Numbers 35:5 - City's sacred boundary limits?

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וּמַדֹּתֶם מִחוּץ לָעִיר אֶת־פְּאַת־קֵדְמָה אַלְפַּיִם בָּאַמָּה וְאֶת־פְּאַת־נֶגֶב אַלְפַּיִם בָּאַמָּה וְאֶת־פְּאַת־יָם אַלְפַּיִם בָּאַמָּה וְאֵת פְּאַת צָפוֹן אַלְפַּיִם בָּאַמָּה וְהָעִיר בַּתָּוֶךְ זֶה יִהְיֶה לָהֶם מִגְרְשֵׁי הֶעָרִים׃

English Translation

And you shall measure from outside 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 open spaces of the cities.

Transliteration

U-madotem mi-chutz la-ir et-p'at-kedma alpaim ba-ama ve-et-p'at-negev alpaim ba-ama ve-et-p'at-yam alpaim ba-ama ve-et p'at-tzafon alpaim ba-ama ve-ha-ir ba-tavech ze yihyeh lahem migreshei he-arim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמַדֹּתֶ֞ם מִח֣וּץ לָעִ֗יר אֶת־פְּאַת־קֵ֣דְמָה אַלְפַּ֪יִם בָּֽאַמָּ֟ה וְאֶת־פְּאַת־נֶ֩גֶב֩ אַלְפַּ֨יִם בָּאַמָּ֜ה וְאֶת־פְּאַת־יָ֣ם ׀ אַלְפַּ֣יִם בָּֽאַמָּ֗ה וְאֵ֨ת פְּאַ֥ת צָפ֛וֹן אַלְפַּ֥יִם בָּאַמָּ֖ה וְהָעִ֣יר בַּתָּ֑וֶךְ זֶ֚ה יִהְיֶ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם מִגְרְשֵׁ֖י הֶעָרִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 35:5) discusses the requirement to designate migrashim (open spaces) around the cities of the Levites. These areas served as buffer zones, ensuring that the cities remained holy and separate from agricultural or commercial activities. The measurement of 2,000 cubits (approximately 3,000 feet) in each direction emphasizes the importance of maintaining sanctity and order around these cities.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 35:5) explains that the migrashim were not for residential or agricultural use but were left empty to enhance the beauty and dignity of the Levite cities. He notes that these open spaces were distinct from the "suburbs" (kerachim) mentioned earlier (Bamidbar 35:3), which were only 1,000 cubits wide. The additional 1,000 cubits here served as a further boundary to prevent encroachment.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Shemittah v’Yovel (13:5), Rambam elaborates that the migrashim were inviolable spaces where planting, plowing, or building was prohibited. This reinforced the Levites' unique role as spiritual leaders, as their cities were to remain free from mundane distractions. The symmetrical measurement (2,000 cubits in all directions) symbolizes balance and fairness in allocating sacred space.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Sotah 27b) connects the 2,000-cubit measurement to the distance one may travel on Shabbat (techum Shabbat), suggesting a link between sacred boundaries and Shabbat observance.
Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) teaches that the open spaces were a kindness to the Levites, ensuring they had room for livestock and fresh air, as they lacked land inheritance like the other tribes.

Symbolism and Practical Application

The verse underscores the Torah’s emphasis on creating boundaries between the sacred and the mundane. The Levites, who served in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash, needed their surroundings to reflect their spiritual mission. The uniform measurement in all directions also teaches that holiness must be preserved equally, without favoritism or neglect in any aspect of life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 27b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the measurements of the open spaces around cities, particularly in relation to the laws of the Levitical cities and their suburbs.

📖 Bava Batra 61b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the dimensions and boundaries of cities, especially concerning the allocation of land and the concept of 'migrashim' (open spaces).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 35:5 mean when it talks about measuring land around cities?
A: Numbers 35:5 instructs the Israelites to measure 2,000 cubits (about 3,000 feet) in each direction (east, south, west, and north) outside the city walls. This area, called 'migrashim' (open spaces), served as a buffer zone for the city. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 27b), these spaces were designated for beauty, pastureland, and to prevent overcrowding. They also ensured that the city had room to grow.

Q: Why was it important to have open spaces ('migrashim') around cities?
A: The Torah mandates open spaces around cities for practical and spiritual reasons. Rambam (Hilchot Shemitta ve’Yovel 13:4-5) explains that these areas provided land for agriculture, livestock, and fresh air. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 23:7) also teaches that these spaces symbolized the importance of balance—just as a city needs physical expansion room, a person needs spiritual and emotional 'space' to grow.

Q: How does the concept of 'migrashim' (open spaces) apply to life today?
A: The idea of 'migrashim' teaches us the value of setting boundaries and preserving space—both physically and spiritually. Just as cities needed room to thrive, people today need healthy boundaries in relationships, work, and personal growth. The Talmud (Eruvin 55b) derives from this verse that a person should not live in overcrowded conditions, emphasizing the Torah’s wisdom in promoting well-being.

Q: How big were the open spaces around the cities in modern measurements?
A: The verse specifies 2,000 cubits (approximately 3,000 feet or 914 meters) in each direction. A cubit ('amah') is traditionally measured as the length from the elbow to the fingertip (about 18 inches). The Talmud (Eruvin 5a) discusses precise measurements, noting that these spaces ensured the cities had ample room for their needs while maintaining order and functionality.

Q: Did all cities in ancient Israel have these open spaces?
A: Yes, the Torah (Numbers 35:1-8) commands that all Levitical cities and cities of refuge had to designate these open spaces. The Talmud (Arachin 33b) clarifies that this law applied to all walled cities in Israel. Rashi explains that the 'migrashim' were a universal requirement to ensure every community had room for agriculture, livestock, and future expansion, reflecting the Torah’s foresight in urban planning.