Preparing for Refuge
G-d instructed the Israelites to designate three cities of refuge in Transjordan and three in the Land of Israel proper. You must provide three cities in Transjordan and three cities in Canaan to serve as cities of refuge.
Num. 35:14
Transjordan was the first territory to be settled by the Jewish people. The tribes of Reuben and Gad preferred to live as shepherds in Transjordan rather than as farmers in the Land of Israel proper because the life of a shepherd allows more time for spiritual pursuits (such as meditation and study) than does the life of a farmer. G-d agreed on the condition that they assist the rest of the people to conquer the Land of Israel.
Allegorically, the “shepherd’s life” alludes to the time we devote to spiritual growth in our formative years, preparing us for the “farmer’s life” of engaging the material world as adults. It also alludes to the time we devote to spiritual renewal every morning, preparing us to engage the material world during the balance of the day. But besides these preparatory periods, we need to set aside “cities of refuge” – fixed times for the study of the Torah – both during adulthood in general and during each day of our daily lives.
In this way, we can confidently engage the material world, assured that rather than succumbing to its material attractions, we will refine and elevate it spiritually.
— Daily Wisdom 3