The mitzvot of the Torah, parsha by parsha

Numbers

The mitzvot of Masei

After Sefer HaChinuch · by a Levite of Barcelona

Mitzvot in the parsha: 6 Positive: 2 Negative: 4

The first mitzvah of the parsha

408. The commandment on Israel to give cities within which the Levites may dwell, and they shelter

Numbers 35:2

The root of the mitzvah

The tribe of Levi is the choicest of the tribes, set apart for the service of God's House, and it has no share in fields and vineyards, but it does need cities to live in. Because of their high standing, their land was chosen to shelter one who killed by accident, in the hope that their sanctified land would atone for him. Moreover, since they are people of fine character and wisdom, they would not hate the killer who fled to them or harm him, even if he had killed one of their own loved ones.

  1. 408

    The commandment on Israel to give cities within which the Levites may dwell, and they shelter

    Positive Numbers 35:2

  2. 409

    To not kill someone liable before he is brought to justice

    Negative Numbers 35:12

  3. 410

    The commandment on the court to send one who smites a soul inadvertently from his city to the cities of refuge and upon the killer himself to go there

    Positive Numbers 35:25

  4. 411

    That the witness not issue a ruling in the case that he is testifying about in capital punishments

    Negative Numbers 35:30

  5. 412

    Not to take ransom to save the murderer from the death penalty

    Negative Numbers 35:31

  6. 413

    Not to take ransom from one liable for exile to exempt him from exile

    Negative Numbers 35:32