Joshua 21:10

KJV

Which the children of Aaron, [being] of the families of the Kohathites, [who were] of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which the children {H1121} of Aaron {H175}, being of the families {H4940} of the Kohathites {H6956}, who were of the children {H1121} of Levi {H3878}, had: for theirs was the first {H7223}{H7223} lot {H1486}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they were for the descendants of Aharon, of the families of the K'hati, who were among the descendants of Levi; because theirs was the first lot.

Berean Standard Bible

to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them:

American Standard Version

and they were for the children of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi; for theirs was the first lot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:10 meticulously details the initial allocation of cities to the priestly descendants of Aaron, who belonged to the Kohathite clan within the tribe of Levi. This specific emphasis on their "first lot" underscores the divine priority and unique sacred role of the Aaronic priesthood within ancient Israel, ensuring their strategic placement and provision across the land to facilitate their essential duties of teaching, mediating, and maintaining the covenant, thereby fulfilling God's intricate promises regarding the Levitical inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 serves as the climactic fulfillment of God's commands concerning the Levitical cities, following the broader land distribution to the other tribes detailed in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Land Distribution"). The chapter opens with the Levites' appeal for their designated cities, grounded in the divine mandate for their provision ([Joshua 21:1-3](/joshua/21-1-3 "Joshua 21:1-3 - Levites Request Cities")). Verses 4-8 outline the method of distribution by lot, confirming the divine oversight. Subsequently, verses 9-19 meticulously list the cities assigned to the Kohathite Levites, with a distinct focus on the priestly line of Aaron. Within this detailed enumeration, [Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - First Lot for Aaronic Priests") functions as a crucial parenthetical clarification, highlighting the precedence and unique status granted to the Aaronic priests. The entire chapter culminates in a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling every single promise made to Israel, including the provision for the Levites, as affirmed in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness Fulfilled").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following their victorious conquest of Canaan, the Israelites transitioned from a nomadic existence to a settled tribal society. Unlike the other eleven tribes, the Levites were uniquely consecrated for sacred service to the Lord, specifically for the duties of the tabernacle and later the temple. Consequently, they were explicitly denied a territorial inheritance of their own ([Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord")). Instead, God commanded that they be given 48 cities, strategically dispersed throughout the territories of the other tribes, complete with surrounding pasturelands ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")). This dispersion was not arbitrary; it ensured that the Levites, including the priests, were accessible to all the people for teaching God's law, administering justice, and facilitating worship and atonement at the central sanctuary. The practice of casting lots (Hebrew: *goral*) was a widely accepted and divinely sanctioned method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will in matters of land distribution and significant decisions, reflecting a belief in divine sovereignty over seemingly random outcomes ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")).
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - Priority of the Aaronic Priests") powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. It vividly illustrates **Divine Provision for Sacred Service**, demonstrating God's meticulous and unwavering care for those consecrated to Him, ensuring they had dwelling places and means of sustenance despite their unique lack of a tribal land inheritance. The phrase "theirs was the first lot" emphatically highlights **Divine Order and Priority**, underscoring the preeminent spiritual authority and indispensable role of the Aaronic priesthood within Israel's worship and governance structure. Furthermore, the entire process of land distribution, including the precise allocation of Levitical cities, serves as a profound testament to the **Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promises**. It showcases His absolute faithfulness to provide for His people and establish His kingdom in the Promised Land, a promise first made to Abraham generations earlier ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_):** From a root meaning "to build," this word signifies a son or descendant, encompassing a wide range of literal and figurative relationships. In this context, it refers to the direct lineage of Aaron and Levi, emphasizing their familial connection and inherited status within the priestly and tribal structures.
* **Kohathites (Hebrew, _Qŏhâthîy_):** This is a patronymic term referring to the descendants of Kohath, one of Levi's sons. The Kohathites were a major division of the Levites, specifically tasked with carrying the most sacred articles of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Duties of the Kohathites")). The priestly line of Aaron was a subset of the Kohathites, distinguishing them from other Kohathites who did not serve as priests.
* **lot (Hebrew, _gôwrāl'_):** Properly, a pebble or small stone, used in ancient Israel for making decisions or distributing portions, often by casting them. Figuratively, it denotes a portion or destiny as if determined by lot. The outcome was understood to be divinely determined, reflecting God's sovereign will rather than mere chance ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot and the Lord's Will")). The phrase "first lot" in this verse indicates not only chronological precedence but also divine preeminence and authoritative allocation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which the children of Aaron, [being] of the families of the Kohathites, [who were] of the children of Levi, had":** This opening clause precisely identifies the specific recipients of the cities being discussed. It meticulously traces the lineage, clarifying that the cities were given to the direct descendants of Aaron. These "children of Aaron" are further specified as belonging to the "families of the Kohathites," who themselves are a major subdivision "of the children of Levi." This detailed genealogical reference serves to underscore their unique identity and divinely appointed role. It clarifies that while all priests were Levites and Kohathites, not all Levites or Kohathites were priests; only the direct bloodline of Aaron held the consecrated priestly office.
* **"for theirs was the first lot":** This crucial explanatory phrase provides the reason and significance behind the Aaronic priests receiving their cities. The distribution was not arbitrary but followed a divinely ordained sequence, with the Aaronic priests receiving their allocation before any other Levitical clan or, implicitly, any other tribe. This "first lot" signifies their preeminent status, the priority of their sacred service within the nation of Israel, and the paramount importance of their role in mediating between God and His people, ensuring their immediate establishment and provision.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - Priority of the Aaronic Priests") employs several literary techniques to convey its message with precision and emphasis. The verse utilizes **Specification** and **Genealogical Detail** through its meticulous identification of the recipients: "the children of Aaron, [being] of the families of the Kohathites, [who were] of the children of Levi." This layered lineage serves to narrow down the focus to a very specific group, highlighting their unique and divinely ordained priestly status within the broader Levitical tribe. The phrase "for theirs was the first lot" functions as an **Explanatory Parenthesis** or **Justification**, providing the rationale for the preceding statement and drawing attention to the preeminence of the Aaronic priesthood. This literary choice underscores the divine order and the sacred importance of their role in Israel's spiritual life, setting them apart even within the Levitical tribe and emphasizing the deliberate nature of God's provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - Divine Order and Provision") stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care, divine order, and unwavering faithfulness in establishing His people and their worship. It showcases His commitment to providing for those consecrated to His service, ensuring that the spiritual leadership of Israel was properly housed and strategically positioned to fulfill their sacred duties. This verse emphasizes the unique and preeminent status of the Aaronic priesthood, not as a matter of human preference or tribal politics, but as a divinely ordained priority, reflecting their indispensable role in mediating the covenant, teaching God's law, and maintaining the purity of worship. Their dispersion throughout the land, facilitated by these allocated cities, ensured that the light of God's law and the means of atonement were accessible to all tribes, fostering national spiritual unity.

* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed to the Priesthood")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord")
* [Malachi 2:7](/malachi/2-7 "Malachi 2:7 - The Priest's Lips Should Preserve Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - God's Provision for Service"), though seemingly an administrative detail in the ancient distribution of land, carries profound spiritual implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, intention, and meticulous provision, especially for those He calls into His service. Just as He ensured the physical and strategic placement of the priests for the spiritual well-being of Israel, so too does He equip, sustain, and strategically position those He calls to ministry within the church today. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithful provision, knowing that if He calls us to a task, He will undoubtedly provide the necessary resources, strength, and support to accomplish it. It also prompts us to recognize and honor the principle of divine order and the diverse gifts and callings within the body of Christ, understanding that each contributes uniquely to the flourishing and health of the church. Ultimately, this passage invites us to a personal reflection: are we faithfully discerning and fulfilling the unique calling God has placed on our lives, trusting in His unfailing provision, and actively contributing to the spiritual vitality of our families, communities, and the broader church?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Aaronic priests in [Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - Trusting God's Provision") encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling, especially in areas where you feel unequipped or uncertain?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of "divine order" seen in the allocation of cities to the priests, to our roles, responsibilities, and relationships within the church and our personal lives today?**
* **Considering the priests' vital role in teaching God's law and mediating His presence, how does this verse inspire you to engage more deeply with God's Word and to serve as a spiritual influence or intercessor in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites, and specifically the priests, given cities instead of a tribal land inheritance?**

Answer: The Levites were uniquely consecrated to the Lord for sacred service, which included duties related to the tabernacle and, later, the temple. Their divine calling meant they were not to be burdened with the agricultural, economic, and military responsibilities typically associated with a tribal land inheritance. Instead, the Lord Himself declared that He was their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). By commanding the distribution of 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, throughout all the other tribes of Israel ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")), God ensured that the Levites, particularly the priests, were strategically positioned. This dispersion allowed them to fulfill their vital roles of teaching God's law ([Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites Teach God's Ordinances")), administering justice, and facilitating worship and atonement at the central sanctuary. Their presence across the nation helped maintain spiritual unity and adherence to the covenant among all the people of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Joshua 21:10](/joshua/21-10 "Joshua 21:10 - Foreshadowing Christ's Priesthood"), with its emphasis on the divinely ordained priority and meticulous provision for the Aaronic priesthood, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "first lot" given to Aaron's descendants, signifying their preeminence and unique access to God's presence, powerfully foreshadows the supreme and eternal priesthood of Christ. Unlike the temporary Levitical system, Jesus' priesthood is "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:1-10](/hebrews/7-1-10 "Hebrews 7:1-10 - Melchizedek and Christ's Superior Priesthood")), a priesthood that is perfect, permanent, and superior. While the Aaronic priests served as mediators, offering repeated animal sacrifices for the sins of the people, their ministry was inherently incomplete and a shadow of the true reality. Jesus, as the perfect and final High Priest, offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) as the ultimate, sufficient, and eternal sacrifice for sin, thereby establishing a new and better covenant grounded in His own blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant Established")). His provision for His people transcends physical dwelling places; it is an eternal spiritual inheritance in Him, granting us access to God's presence ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Through Christ, all believers are now called to be a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), participating in His ongoing ministry of worship, intercession, and proclaiming the good news, thereby fulfilling the spiritual essence of the Levitical calling in a new, glorious, and everlasting way.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 21:4

And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, [which were] of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

Exodus 6:18

And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath [were] an hundred thirty and three years.

Numbers 3:19

And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

Exodus 6:20

And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.

Exodus 6:26

These [are] that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.

Numbers 3:27

And of Kohath [was] the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these [are] the families of the Kohathites.

Numbers 4:2

Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,