Numbers 35:5 - You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, the city being in the middle. This shall be the suburbs of their cities.
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What does "Numbers 35:5" mean?
Numbers 35:5 describes the dimensions of the land surrounding Levite cities, designated as pastureland or suburbs. Let's break it down:
"You shall measure outside of the city...": This indicates that the measurement is to be taken from the city limits outwards.
"...for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits...": A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, approximately the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The exact length of a cubit varies depending on the specific cubit used, but a common estimate is around 18 inches. The verse specifies that land extending 2,000 cubits from the city limits in each of the four cardinal directions (east, south, west, north) is to be measured.
"...the city being in the middle.": This clarifies that the city is centrally located within the measured area. The 2,000 cubits extend outwards from the city in each direction.
"This shall be the suburbs of their cities.": This designated area of land around the city is termed the "suburbs." It provides open space for the Levites' livestock to graze and for other agricultural activities.
In essence, the verse mandates the creation of a square-shaped buffer zone of pastureland around each Levite city, with each side of the square extending 4,000 cubits (2,000 cubits on each side of the city). This provided the Levites with necessary resources and land for their livelihoods. This arrangement also symbolically separated the Levites, who were dedicated to religious service, from the more secular activities of the other tribes.
Numbers 35:5 - You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, the city being in the middle. This shall be the suburbs of their cities.
What does "Numbers 35:5" mean?
Numbers 35:5 describes the dimensions of the land surrounding Levite cities, designated as pastureland or suburbs. Let's break it down:
"You shall measure outside of the city...": This indicates that the measurement is to be taken from the city limits outwards.
"...for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits...": A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, approximately the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The exact length of a cubit varies depending on the specific cubit used, but a common estimate is around 18 inches. The verse specifies that land extending 2,000 cubits from the city limits in each of the four cardinal directions (east, south, west, north) is to be measured.
"...the city being in the middle.": This clarifies that the city is centrally located within the measured area. The 2,000 cubits extend outwards from the city in each direction.
"This shall be the suburbs of their cities.": This designated area of land around the city is termed the "suburbs." It provides open space for the Levites' livestock to graze and for other agricultural activities.
In essence, the verse mandates the creation of a square-shaped buffer zone of pastureland around each Levite city, with each side of the square extending 4,000 cubits (2,000 cubits on each side of the city). This provided the Levites with necessary resources and land for their livelihoods. This arrangement also symbolically separated the Levites, who were dedicated to religious service, from the more secular activities of the other tribes.