The allotment of cities in the Bible primarily refers to the distribution of land and cities among the tribes of Israel, as well as the specific designation of cities for the Levites and cities of refuge. This process is a significant aspect of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land, as described in the books of Joshua and Numbers.

Tribal Allotments

After the Israelites entered Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the land was divided among the twelve tribes. This division was carried out by casting lots, a method believed to reflect God's sovereign will. Joshua 14:1-2 states, "Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel allotted to them as an inheritance, by the lot of their inheritance, as the LORD had commanded through Moses for the nine and a half tribes."

Each tribe received a specific portion of land, with boundaries detailed in Joshua chapters 13-21. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River, as per the agreement with Moses (Numbers 32).

Levitical Cities

The Levites, being the priestly tribe, did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given forty-eight cities scattered throughout the land of Israel, along with their surrounding pasturelands. This arrangement allowed the Levites to fulfill their religious duties and serve the spiritual needs of the entire nation. Numbers 35:2-3 instructs, "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance they possess, and you are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities. The cities will be theirs to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their cattle, their possessions, and all their animals."

Cities of Refuge

Among the Levitical cities, six were designated as cities of refuge. These cities provided asylum for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The cities of refuge were strategically located to be accessible from anywhere in Israel. Joshua 20:2-3 states, "Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally or accidentally may flee there; they will be your refuge from the avenger of blood."

The cities of refuge were Kedesh, Shechem, and Hebron on the west side of the Jordan, and Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan on the east side (Joshua 20:7-8).

Significance

The allotment of cities and land was not merely a practical necessity but also a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscored the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing themes of divine providence, justice, and community responsibility. The distribution of land and cities was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and the Israelites' identity as His chosen people.