NUM396 The Jewish nation shall give cities to the tribe of Levi to dwell therein; these cities also shall serve as havens for those guilty of unintentional manslaughter. Due to their devotion to serving Hashem, the tribe of Levi was singled out to serve Him in a unique way. Unlike the other tribes, they received no land inheritance and did not toil in the fields, vineyards or orchards. Still, the Levites needed cities where they could live and raise their families and keep animals. Due to the special qualities of the tribe of Levi, the Levite cities were made havens for those who committed unintentional manslaughter, for perhaps such unfortunate people could gain atonement through dwelling in a place that became holy with the special sanctity of the Levites. Also, in that Levites possess good, sensitive hearts, sublime wisdom and refined character, everyone knew that if someone guilty of unintentional manslaughter would seek refuge among them, they would not hate him or harm him, even if the person who he killed was one of their relatives. See [[LEV1028]] Leviticus 25:34 cities CHINUCH 208-9