Moses Studies Torah of Jordan

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 787:12

"For you are crossing the Jordan." Why is this portion stated? Because it says, "Then Moses set apart three cities." I only know that Moses set them apart beyond the Jordan. From where do I derive that Moses commanded Joshua to set apart cities of refuge? The verse states, "And you shall designate cities for yourselves." After the inheritance and settlement, the verse speaks, or is it only speaking about their entry into the land immediately? The Torah teaches us by saying, "When the Lord your God cuts off the nations." After the inheritance and settlement, the verse speaks. And "you shall designate" means it is merely an invitation. I might think it includes villages as well. Therefore, it says, "cities." If "cities" is mentioned, I might think it even includes hamlets. Therefore, it says, "cities." How is it known that there were only markets and places for convening there? There are six cities of refuge, which do not receive additional cities of refuge on the other side of the Jordan River until they are designated in the land of Canaan. The cities of refuge should not have gardens or orchards. They should not have inns or taverns. They should not have marketplaces. They should be places of refuge. You should contribute funds for them. They should not be converted into cities of exile. There should be six of them so that if one is taken, another will be available in its place. If their numbers decrease, they should be replenished. They only need one or two. You shall say to them, "When you enter the land, designate cities of refuge for yourselves." The obligation to designate cities of refuge is dependent on your entry into the land. One might think that once they have entered the land, they are obligated to designate cities of refuge outside the land. Therefore, it says, "I am giving you," indicating that just as I have given them to you, you are obligated to designate cities of refuge and not outside the land.

Themes