THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril explains that God intentionally did not grant the Levitical tribe a physical inheritance, choosing to give them a divine inheritance—Himself. However, He wisely ensured that they did not seem completely deprived, establishing a balance by providing them with essential provisions. As Scripture states: “And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan against Jericho, saying, Command the children of Israel, that out of the inheritance of their possessions they shall give the Levites cities to dwell in, and the fields by the cities on every side shall be given to the Levite
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s: The cities shall be for their habitation, and the fields shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their necessities of life: and the fields of the cities, which ye shall give to the Levites, shall extend two thousand cubits from the wall of the city, in every direction: and ye shall measure out beyond 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 in the midst of the city: such shall be their fields of the cities. Of the cities which ye shall give to the Levites, there shall be six cities for refuge, into which ye shall let the murderer flee” (Num. 35:1-6). It is permissible for the saints to possess what they need to live and to satisfy their basic bodily requirements because “Having sustenance,” it is said, “and clothing, let us be satisfied with those things” (1 Tim. 6:8). Moreover, indulgence can be detrimental (1 Tim. 1:8). Thus, the designated cities, homes, and adjacent fields were allocated for the holy servants; God intended to prevent them from becoming complacent due to excess, while also avoiding burdensome restrictions that would lead to severe poverty. Instead, He provided a balance that addressed their needs adequately. Additionally, God directed that cities of refuge should be established for the Levites, entrusting them with the care of those who are most distressed and in urgent need of assistance. In this regard, the image is portrayed for the churches to support those imprisoned, as it is written: “Remember,” it says, “the prisoners, as though ye were in bonds with them, and them that are afflicted, as though ye yourselves were in the body” (Hebrews 13:3).