Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, Levitical cities hold a significant place within the structure of ancient Israelite society. These cities were designated for the Levites, the tribe set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple. The establishment of Levitical cities is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses and the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.Biblical Foundation The concept of Levitical cities is primarily outlined in the Book of Numbers. God commanded Moses to allocate cities for the Levites, as they were not given a specific inheritance of land like the other tribes. Numbers 35:1-8 provides the foundational instructions: "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance they will possess. You are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities" . This directive ensured that the Levites had places to reside and land to sustain their livestock, despite not having a territorial inheritance. Purpose and Function The Levitical cities served multiple purposes. Primarily, they were residential centers for the Levites, who were responsible for the spiritual leadership and religious education of the Israelites. The Levites acted as priests, teachers, and judges, and their presence throughout the land facilitated the dissemination of the Law and the maintenance of religious practices. Additionally, six of these cities were designated as cities of refuge, as described in Numbers 35:9-15. These cities provided asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The cities of refuge underscored the importance of justice and mercy within the Israelite legal system. Distribution and Number The total number of Levitical cities was forty-eight, as specified in Numbers 35:7: "The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands" . These cities were distributed among the territories of the other tribes, ensuring that the Levites were integrated throughout the nation. This distribution allowed the Levites to effectively carry out their duties and maintain a spiritual presence across Israel. Tribal Allocations The allocation of Levitical cities among the tribes is detailed in Joshua 21. Each tribe contributed a portion of its territory to accommodate the Levites. For example, the tribe of Judah, along with Simeon, provided cities such as Hebron, while the tribe of Ephraim offered Shechem. This arrangement not only fulfilled the divine command but also fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility among the tribes. Significance in Israelite Society Levitical cities were integral to the religious and social fabric of ancient Israel. They ensured that the Levites, who were tasked with upholding the spiritual and legal standards of the community, were present throughout the land. The cities also symbolized the Israelites' commitment to God's covenant, as they provided for those who served in His name. In summary, the Levitical cities were a divinely ordained provision for the tribe of Levi, enabling them to fulfill their unique role within Israel. These cities facilitated the administration of justice, the teaching of the Law, and the performance of religious duties, thereby contributing to the spiritual and communal well-being of the nation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 25:32,33Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 35:7,8 Library The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). Sources of the Pentateuch. Book 8 Footnotes Jeremiah Sundry Exhortations. The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized 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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