Joshua 21:15

KJV

And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Holon {H2473} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Debir {H1688} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

Holon with its surrounding open land; D'vir with its surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

Holon, Debir,

American Standard Version

and Holon with its suburbs, and Debir with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:15 is part of the detailed account of the Levites' inheritance, specifically listing Holon and Debir, two cities from Judah's territory, along with their pasturelands, assigned to the priestly sons of Aaron. This verse exemplifies God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises, ensuring precise provision and order for those dedicated to His service, thereby facilitating their spiritual duties across the entire nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 serves as the culmination of the land distribution narrative in the book of Joshua, following the allocation of territories to the other tribes (Joshua 13-19) and the establishment of cities of refuge (Joshua 20). Unlike the other tribes, the Levites received no contiguous tribal territory. This chapter meticulously details the fulfillment of God's command to provide them with forty-eight cities scattered throughout Israel, along with their surrounding pasturelands. Verses 1-8 outline the Levites' request and God's divine instruction for these cities. Joshua 21:9-19 specifically details the cities given to the sons of Aaron, who were the priests, drawn from the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. Verse 15 falls within this section, listing two cities from Judah's allotment. The entire chapter concludes with a powerful summary of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling all His promises to Israel (Joshua 21:43-45).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land was foundational to Israel's identity as a nation and their covenant relationship with Yahweh after the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. The Levites held a unique position, being set apart for the sacred duties of the tabernacle (and later, the temple) service, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and the people. Consequently, they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, as "the LORD is their inheritance" ([Deuteronomy 18:2](/deuteronomy/18-2 "Deuteronomy 18:2 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God ordained that they would be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes and provided with cities and their "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrashim*). These *migrashim* were crucial common lands for grazing livestock, as the Levites were not primarily farmers. This divinely ordered system ensured their sustenance while allowing them to fulfill their priestly and teaching roles throughout the nation. Holon and Debir were actual cities in the hill country of Judah, with Debir being particularly significant, known for its strategic importance and having been a Canaanite stronghold captured by Othniel ([Joshua 15:15-17](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15-17 - Othniel's Capture of Debir")).
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:15, as part of this detailed distribution, powerfully underscores several key themes. First and foremost is **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to provide for those dedicated to His service, as commanded in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Administration**, showcasing the meticulous and systematic nature of the land distribution, which reflects God's character as a God of order, not confusion, ensuring every tribe and Levitical clan received their designated portion. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Provision for Ministry**, illustrating God's detailed care for the Levites' physical needs so they could focus entirely on their spiritual duties, a principle echoed in passages concerning the support of ministers ([Deuteronomy 18:1-8](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-8 - The Priests' and Levites' Share")). Finally, the assignment of significant cities like Debir to the priests underscores the **Esteem of the Priesthood** within the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrashim'_):** This term, often translated as "suburbs" in older English versions like the KJV, does not refer to residential outskirts as understood in modern urban planning. Instead, *migrashim* specifically denotes the open pasturelands or common lands immediately surrounding a city, typically extending 1,000 cubits (approximately 1,500 feet) from the city wall in every direction (Numbers 35:4-5). These lands were designated for grazing livestock and for the general use of the inhabitants, distinct from privately owned agricultural fields or vineyards. Their allocation was crucial for the Levites' sustenance, as they did not possess arable land for farming, ensuring they had resources to support their families and flocks.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Holon with her suburbs":** Holon was one of the cities located in the hill country of Judah, specifically designated for the priestly sons of Aaron. The inclusion of "her suburbs" (migrashim) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the provision, extending beyond mere dwelling places to include the necessary common lands for their livelihood, particularly for their livestock. This detail highlights God's holistic care for the Levites' practical needs, ensuring they had the means to sustain themselves while fulfilling their sacred duties.
* **"and Debir with her suburbs":** Debir, also known as Kirjath-sepher ("city of the book") or Kirjath-sannah, was another significant city in the hill country of Judah. Its strategic importance is notable, having been a formidable Canaanite stronghold that was famously conquered by Othniel, Caleb's nephew ([Joshua 15:15-17](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15-17 - Othniel's Capture of Debir")). Like Holon, Debir was allotted to the priests along with its surrounding pasturelands, underscoring the divine provision for their material well-being so they could fulfill their sacred duties of teaching and ministry throughout Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The listing of cities in Joshua 21, including Holon and Debir in verse 15, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The systematic listing of each city "with her suburbs" creates a sense of meticulous detail and thoroughness, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the precise fulfillment of His commands. This **Repetition** of "with her suburbs" throughout the chapter reinforces the practical and holistic aspect of the Levites' inheritance, highlighting that their sustenance was as important as their dwelling places. The chapter itself functions as a **Testimony** to God's faithfulness, demonstrating how every promise made to Israel concerning the land and the Levites' unique inheritance was meticulously brought to pass. The precise geographical and tribal details also lend a strong sense of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the narrative in historical reality and reinforcing the reliability of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:15, as part of the Levitical city distribution, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous care for those dedicated to His service. It underscores the principle that divine calling comes with divine provision, ensuring that those set apart for spiritual duties are adequately sustained. This systematic allocation also reflects God's character as a God of order, demonstrating that His plans are executed with precision and purpose, not chaos. The scattering of the Levitical cities throughout Israel also served a missional purpose, allowing the Levites to be present across the nation to instruct and guide all the tribes in the Law of God, serving as spiritual anchors and teachers.
* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Inheritance")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness in Land Distribution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 21:15 details an ancient land distribution, its underlying principles offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He made specific, practical provisions for the Levites to ensure their sustenance while they focused on spiritual duties, He cares for the needs of His people today, often in specific and practical ways. It encourages us to trust in His comprehensive provision, knowing that if He cares for the sparrows, He will certainly care for us, His beloved children ([Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")). Furthermore, the divine order evident in this distribution encourages us to pursue order and good stewardship in our own lives and ministries, recognizing that God works through structured and intentional processes. It also highlights the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their calling without undue material burdens, echoing the New Testament principle of supporting those who labor in the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Supporting Those Who Preach the Gospel")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:15 deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you apply the principle of "provision for ministry" in your local church or community today?**
* **How might embracing God's character as a God of order (as seen in the land distribution) influence your approach to personal responsibilities or spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Levites not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a continuous tribal land inheritance because God Himself was declared to be their inheritance. As the tribe set apart for priestly and temple service, their primary role was to minister to the Lord and teach His laws to Israel. This unique status meant they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, ensuring their livelihood without the need for agricultural land. Instead of a large territorial inheritance, they were given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with their surrounding pasturelands (suburbs), as detailed in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities") and fulfilled in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"). This arrangement allowed them to be present across the nation, fulfilling their spiritual duties and serving as a spiritual anchor for all of Israel.

**What is the significance of "suburbs" in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Joshua 21:15 and other Old Testament passages concerning Levitical cities, "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrashim*) does not refer to residential areas on the outskirts of a modern city. Instead, it specifically denotes the open pasturelands or common lands immediately surrounding the city walls. These *migrashim* were essential for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, did not possess arable land for farming. They relied on these designated areas to graze their livestock, which were crucial for their sustenance and for offerings. The meticulous allocation of these "suburbs" alongside the cities underscores God's comprehensive and practical provision for the Levites' material needs, enabling them to focus on their sacred duties without economic hardship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:15, with its detailed account of God's provision for the Levites, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Old Testament Levitical priesthood, with its specific inheritance and duties, foreshadowed the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) and the mediator of a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). While the Levites received cities and pasturelands as their earthly inheritance, Christ's inheritance is far greater: He inherits all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")) and is the true "portion" and "inheritance" for all who believe in Him ([Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Chosen Portion")). The scattering of the Levitical cities throughout Israel allowed them to be a spiritual presence for all tribes, teaching the Law and maintaining the purity of worship; similarly, through Christ, the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers, making them a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) scattered throughout the world to proclaim His excellencies. Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites so they could serve Him, He provides for His New Testament people through the inexhaustible riches of His grace in Christ Jesus ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). Ultimately, the security and sustenance found in Holon and Debir for the Levites point to the perfect security and eternal sustenance found in union with Christ, our true and everlasting inheritance and the source of all our provision.

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 15:51

And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:

Joshua 15:49

And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which [is] Debir,

Joshua 12:13

The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;

1 Chronicles 6:58

And Hilen with her suburbs, Debir with her suburbs,