Numbers 35:1-15

1The Lord spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab near the Jordan River across from Jericho. He said,

2“Tell the Israelites to give the Levites some cities from their own property. They must also give the Levites the pastureland around those cities.

3Then the Levites will have cities to live in and pastureland for their cattle, the flocks they own, and any other animals they have.

4“The land around the cities that you give the Levites will extend 1,500 feet from the city wall.

5Outside the city measure off 3,000 feet on the east side, 3,000 feet on the south side, 3,000 feet on the west side, and 3,000 feet on the north side, with the city in the center. This will be their pastureland around the city.

6“Six of the cities you give the Levites will be cities of refuge. You must allow murderers to escape to these cities. In addition, you must also give the Levites 42 other cities.

7So you will give a total of 48 cities with pastureland to the Levites.

8The cities you give the Levites from the property of the other Israelites must be given based on the amount of land each tribe owns. Take more cities from larger tribes and fewer from smaller tribes.”

9The Lord said to Moses,

10“Tell the Israelites: When you cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan,

11select certain cities to be places of refuge. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may run to them.

12These cities will be places of refuge from any relative who can avenge the death. So anyone accused of murder will not have to die until he has had a trial in front of the community.

13There will be six cities you select as places of refuge,

14three on the east side of the Jordan River and three in Canaan.

15These six cities will be places of refuge for Israelites, foreigners, and strangers among you. Anyone who unintentionally kills another person may flee to these cities.