Joshua 21:13

KJV

Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus they gave {H5414} to the children {H1121} of Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548} Hebron {H2275} with her suburbs {H4054}, to be a city {H5892} of refuge {H4733} for the slayer {H7523}; and Libnah {H3841} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus to the descendants of Aharon the cohen they gave: Hevron with its surrounding open land, already a city of refuge for the killer; Livnah with its surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,

American Standard Version

And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:13 precisely records the allocation of specific cities to the priestly family of Aaron, fulfilling God's divine command to provide for the Levites who received no tribal land inheritance. This verse highlights the provision of Hebron and Libnah, with Hebron uniquely designated as one of the six cities of refuge, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in establishing an orderly society governed by both His justice and His profound mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 stands as the culmination of the meticulous division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a process initiated in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins"). Following the general tribal allotments, this chapter is entirely dedicated to the provision of dwelling places for the Levites, who, by divine decree, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, as the Lord Himself was to be their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). The chapter lists a total of 48 Levitical cities, distributed among the various Levitical clans, with 13 specifically designated for the priests, the "children of Aaron." Joshua 21:13 falls within the section detailing the cities given to the Kohatite clan, to which Aaron belonged, emphasizing the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises and the establishment of a structured, divinely ordered society. This meticulous record highlights the thoroughness of the land distribution and the completion of God's command to settle Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Joshua 21 occur after Israel's successful conquest of Canaan, marking a crucial transition from military campaign to settled national life. The provision for the Levites, including the Aaronite priests, was paramount for the spiritual and judicial well-being of the nascent nation. Unlike other tribes, the Levites were strategically dispersed throughout Israel, ensuring their accessibility for teaching the Law, administering justice, and performing priestly duties across the land. The concept of "cities of refuge" was a unique legal innovation within the Mosaic Law, established to distinguish between premeditated murder and accidental homicide. These cities provided a vital safe haven for those who had unintentionally killed someone, protecting them from the "blood avenger" (go'el haddam) until a fair trial could be held at the city gate. Hebron, a city with deep historical roots dating back to the patriarchs (where Abraham purchased a burial plot for Sarah in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Abraham Buys a Burial Plot")), held significant prominence, making its designation as both a priestly city and a city of refuge particularly meaningful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. First, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises to Israel, ensuring that every aspect of their communal and spiritual life was provided for, including the sustenance and dwelling places for those dedicated to His service. Second, it underscores **Order and Justice**, as the precise allocation of land and the establishment of cities of refuge reveal God's desire for an orderly society governed by clear laws that balanced accountability with compassion. The system of cities of refuge, detailed in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9-34 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws for Cities of Refuge"), perfectly exemplifies this balance, safeguarding human life while allowing for due process. Third, it emphasizes **The Special Role of the Priesthood**. The descendants of Aaron were uniquely set apart for spiritual leadership and the administration of worship. Their presence in these strategically located cities ensured spiritual instruction, judicial oversight, and the proper administration of God's law throughout the nascent nation, reinforcing their vital role in Israel's covenant relationship with God as outlined in [Leviticus 10:11](/leviticus/10-11 "Leviticus 10:11 - Teaching the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root verb signifies "to give," but with the widest latitude of application, including to put, make, appoint, or assign. In Joshua 21:13, it emphasizes the divine act of allocation and provision, highlighting that the cities were not merely acquired by human effort but were divinely appointed and bestowed upon the Levites, fulfilling God's promise. This verb underscores the sovereign initiative behind the land distribution.
* **refuge (Hebrew, _miqlâṭ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to take in," this noun literally translates to "an asylum" or "a receptacle." It denotes a place of shelter, safety, or protection. In the context of the cities of refuge, it specifically refers to a designated sanctuary where an unintentional slayer could flee to escape immediate retribution from the blood avenger, thereby receiving due process and a fair trial. This concept reveals God's provision for mercy and justice within His legal framework.
* **slayer (Hebrew, _râtsach'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to dash in pieces" or "to kill," especially to murder. However, in the specific context of the cities of refuge, as here, it refers to someone who has caused the death of another person unintentionally, without malice aforethought or premeditation. The Mosaic Law meticulously distinguished between intentional murder, which warranted capital punishment, and accidental killing, which required flight to a city of refuge. This distinction highlights the critical importance of intent in God's judicial system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs,"**: This opening clause establishes the beneficiaries of this specific allocation: "the children of Aaron the priest." This highlights their unique lineage and sacred office within Israel. The first city designated is Hebron, a historically significant location. The phrase "with her suburbs" is crucial, indicating that the provision included not only the urban dwelling but also the surrounding pasturelands essential for the Levites' livestock, as explicitly commanded in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2-5 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Levitical Cities and Pasturelands"). This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His servants.
* **"[to be] a city of refuge for the slayer;"**: This parenthetical yet vital clarification reveals Hebron's dual purpose. Beyond serving as a dwelling for the priests, it was also designated as one of the six cities of refuge, a sanctuary for those who had unintentionally caused a death. This highlights God's intricate legal system, which provided a mechanism for mercy and due process, ensuring that justice was tempered with compassion and that individuals were protected from arbitrary vengeance.
* **"and Libnah with her suburbs,"**: This final phrase introduces the second city allocated to the Aaronite priests in this verse, Libnah. Like Hebron, it is explicitly noted as including "her suburbs," reinforcing the consistent and complete provision for the Levites' needs. The inclusion of multiple cities demonstrates the systematic and widespread distribution of Levitical cities throughout Israel, ensuring the presence of spiritual and judicial leadership across the entire land, making God's law accessible to all tribes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. **Enumeration** is evident in the listing of specific cities (Hebron, Libnah) given to the priests, which is part of a larger pattern of detailed lists throughout [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), emphasizing the meticulous and comprehensive fulfillment of God's commands regarding the land's distribution. The recurring phrase "with her suburbs" acts as a form of **Repetition** throughout the chapter. This consistent appending to each city name underscores the completeness of the provision, ensuring that the Levites received not just urban dwellings but also the necessary pasturelands for their sustenance, as divinely ordained. This careful detailing highlights the divine order and precision in the land's distribution, reinforcing the theme of God's perfect plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:13, in its specific allocation of cities to the Aaronite priests and the designation of Hebron as a city of refuge, powerfully illustrates God's character as both meticulously just and profoundly merciful. It demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, ensuring their well-being and the establishment of an orderly society governed by His divine law. The provision for the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance, underscores God's unique care for those set apart for His service. The concept of cities of refuge, overseen by the priests, highlights God's desire for a legal system that distinguishes between intent and accident, offering protection and due process while upholding the sanctity of human life. This balance of justice and mercy is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, foundational to God's dealings with humanity, revealing His righteous nature and His compassionate heart.

* [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge Among the Levites' Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4-6 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Law Concerning the City of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:7-8](/joshua/20-7-8 "Joshua 20:7-8 - Designation of the Cities of Refuge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though rooted in ancient Israelite law and land distribution, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His meticulous care for His people, even in the smallest details of provision. Just as He provided for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement for spiritual leadership, so too does God provide for those who dedicate their lives to His service today, often in ways we may not immediately perceive. Furthermore, the concept of a "city of refuge" speaks powerfully to God's character of justice tempered with mercy. It teaches us the importance of distinguishing between intentional malice and accidental harm, fostering a spirit of compassion and due process in our interactions. We are called to be communities where justice is pursued with integrity, and mercy is extended to those who genuinely seek refuge and reconciliation, reflecting the very heart of God. Ultimately, this ancient provision points us to our ultimate refuge in Christ, reminding us that in Him, we find sanctuary from the judgment due to our sins and a pathway to reconciliation with a holy God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites challenge our understanding of His care for those who serve Him today, and how might this encourage greater trust in His providence?**
* **In what ways do the "cities of refuge" illustrate God's balance of justice and mercy, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives, seeking to extend both truth and grace to others?**
* **Where do you find your ultimate "refuge" in times of distress, accusation, or spiritual struggle, and how does this relate to the spiritual reality foreshadowed by these ancient cities?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Levites given cities instead of tribal land?**

Answer: The Levites were uniquely set apart for sacred service to the Lord, having no territorial inheritance like the other tribes because "the Lord Himself is their inheritance" ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead of a consolidated territory, they were given 48 cities scattered throughout the land of Israel, including their surrounding pasturelands. This strategic dispersion ensured that spiritual instruction, judicial oversight, and the administration of worship were accessible to all the tribes, fulfilling their unique role as guardians and teachers of God's law and as mediators of His presence among the people.

**What was the purpose of a "city of refuge"?**

Answer: The cities of refuge were a unique legal provision within the Mosaic Law, established to provide a safe haven for individuals who had accidentally caused the death of another person. Their primary purpose was to protect the unintentional "slayer" from the "blood avenger" (a relative of the deceased who had the right to exact retribution) until a fair trial could be held at the city gates. This system, detailed in [Deuteronomy 19:4-6](/deuteronomy/19-4-6 "Deuteronomy 19:4-6 - Law Concerning the City of Refuge"), ensured due process, distinguished between accidental killing and premeditated murder, and upheld the sanctity of human life while providing a pathway for mercy and justice.

**Why was Hebron chosen as a city of refuge, especially for the priests?**

Answer: Hebron was a highly significant, ancient city with deep historical and spiritual ties, including being a burial place for the patriarchs (as seen in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Abraham Buys a Burial Plot")). Its designation as both a priestly city and a city of refuge meant that those seeking asylum would be under the direct oversight of the Aaronite priests. This ensured that legal proceedings would be conducted with the highest level of integrity and religious adherence, reflecting the priests' role not only as spiritual leaders but also as administrators of God's law and justice within Israel. Furthermore, its central location made it accessible to many, demonstrating the practical wisdom behind God's commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ancient provision of cities of refuge, exemplified by Hebron in [Joshua 21:13](/joshua/21-13 "Joshua 21:13 - Priestly Cities and Cities of Refuge"), serves as a profound **type** pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ. Just as the unintentional slayer fled to a designated city for protection from the avenger of blood, so humanity, condemned by the righteous demands of God's holy law due to sin, finds a secure and eternal sanctuary in Christ. He is our High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins, making purification for sins once for all ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Him, we have an advocate with the Father ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")) who pleads our case, having disarmed the accuser and triumphed over the forces of darkness through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The accessibility of the cities of refuge, open to all who needed them, foreshadows the open invitation of Christ: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). He is the true sanctuary, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not merely temporary asylum but eternal forgiveness, reconciliation, and freedom from condemnation for all who believe ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). In Him, the pursuit of justice is perfectly met by infinite mercy.

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 15:42

Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

Joshua 10:29

Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Joshua 15:54

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

Isaiah 37:8

¶ So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish.

Numbers 35:6

And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites [there shall be] six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

1 Chronicles 6:56

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.