Números 35:2-3 NVI

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 35:1-8

The laws about the tithes and offerings had provided very plentifully for the maintenance of the Levites, but it was not to be thought, nor indeed was it for the public good, that when they came to Canaan they should all live about the tabernacle, as they had done in the wilderness, and therefore care must be taken to provide habitations for them, in which they might live comfortably and usefully. It is this which is here taken care of. I. Cities were allotted them, with their suburbs, Num.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel ,.... All the tribes of them; it is not a bare instruction that is given them, much less a mere request that is made to them, or something proposed, and left to their option whether they would agree to it or not; but it is strictly enjoined them by the Lord, who had given them freely all they should possess, and who had a right to all they had, and to whom they were in duty and gratitude bound to do his will and pleasure: the order is: that they give unto... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:3

And cities shall they have to dwell in ,.... For them and their families, and indeed for nothing else, they having no trades nor worldly business to carry on in them: and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle ; for stables and stalls to put them up in, and for barns and storehouses to lay in provender for them: and for their goods ; where to bestow them, as the increase of their fields, oliveyards, and vineyards, see Luke 12:18 . and for all their beasts ; or living... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 35:2

Suburbs - Rather, “pasture-grounds,” required for their large cattle, for their sheep and goats, and for all their beasts whatever they might be Numbers 35:3. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:2

Numbers 35:2. That they give unto the Levites cities The reason of this appointment was, that the Levites, being a body of people distinct from the rest of the nation, had no share in the division of the country. It is to be observed that the priests, the sons of Aaron, being also of the tribe of Levi, are here comprehended under the common name of Levites, as well as those inferior ministers of religion generally signified by that term. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 35:3

Numbers 35:3. The cities shall they have to dwell in Notwithstanding this provision, it was lawful for them to hire or purchase houses in any other city, particularly at Jerusalem; for we find in Scripture many proofs of their dwelling in other cities besides those which are here assigned them; and, in like manner, other people, with their permission, might dwell with them in their cities. The suburbs for their cattle and for their goods For stables and pasturage for their cattle, and... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Numbers 35:1-34

Cities for the Levites (35:1-34)Levi had no tribal area of its own, but received cities, with surrounding pasture lands, in each of the other tribes. There were forty-eight Levitical cities, the number in each tribe being in proportion to the size of the tribe. This ensured that those responsible for teaching God’s law to the people were evenly scattered throughout Israel (35:1-8).Among these forty-eight cities were six cities of refuge, three west of Jordan and three east. These were cities... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Numbers 35:2

children = sons. that they give. Jehovah gives to the Nation; the Nation gives to the Levites. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Numbers 35:3

suburbs = pasture grounds. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Numbers 35:1-3

Numbers 35:1-3. And the Lord spake unto Moses,—saying— As the priests and Levites, were a distinct body from the rest of the nation, and had no share in the division of the country, God here assigns them several towns for their residence, with such a portion of ground about them as would serve for their decent subsistence. Under the name Levites are comprehended both priests and Levites, who were all of the tribe of Levi. See Joshua 21:4. Notwithstanding this provision, it was lawful for them... read more