Old Testament
Numbers 35:5
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Outside the city, measure 2,000 cubits to the east, 2,000 cubits to the south, 2,000 cubits to the west, and 2,000 cubits to the north, with the city at the center. This will be the pasturelands for their cities.
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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.
What Numbers 35:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 35:5, God instructs the Israelites on how to designate the land surrounding their cities. They are to measure a distance of 2,000 cubits in each direction—east, south, west, and north—creating a square area around the city. This area will serve as pasturelands for the people living in the city. The city is positioned at the center of this designated space, ensuring that the inhabitants have access to land for grazing their livestock and growing crops. This instruction highlights the importance of planning and organization in community living, as well as God's provision for the needs of His people. The designated pasturelands not only support agricultural activities but also symbolize the care and order that God desires for His people as they settle in the Promised Land.
How to apply Numbers 35:5 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of planning and providing for our communities. Just as God instructed the Israelites to create space for their needs, we should consider how we can allocate resources and space in our own lives to support those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 35:5 teach about land use?
Numbers 35:5 provides a clear guideline for land allocation around cities, emphasizing the need for designated areas for agricultural activities. By instructing the Israelites to measure 2,000 cubits in each direction from the city, God ensures that the inhabitants have sufficient pasturelands for their livestock and crops. This reflects the importance of organized land use and planning in community living.
Why is the measurement of 2,000 cubits significant?
The measurement of 2,000 cubits in each direction serves to create a specific and manageable area around the city, ensuring that the community has adequate resources for sustenance. This precise measurement not only facilitates effective land management but also symbolizes God's provision and care for His people, allowing them to thrive in the Promised Land.
How can we apply Numbers 35:5 in modern life?
In modern life, Numbers 35:5 encourages us to think about how we allocate resources and space within our communities. Just as God instructed the Israelites to create pasturelands, we should consider how to provide for the needs of those around us, whether through community gardens, shared spaces, or other forms of support that foster growth and sustainability.
What is the context of Numbers 35:5 in the Bible?
Numbers 35:5 is part of a larger section where God gives instructions to the Israelites regarding the cities of refuge and the surrounding land. This context highlights the importance of safety, community, and the need for designated areas for various purposes, reinforcing the idea that God cares for the well-being of His people as they settle in their new land.
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