Numbers 35:1-7 ▼

1 While Israel was camped beside the Jordan on the plains of Moab across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses,

2 “Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites from their property certain towns to live in, along with the surrounding pasturelands.

3 These towns will be for the Levites to live in, and the surrounding lands will provide pasture for their cattle, flocks, and other livestock.

4 The pastureland assigned to the Levites around these towns will extend 1,500 feet from the town walls in every direction.

5 Measure off 3,000 feet outside the town walls in every direction—east, south, west, north—with the town at the center. This area will serve as the larger pastureland for the towns.

6 “Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, where a person who has accidentally killed someone can flee for safety. In addition, give them forty-two other towns.

7 In all, forty-eight towns with the surrounding pastureland will be given to the Levites.