יהושע, פרק כ״א, פסוק י״ב

The division of Hebron created a clear separation between its public role and the agricultural lands surrounding it. The specific area set aside to serve as a safe haven for accidental killers, as well as a living space for the priests, consisted strictly of the city limits alone.

The surrounding fields and the smaller neighboring settlements were excluded from this public designation. Instead, these agricultural and rural areas remained firmly under the control of the family of Caleb the son of Jephunneh [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These outer lands were granted to Caleb as his personal, permanent inheritance [מצודת דוד].