Topical Bible: Priest: Benefits of Provided With Cities and Suburbs

◄ Priest: Benefits of Provided With Cities and Suburbs ►

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In the biblical context, priests held a unique and sacred role within the Israelite community, serving as mediators between God and the people. One of the notable provisions for the Levitical priesthood was the allocation of cities and surrounding suburbs, which underscored their distinct position and ensured their sustenance and ability to perform their duties effectively.

Biblical Foundation

The allocation of cities and suburbs to the Levites, including the priests, is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses. In the Book of Numbers, God commands the Israelites to provide the Levites with cities to dwell in, along with pasturelands for their livestock. 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."

Purpose and Significance

1. Sustenance and Livelihood: The provision of cities and suburbs ensured that the priests and Levites had a means of sustenance. As they were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, these cities and surrounding lands provided them with the necessary resources to support themselves and their families.

2. Accessibility and Service: By distributing the Levitical cities throughout the land of Israel, the priests were made accessible to the entire nation. This strategic placement allowed them to effectively carry out their religious and judicial responsibilities, including teaching the Law, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the spiritual welfare of the people.

3. Spiritual Influence: The presence of Levitical cities across the land served as a constant reminder of God's covenant and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. The priests, residing in these cities, were able to exert a spiritual influence on the surrounding communities, guiding them in the ways of the Lord.

4. Community and Fellowship: The cities and suburbs provided a communal environment where the priests and Levites could live together, fostering a sense of fellowship and mutual support. This arrangement helped maintain the purity and dedication required for their sacred duties.

Distribution and Number

The Book of Joshua details the specific allocation of these cities. Joshua 21:41 records: "Altogether, the Levites received forty-eight cities with their pasturelands." These cities were distributed among the tribes of Israel, ensuring that the Levites were integrated into the broader community while still maintaining their distinct role.

Conclusion

The provision of cities and suburbs for the priests and Levites was a divinely ordained arrangement that facilitated their service to God and the people of Israel. It underscored the importance of their role and ensured that they could fulfill their duties without the burden of seeking material sustenance. This arrangement highlights the wisdom and care of God in providing for those dedicated to His service.

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Leviticus 25:32-34
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time.
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Numbers 35:2-8
Command the children of Israel, that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and you shall give also to the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.
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Joshua 21:1-4,13-19,41,42
Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;
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1 Chronicles 6:57-60
And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,
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Nehemiah 11:11,20
Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.
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Ezekiel 45:1-6
Moreover, when you shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, you shall offer an oblation to the LORD, an holy portion of the land: the length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand. This shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about.
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Ezekiel 48:8-20
And by the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the offering which you shall offer of five and twenty thousand reeds in breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side to the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the middle of it.
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Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... graves beneath the ashes of their cities, their prowess ... not have arrived at a wiser
decision, provided always that ... equally with Assyria in the benefits of his ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... king and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ... east of that river, had attacked the
cities scattered over ... Two tribes having been thus provided for, the bulk of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... extend even to the brute beasts, provided that they ... months, Khelbes ten months, the
high priest Abbar three ... time the passion of the Greek cities for autonomy. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... function, religious and military, the priest at first ... territory belonging to the
great cities between Babylon ... was situated, while Bimsin had provided an outlet ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... the burden of the decurionate of both cities, of one ... to the Deity the greatest benefits
accrue to ... of practising this custom is conceded, provided they refrain ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm