And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.
You shall measure out from the edge of the city two thousand cubits in every direction, east, south, west, and north, with the city in the center. This area will serve as the pasturelands for the cities.
God is giving specific instructions for measuring out grazing land around the Levitical cities, ensuring each city has adequate space for livestock and daily needs.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Numbers, God was giving detailed instructions to Moses for the Israelites as they prepared to settle in the Promised Land after their wilderness wanderings. This verse specifically addresses the allocation of land around the cities assigned to the Levites, who were the priestly tribe and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. The measurement of 2,000 cubits around each city was intended to create suburbs or pasturelands to support the Levites' families and livestock, ensuring they could fulfill their sacred duties.
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