Joshua 21
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The heads of the fathers of the Levites - The Levites were composed of three brand families, the Gershonites, Koathites, and Merarites, independently of the family of Aaron, who might be said to form a fourth. To none of these had God assigned any portion in the division of the land. But in this general division it must have been evidently intended that the different tribes were to furnish them with habitations; and this was according to a positive command of God, Num 35:2, etc. Finding now that each tribe had its inheritance appointed to it, the heads of the Levites came before Eleazar, Joshua, and the chiefs of the tribes who had been employed in dividing the land, and requested that cities and suburbs should be granted them according to the Divine command.
Open source ↗EIGHT AND FORTY CITIES GIVEN BY LOT OUT OF THE OTHER TRIBES UNTO THE LEVITES. (Jos 21:1-8) Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites--The most venerable and distinguished members of the three Levitical families, on behalf of their tribe, applied for the special provision that had been promised them to be now awarded (see on Num 35:2). Their inheritance lay within the territory of every tribe. It was assigned in the same place and manner, and by the same commissioners as the other allotments. While the people, knowing the important duties they were to perform, are described (Jos 21:3) as readily conceding this "peculiar" to them, it had most probably been specified and reserved for their use while the distribution of the land was in progress.
Open source ↗Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites,.... When the land was divided to the several tribes, and everyone knew the cities that belonged to them, and what they could and should part with to the Levites, and when the six cities of refuge were fixed; the Levites came to put in their claim for cities of habitation, they having no share in the division of the land; and yet it was necessary they should have habitations; the persons that undertook to put in a claim for them were the principal men among them; the fathers of them were Kohath, Gershon, and Merari; the heads of those were the chief men that were then living: these came unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun; the high priest and chief magistrate: and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; the princes appointed to divide the land with the two great personages before mentioned, Num 34:17.
Open source ↗After the cities of refuge had been set apart, the towns were also selected, which the different tribes were to give up for the priest and Levites to dwell in according to the Mosaic instructions in Num 35:1-8, together with the necessary fields as pasturage for their cattle. The setting apart of the cities of refuge took place before the appointment of the Levitical towns, because the Lord had given commandment through Moses in Num 35:6, that they were to give to the Levites the six cities of refuge, and forty-two cities besides, i.e., forty-eight cities in all. From the introductory statement in Jos 21:1, Jos 21:2, that the heads of the fathers (see Exo 6:14, Exo 6:25) of the Levitical families reminded the distribution committee at Shiloh of the command of God that had been issued through Moses, that towns were to be given them to dwell in, we cannot infer, as Calvin has done, that the Levites had been forgotten, till they came and asserted their claims. All that is stated in these words is, "that when the business had reached that point, they approached the dividers of the land in the common name of the members of their tribe, to receive by lot the cities appointed for them. They simply expressed the commands of God, and said in so many words, that they had been deputed by the Levites generally to draw lots for those forty-eight cities with their suburbs, which had been appointed for that tribe" (Masius). The clause appended to Shiloh, "in the land of Canaan," points to the instructions in Num 34:29 and Num 35:10, to give the children of Israel their inheritance in the land of Canaan.
Open source ↗Here is, I. The Levites' petition presented to this general convention of the states, now sitting at Shiloh, Jos 21:1, Jos 21:2. Observe, 1. They had not their lot assigned them till they made their claim. There is an inheritance provided for all the saints, that royal priesthood, but then they must petition for it. Ask, and it shall be given you. Joshua had quickened the rest of the tribes who were slack to put in their claims, but the Levites, it may be supposed, knew their duty and interest better than the rest, and were therefore forward in this matter, when it came to their turn, without being called upon. They build their claim upon a very good foundation, not their own merits nor services, but the divine precept: "The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities, commanded you to grant them, which implied a command to us to ask them." Note, The maintenance of ministers is not an arbitrary thing, left purely to the good-will of the people, who may let them starve if they please; no, as the God of Israel commanded that the Levites should be well provided for, so has the Lord Jesus, the King of the Christian church, ordained, and a perpetual ordinance it is that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel (Co1 9:14), and should live comfortably. 2. They did not make their claim till all the rest of the tribes were provided for, and then they did it immediately. There was some reason for it; every tribe must first know their own, else they would not know what they gave the Levites, and so it could not be such a reasonable service as it ought to be. But it is also an instance of their humility, modesty, and patience (and Levites should be examples of these and other virtues), that they were willing to be served last, and they fared never the worse f…
Open source ↗21:1-8 The towns given to the tribe of Levi were determined by lot (see study note on 7:16-18) by Israel’s leaders.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
נָגַשׁ (nâgash, H5066) — to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a… רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi אֶלְעָזָר (ʼElʻâzâr, H499) — Elazar, the name of seven Israelites כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, H3091) — Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… נוּן (Nûwn, H5126) — Nun or Non, the father of Joshua מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Open source ↗דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… שִׁילֹה (Shîylôh, H7887) — Shiloh, a place in Palestine אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) כְּנַעַן (Kᵉnaʻan, H3667) — Kenaan, a son a Ham; also the country inhabited by him אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… מִגְרָשׁ (migrâsh, H4054) — a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area… בְּהֵמָה (bᵉhêmâh, H929) — properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi נַחֲלָה (nachălâh, H5159) — properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom;… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… מִגְרָשׁ (migrâsh, H4054) — a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area…
Open source ↗גּוֹרָל (gôwrâl, H1486) — properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively,… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpâchâh, H4940) — a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of… קֳהָתִי (Qŏhâthîy, H6956) — a Kohathite (collectively) or descendants of Kehath בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… שִׁמְעֹנִי (Shimʻônîy, H8099) — a Shimonite (collectively) or descendants of Shimon בִּנְיָמִין (Binyâmîyn, H1144) — Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice עָשָׂר (ʻâsâr, H6240) — ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
Open source ↗יָתַר (yâthar, H3498) — to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left;… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… קְהָת (Qᵉhâth, H6955) — Kehath, an Israelite גּוֹרָל (gôwrâl, H1486) — properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively,… מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpâchâh, H4940) — a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of… מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… אֶפְרַיִם (ʼEphrayim, H669) — Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory דָּן (Dân, H1835) — Dan, one of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory;… חֵצִי (chêtsîy, H2677) — the half or middle מְנַשֶּׁה (Mᵉnashsheh, H4519) — Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, H6235) — ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits) עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere…
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… גֵּרְשׁוֹן (Gêrᵉshôwn, H1648) — Gereshon or Gereshom, an Israelite גּוֹרָל (gôwrâl, H1486) — properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively,… מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpâchâh, H4940) — a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of… מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissâˢkâr, H3485) — Jissaskar, a son of Jacob אָשֵׁר (ʼÂshêr, H836) — happy; Asher, a son of Jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also… נַפְתָּלִי (Naphtâlîy, H5321) — Naphtali, a son of Jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory חֵצִי (chêtsîy, H2677) — the half or middle מְנַשֶּׁה (Mᵉnashsheh, H4519) — Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory בָּשָׁן (Bâshân, H1316) — Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan שָׁלוֹשׁ (shâlôwsh, H7969) — three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice עָשָׂר (ʻâsâr, H6240) — ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere…
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… מְרָרִי (Mᵉrârîy, H4847) — Merari, an Israelite מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpâchâh, H4940) — a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of… מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… רְאוּבֵן (Rᵉʼûwbên, H7205) — Reuben, a son of Jacob גָּד (Gâd, H1410) — Gad, a son of Jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet זְבוּלוּן (Zᵉbûwlûwn, H2074) — Zebulon, a son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe שְׁנַיִם (shᵉnayim, H8147) — two; also (as ordinal) twofold עָשָׂר (ʻâsâr, H6240) — ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere…
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) גּוֹרָל (gôwrâl, H1486) — properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively,… לֵוִיִּי (Lêvîyîy, H3881) — a Levite or descendant of Levi עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… מִגְרָשׁ (migrâsh, H4054) — a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver
Open source ↗נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) — a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimʻôwn, H8095) — Shimon, one of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,…
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpâchâh, H4940) — a family, i.e. circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of… קֳהָתִי (Qŏhâthîy, H6956) — a Kohathite (collectively) or descendants of Kehath לֵוִי (Lêvîy, H3878) — Levi, a son of Jacob רִאשׁוֹן (riʼshôwn, H7223) — first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun) גּוֹרָל (gôwrâl, H1486) — properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively,…
Open source ↗נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) קִרְיָה (qiryâh, H7151) — building; a city אַרְבַּע (ʼArbaʻ, H704) — Arba, one of the Anakim קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע (Qiryath ʼArbaʻ, H7153) — Kirjath-Arba or Kirjath-ha-Arba, a place in Palestine אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application עָנָק (ʻÂnâq, H6061) — Anak, a Canaanite חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôwn, H2275) — Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively) יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… מִגְרָשׁ (migrâsh, H4054) — a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area… סָבִיב (çâbîyb, H5439) — (as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without…
Open source ↗שָׂדֶה (sâdeh, H7704) — a field (as flat) עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… חָצֵר (châtsêr, H2691) — a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls) נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) כָּלֵב (Kâlêb, H3612) — Caleb, the name of three Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יְפֻנֶּה (Yᵉphunneh, H3312) — Jephunneh, the name of two Israelites אֲחֻזָּה (ʼăchuzzâh, H272) — something seized, i.e. a possession (especially of land)
Open source ↗נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אַהֲרוֹן (ʼAhărôwn, H175) — Aharon, the brother of Moses כֹּהֵן (kôhên, H3548) — literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a… חֶבְרוֹן (Chebrôwn, H2275) — Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites מִגְרָשׁ (migrâsh, H4054) — a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… מִקְלָט (miqlâṭ, H4733) — an asylum (as a receptacle) רָצַח (râtsach, H7523) — properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder לִבְנָה (Libnâh, H3841) — Libnah, a place in the Desert and one in Palestine
Open source ↗יַתִּיר (Yattîyr, H3492) — Jattir, a place in Palestine מִגְרָשׁ (migrâsh, H4054) — a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area… אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ (ʼEshtᵉmôaʻ, H851) — Eshtemoa or Eshtemoh, a place in Palestine
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel.
These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land.
They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD.
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.
Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families by their clans.