Joshua 21:1

¶ Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;

Then came near {H5066} the heads {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the Levites {H3881} unto Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and unto Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and unto the heads {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the tribes {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478};

Then the leaders of the ancestral clans of the L'vi'im approached El'azar the cohen, Y'hoshua the son of Nun and the leaders of the ancestral clans of the tribes of the people of Isra'el.

Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel

Then came near the heads of fathers’housesof the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of fathers’ houses of the tribes of the children of Israel;

Commentary

Context

Joshua 21:1 marks a pivotal moment in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Following the successful military campaigns and the allocation of territories to the other eleven tribes (documented in previous chapters like Joshua 14-19), this verse turns attention to the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not to receive a territorial inheritance, as their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the priesthood. However, God had commanded through Moses that they be given cities to dwell in, along with their pasturelands, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This divine instruction is first recorded in Numbers 35:1-8 and reiterated in Joshua 13:33. This verse signifies the formal approach by the Levite leaders to claim what was promised to them, ensuring all of God's covenant promises were fulfilled.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: This verse underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling every aspect of His promises, even for those who did not receive a land inheritance in the same way as others.
  • Order and Authority: The approach is made formally to the designated leaders—Eleazar the High Priest, Joshua the military and spiritual leader, and the heads of the other tribes—demonstrating respect for established divine and human authority in Israel.
  • The Role of the Levites: It highlights the unique status and provision for the Levites, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and, later, the temple, and for teaching God's law throughout Israel. Their scattered cities would allow them to perform their duties among all the people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "heads of the fathers of the Levites" (Hebrew: רָאשֵׁי אֲבוֹת הַלְוִיִּם, rashei 'avot ha-levi'im) literally means "heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites." This signifies the patriarchal leaders representing the various families within the tribe of Levi, ensuring that the request was made by those with proper authority and lineage, reflecting the highly organized structure of Israelite society.

Significance and Application

Joshua 21:1 illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's plan and His commitment to providing for all His people according to their specific calling. For the Levites, their provision was not a large territory but strategic dwelling places that enabled their spiritual service to the entire nation. This serves as a powerful reminder:

  • God's Promises Are Sure: Just as God fulfilled His word to the Levites, He remains faithful to His promises to us, even if the provision looks different from what we might expect.
  • Support for Spiritual Leaders: The provision for the Levites teaches us the importance of supporting those dedicated to spiritual ministry and teaching, enabling them to focus on their divine calling without undue worldly concerns.
  • Interdependence in the Community: The fact that the other tribes gave cities from their inheritance shows the necessary interdependence within God's people, where each part contributes to the well-being of the whole. This principle of mutual support is echoed in the New Testament concept of the body of Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 14:1

    ¶ And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

  • Joshua 17:4

    And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.

  • Joshua 19:51

    These [are] the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

  • Numbers 34:17

    These [are] the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.

  • Numbers 34:29

    These [are they] whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

  • Exodus 6:14

    ¶ These [be] the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these [be] the families of Reuben.

  • Exodus 6:25

    And Eleazar Aaron's son took him [one] of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these [are] the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
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