Joshua 21:11

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron, in the hill [country] of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

And they gave {H5414} them the city {H7151} of Arba {H704}{H7153} the father {H1} of Anak {H6061}, which city is Hebron {H2275}, in the hill {H2022} country of Judah {H3063}, with the suburbs {H4054} thereof round about {H5439} it.

They gave them: Kiryat-Arba - this Arba was the father of 'Anak - (that is, Hevron), in the hills of Y'hudah, with the surrounding open land;

They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.)

And they gave them Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron), in the hill-country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Commentary

Joshua 21:11 KJV records a specific detail concerning the allocation of cities to the Levites after the conquest of Canaan. This verse highlights the assignment of Hebron, a historically significant city, to the priestly family of Aaron within the tribe of Judah's territory.

Context

This verse is part of the larger narrative in Joshua 21, which meticulously details the distribution of Levitical cities throughout the land of Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance because their inheritance was the Lord Himself and their service to Him (Deuteronomy 10:9). Instead, they were given forty-eight cities with their surrounding pasturelands, scattered among the other tribes, ensuring their presence and spiritual influence across the nation.

Specifically, Joshua 21:10-19 focuses on the cities given to the sons of Aaron, who served as priests. Hebron is particularly notable because it had already been granted to Caleb as his personal inheritance (Joshua 14:14). The distinction here is that while Caleb possessed the city itself, the suburbs and specific areas of Hebron were designated for the priests. Hebron also held the distinction of being one of the six cities of refuge.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Order: The precise allocation of Hebron, along with other cities, demonstrates God's meticulous care for the Levites and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises concerning the land distribution. It also underscores the organized and orderly nature of the Israelite society under God's law.
  • Sacred Significance of Hebron: Hebron, originally named Kirjath-arba, was an ancient city with deep historical and spiritual roots. It was the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their wives (Genesis 23:2, Genesis 49:31). Its designation as a priestly city and a city of refuge further elevated its status.
  • Distinction of Roles: The verse highlights the unique role of the priests and Levites. While the other tribes received land for agriculture and settlement, the Levites received cities to facilitate their sacred duties and to serve as spiritual guides and teachers throughout Israel.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "city of Arba the father of Anak" refers to the Anakim, a race of giants who inhabited the land before the Israelites. Arba was considered the greatest among them. This ancient name (Kirjath-arba) emphasizes the city's long history and the formidable inhabitants that the Israelites, by God's power, had overcome.
  • "Hebron" (Hebrew: ื—ึถื‘ึฐืจื•ึนืŸ, Chevrลn) is believed to mean "association" or "confederacy," perhaps referring to its role as a significant ancient center or reflecting the concept of fellowship, which aligns with its later function as a city of refuge where people could find sanctuary.

Related Scriptures

  • Joshua 15:13: Reconfirms Caleb's inheritance of Hebron from Joshua.
  • Numbers 18:20: "I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel," explaining the Levites' unique land arrangement.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:55: Confirms the allocation of Hebron to the sons of Aaron in later biblical texts.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:11 reminds us of God's meticulous provision for those dedicated to His service. Just as the Levites were provided for, believers today can trust in God's faithfulness to meet their needs as they commit to serving Him. The strategic placement of priestly cities like Hebron across the land underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and teaching being accessible to all people. This verse encourages us to appreciate the divine order and purpose in God's plan, recognizing that every part of His kingdom has a specific, valuable role.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 6:55 (5 votes)

    And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.

  • Luke 1:39 (3 votes)

    ยถ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

  • Genesis 35:27 (2 votes)

    And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which [is] Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

  • 2 Samuel 5:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.

  • 2 Samuel 5:5 (2 votes)

    In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

  • Joshua 15:54 (2 votes)

    And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

  • Judges 1:10 (2 votes)

    And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.