35 emphasize the sanctity of human life and the seriousness of taking a life, whether intentionally or accidentally. The requirement for cities of refuge and the procedures for trial underscore the value God places on life and the need for justice to be tempered with mercy. 6. Judicial Process and Fair Trial The chapter outlines the judicial process for determining the guilt or innocence of someone who has killed another person. This theme highlights the importance of a fair trial and the role of the community in administering justice, ensuring that decisions are made based on evidence and testimony. 7. Atonement and Purification of the Land Numbers 35 concludes with the principle that bloodshed defiles the land and that atonement is necessary to purify it. This theme underscores the spiritual implications of sin and the need for atonement to restore the land and community to a state of holiness before God. Answering Tough Questions 1. How do we reconcile the mention of 48 Levite cities (Numbers 35:1–8) with limited archaeological evidence for so many Levitical settlements? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How do the Levitical cities reflect God's provision for all His servants? 2. What do the Cities of Refuge teach us about God's justice and mercy? 3. How does Numbers 35 address the issue of intentionality in crimes? 4. How might the concept of the Cities of Refuge apply to today's criminal justice system? 5. What does the role of the Avenger of Blood tell us about societal structures during the Israelites' time? How can we relate this to contemporary societal norms? 6. How does the distinction between murder and manslaughter in Numbers 35 influence our understanding of intent and consequences? 7. Why do you think the death of the High Priest symbolized freedom for the unintentional killer? 8. How can the allocation of land to the Levites inspire us in our giving to God's work today? 9. How does the prohibition against accepting ransom for a murderer or someone who has fled to a city of refuge reflect the value God places on life? 10. How do we balance the need for justice with the need for mercy in our own lives? 11. How can the concept of defilement and cleansing in this chapter inform our understanding of sin and redemption? 12. In modern times, how can we ensure that justice is served without resorting to vengeance? 13. If you were in a position to create a "city of refuge" in your community today, what might it look like? 14. Why might God have insisted on the testimony of multiple witnesses before sentencing a person to death? 15. How can the principles of justice and sanctuary in Numbers 35 guide our responses to social issues today? 16. What are the implications of God's command to not pollute the land which He dwells in? 17. How do the rules and regulations stipulated in this chapter underscore the importance of community? 18. How can we apply the concept of respect for life demonstrated in Numbers 35 in our interactions with others today? 19. Why do you think God provided the Levites with pastureland along with the cities? 20. Can the Cities of Refuge concept be a blueprint for rehabilitation centers in modern societies? How might this work? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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