Numbers 35:1-8

International Children’s Bible

The Levites’ Towns

35 The Lord spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab. This was across from Jericho by the Jordan River. He said, ² “Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in. These will be cities in the land they receive. Also give the Levites the pastureland around these cities. ³ Then the Levites will have cities where they may live. And they will have pastureland for their cattle, sheep and other animals. ⁴ The pastureland you give the Levites will extend 1,500 feet from the city wall. ⁵ Also measure 3,000 feet in each direction from the city wall. Measure 3,000 feet east of the city. Measure 3,000 feet south of the city. Measure 3,000 feet west of the city. And measure 3,000 feet north of the city. The city will be in the center. This will be pastureland for the Levites’ cities.

Cities of Safety

⁶ “Six of the cities you give the Levites will be cities of safety. A person might accidentally kill someone. If he does, he may run to one of those cities for safety. You must also give 42 other cities to the Levites. ⁷ Give the Levites a total of 48 cities and their pastures. ⁸ The larger tribes of Israel must give more cities. The smaller tribes must give fewer cities. Each tribe must give some of its cities to the Levites. The number of cities they give will depend on the size of their land.”