“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.”
Numbers 35:5 is part of the larger context of the establishment of cities of refuge in the land of Canaan. In the preceding verses, God commanded Moses to give the Levites cities to dwell in and pasturelands for their livestock (Numbers 35:1-4). Then, in verse 5, God provides specific instructions regarding the measurement of the suburbs or open spaces around these cities.
The Purpose of the Suburbs:The purpose of the suburbs was to provide open spaces surrounding the cities of the Levites. These areas served several functions, including accommodating the needs of the Levites and their livestock, providing a buffer zone for safety and sanitation, and facilitating the allocation of land for other purposes such as farming.
The Measurement of the Suburbs:God commanded that the suburbs were to be measured from outside the city limits on each side-east, south, west, and north. Each side was to have a distance of two thousand cubits, which is roughly equivalent to one kilometer or 0.62 miles.
The Placement of the City:The verse also states that the city was to be located in the midst or in the center of the measured area. This ensured that the Levites had adequate space for their dwellings and livestock while also maintaining a balance between the city and the surrounding land.
Symbolic Significance:Beyond the practical considerations, this verse also carries some symbolic significance. The concept of cities of refuge represents God’s justice and mercy. These cities were designated as safe havens for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another person, providing them protection from revenge by the avenger of blood until they could receive a fair trial (Numbers 35:9-15). The measured suburbs served as a physical manifestation of this divine protection, emphasizing the importance of justice and providing a place of refuge.
Overall, Numbers 35:5 emphasises the need for the Levitical cities to have appropriate open spaces surrounding them. These suburbs provided practical and symbolic functions within the Israelite community, promoting justice, safety, and the well-being of the Levites and other inhabitants of these cities.
