Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of cities and their suburbs held significant importance, particularly in the context of the allocation of land and the organization of the Israelite community. The term "suburbs" in the Bible often refers to the pasturelands or open lands surrounding a city, which were designated for various purposes, including the support of the Levites and the maintenance of livestock.Levitical Cities and Their Suburbs The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel, were given specific cities to dwell in, along with their surrounding suburbs. These suburbs were essential for their sustenance and the care of their flocks. Numbers 35:2-3 states, "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance they possess, and you are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities. The cities will be theirs to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their cattle, their possessions, and all their animals." The allocation of these cities and their suburbs was a practical solution to ensure that the Levites could perform their duties without the burden of agricultural labor, as they were to focus on the spiritual needs of the community. Joshua 21 provides a detailed account of the cities given to the Levites, emphasizing the importance of these suburbs for their livelihood. Suburbs as Pasturelands The suburbs served primarily as pasturelands, which were crucial for the agrarian society of ancient Israel. These lands provided space for grazing livestock, which was a vital part of the economy and daily life. The Bible often mentions the suburbs in the context of their function as grazing areas, highlighting their role in supporting the community's agricultural needs. Cities of Refuge Among the Levitical cities, six were designated as cities of refuge, where individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum. These cities, along with their suburbs, were strategically located throughout the land to be accessible to all Israelites. The suburbs of these cities played a role in supporting the inhabitants and those seeking refuge. Joshua 20:2-3 instructs, "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally or accidentally may flee there." Symbolic and Spiritual Significance The suburbs of cities in biblical times also carried symbolic and spiritual significance. They represented a buffer zone between the sacred space of the city and the outside world, often seen as a place of transition. The provision of suburbs for the Levites underscores the importance of supporting those dedicated to spiritual service, reflecting a broader principle of community responsibility and care. In summary, the suburbs of cities in the Bible were integral to the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of ancient Israel. They provided necessary resources for the Levites, supported agricultural activities, and served as a refuge for those in need, illustrating the multifaceted role of these areas in biblical society. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 35:3-5And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 14:4 Library The Cities of the Levites. Our Noble Opponent, However, not Observing How Many Philosophers ... Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Perhaps Also the So-Called Wars among the Bees Convey Instruction ... What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ... How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... The "Little Knife" Insurrection The Gathering Storm Schools. The Rich and the Poor Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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