Numbers 35:1-8 – Cities for the Levites
The laws about the tithes and offerings have provided very plentifully for the Levites, but now care must be taken to provide homes for them, in which they might live comfortably and usefully. Cities are allotted to them, with their pasture land. They don’t need fields because they are not to sow, or reap, or gather into barns. Their heavenly Father feeds them with the tithes, that they might be able to closely study the law, and have more time to teach the people. They are not to be lazy but give themselves wholly to their work and not be entangled in the affairs of this life. Cities are allotted to them, that they might live near each other, and talk together about the law, to their mutual understanding; and that in doubtful cases they might consult one another, and in all cases strengthen one another’s hands. These cities have pasture land annexed to them for their cattle. Care is taken that they should not only live, but live plentifully, that they might not be looked upon with contempt by their neighbours.
These cities are to be assigned to them out of the possessions of each tribe. In this way each tribe might make a grateful acknowledgment to God out of their personal estates (for what is given to the Levites is accepted as given to the Lord). Each tribe also has the benefit of the Levites’ dwelling among them, to teach them the good knowledge of the Lord. Jacob’s curse on Levi’s anger was, “I will scatter them in Israel” (Gen. 49:7). But that curse is turned into a blessing, and the Levites, by being scattered, are able to do more good. It is a great mercy to have faithful ministers in all parts of a country. The number of cities allotted is forty-eight in all. So, the Levites are blessed with a good ministry, and that ministry with a comfortable living.
Questions
- Why do the Levites get cities?
- Where do these cities come from?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for our minister.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.