Joshua 21:16

Translation
King James Version
And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And Ain H5871 with her suburbs H4054, and Juttah H3194 with her suburbs H4054, and Bethshemesh H1053 with her suburbs H4054; nine H8672 cities H5892 out of those two H8147 tribes H7626.
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Complete Jewish Bible
'Ayin with its surrounding open land, Yutah with its surrounding open land and Beit-Shemesh with its surrounding open land - nine cities out of these two tribes.
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Berean Standard Bible
Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands.
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American Standard Version
and Ain with its suburbs, and Juttah with its suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with its suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.
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World English Bible Messianic
Ain with its suburbs, Juttah with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And Ain with her suburbes, and Iuttah with her suburbes, Beth-shemesh with her suburbes: nine cities out of those two tribes.
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Young's Literal Translation
and Ain and its suburbs, and Juttah and its suburbs, Beth-Shemesh and its suburbs; nine cities out of these two tribes.
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See also
Joshua 15:10Joshua 15:551 Chronicles 6:591 Samuel 6:12Joshua 15:421 Samuel 6:9
See on the biblical-era map
Canaan Overview
Canaan Overview View full PDF
Judah and Simeon
Judah and Simeon View full PDF
Dan, Ephraim, and Benjamin
Dan, Ephraim, and Benjamin View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 6,398 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Joshua 21:16 meticulously records the allocation of three specific cities—Ain, Juttah, and Bethshemesh—along with their essential pasturelands, to the priestly family of Aaron. These cities, drawn from the tribal territories of Judah and Simeon, are part of the total of nine cities designated for this division of the Kohathite Levites, underscoring God's faithful and precise fulfillment of His covenant promises to provide comprehensively for those dedicated to His sacred service.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Joshua 21 stands as the climactic chapter in the detailed account of Israel's land distribution, following the tribal inheritances outlined in previous chapters. Unlike the other tribes who received vast territorial allocations, the Levites were set apart for priestly and ministerial duties, and thus received no continuous land inheritance. Instead, as commanded by God, they were allotted 48 cities scattered throughout the tribal territories, each accompanied by its surrounding "suburbs" or pasturelands, as specified in Numbers 35:2-8. Joshua 21:16 is a precise entry within this comprehensive list, specifically detailing three cities assigned to the descendants of Aaron (a subset of the Kohathite Levites) from the territories of Judah and Simeon. This meticulous enumeration underscores the thoroughness with which God's commands were executed under Joshua's leadership, culminating in the triumphant declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness in Joshua 21:43-45.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the Levites occupied a unique and sacred position, consecrated for service to the Lord in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their distinct role meant that their inheritance was not land, but "the Lord Himself," as stated in Numbers 18:20. To ensure their sustenance and enable their full dedication to spiritual duties, God commanded that they be provided with cities and ample surrounding pasturelands, referred to as "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrâshîm). The strategic scattering of these Levite cities throughout all twelve tribal territories was not arbitrary; it served a crucial purpose. It facilitated the accessibility of spiritual guidance, the teaching of the Law, and the administration of justice to all the people of Israel, fostering national unity and spiritual health. This divinely ordained system ensured that those responsible for the nation's spiritual well-being were adequately supported and positioned to fulfill their vital roles.
  • Key Themes: The meticulous record in Joshua 21, and specifically in Joshua 21:16, powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights Divine Faithfulness and Provision, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling every promise He made to His people, including the specific provision for the Levites. As Joshua 21:45 emphatically declares, "Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." Secondly, it underscores Order and Organization, reflecting God's character as a God of precision and meticulous planning, ensuring that every detail of the covenant was observed and executed with exactitude. Finally, the comprehensive provision for the Levites emphasizes the Support for Spiritual Leadership. By ensuring the priests and Levites had dwelling places and means of sustenance, God enabled them to focus on their sacred responsibilities of ministering to Him and teaching His Law, thereby serving the spiritual needs of the entire nation.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Suburb (Hebrew, migrâsh', H4054): This term is crucial for understanding the Levites' provision. While the KJV uses the plural "suburbs," the singular Hebrew term migrâsh denotes the open country or common pasturelands surrounding the cities. These lands, specified in Numbers 35:4-5 to extend a certain distance from the city walls, were vital for the Levites' livestock, which provided for their livelihood. This detail emphasizes the completeness of God's provision, covering not just their dwelling but also their economic sustenance.
  • Ain (Hebrew, ʻAyin', H5871): Meaning "fountain" or "eye," this city was initially located in the territory of Judah but was later assigned to Simeon and then to the Levites. Its name likely refers to a prominent natural spring or water source, indicating a fertile and habitable location, essential for both human and animal life.
  • Bethshemesh (Hebrew, Bêyth Shemesh', H1053): Meaning "house of (the) sun," this city was also located in Judah and became a significant border town. Its name suggests a possible ancient association with sun worship, though by the time of Israel's settlement, it was integrated into their divinely ordered land distribution. Its inclusion here highlights the strategic placement of Levite cities, even in areas that would later become historically significant (e.g., 1 Samuel 6:12).

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Ain with her suburbs": This clause identifies the first of the three cities specifically allocated to the priestly Levites, along with its essential surrounding pasturelands. The immediate mention of "suburbs" signals that this is not merely a dwelling place but a comprehensive provision for the Levites' sustenance and livelihood, ensuring their ability to maintain their flocks and herds.
  • "and Juttah with her suburbs": The second city listed, Juttah, similarly includes its associated pasturelands. This repetition of "with her suburbs" reinforces the consistent, thorough, and complete nature of the divine provision for each designated Levite city, ensuring no detail for their well-being was overlooked.
  • "[and] Bethshemesh with her suburbs;": The third city, Bethshemesh, is likewise noted with its vital pasturelands. The inclusion of these three specific cities, each with its necessary grazing areas, underscores the meticulous detail with which the land allocation was carried out, ensuring the Levites were fully equipped for their sacred service without needing to engage in extensive agriculture.
  • "nine cities out of those two tribes.": This concluding phrase provides a crucial numerical summary, indicating that Ain, Juttah, and Bethshemesh constitute three of the total nine cities that were allocated to the sons of Aaron (the priestly lineage of the Levites) from the tribal territories of Judah and Simeon. This numerical precision highlights the exact fulfillment of the divine command and the systematic nature of the tribal inheritance system, leaving no doubt about God's faithfulness.

Literary Devices

Joshua 21:16 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact within the larger narrative of Israel's settlement. Enumeration is prominently featured, as the verse precisely lists specific cities (Ain, Juttah, Bethshemesh) as part of a larger numerical count ("nine cities"). This precise listing contributes to the overall sense of Precision and thoroughness that characterizes the entire chapter, emphasizing the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" functions as a form of Repetition, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the provision for the Levites, ensuring not just dwelling but also economic sustenance. Furthermore, this verse is a small but significant part of a larger Fulfillment Narrative, where the detailed allocation of land and cities serves as tangible evidence that "not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed" (Joshua 21:45). The very act of listing these cities demonstrates the divine order and the successful completion of a major phase in Israel's establishment in the Promised Land.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joshua 21:16, while seemingly a dry list of cities, is profoundly theological, serving as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and comprehensive provision for His people, particularly those set apart for His service. It demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed commitments that He meticulously fulfills, down to the exact number and location of cities. The provision of cities and pasturelands for the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance, underscores the principle that God Himself is the ultimate inheritance and provider for those who dedicate their lives to Him. This arrangement also highlights the divine wisdom in scattering the Levites throughout the land, ensuring that spiritual instruction, the teaching of the Law, and the administration of justice were accessible to all tribes, fostering national unity and adherence to the covenant. It is a vivid illustration of God's strategic care for the spiritual health of His nation.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joshua 21:16 invites us to reflect on the profound nature of God's faithfulness and His detailed, comprehensive care for His people. If God so meticulously provided for the Levites, down to the specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands, how much more can we trust in His provision for our lives today, understanding that He knows our needs even before we ask? This verse reminds us that God is attentive to every detail of our existence, ensuring that those who commit themselves to His purposes are sustained and equipped. It challenges us to consider our own stewardship and support for those who dedicate their lives to ministry and teaching God's Word in our contemporary context, recognizing that just as the tribes supported the Levites, we are called to uphold those who serve the church and proclaim the Gospel. Furthermore, the divine order evident in this distribution encourages us to live lives of intentionality, planning, and obedience, trusting that God's blueprint for our lives, though sometimes detailed and demanding, ultimately leads to flourishing and the fulfillment of His good and perfect purposes.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:16 encourage your personal trust in His care for your own life and circumstances, particularly in areas of provision and calling?
  • In what practical ways can we, as members of the body of Christ, demonstrate support and provide for those who are dedicated to full-time spiritual service and teaching within our communities today?
  • The scattering of Levite cities facilitated spiritual instruction across Israel. How can we, in our own contexts, actively ensure that spiritual guidance and biblical truth are accessible and effectively communicated to those around us?

FAQ

Why did the Levites not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes?

Answer: The Levites did not receive a continuous territorial inheritance because they were set apart by God for special service, specifically for ministering in the tabernacle (and later the temple), teaching the Law, and serving as judges throughout Israel. Their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, as explicitly stated in Numbers 18:20. Instead of a land portion, God commanded that they be given 48 cities, scattered throughout all the tribal territories, along with surrounding pasturelands (the "suburbs" mentioned in Joshua 21:16), to provide them with dwelling places and sustenance for their livestock. This unique arrangement enabled them to focus entirely on their sacred duties, supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes.

What was the significance of the "suburbs" mentioned in relation to the Levite cities?

Answer: The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrâshîm) in Joshua 21:16 does not refer to residential areas outside the city walls as we understand them today. Instead, it specifically denotes the common pasturelands and open spaces surrounding each Levite city. These lands were crucial for the Levites to graze their livestock, which provided for their livelihood and sustenance. The detailed mention of these "suburbs" in the biblical text highlights the completeness and precision of God's provision for the Levites, ensuring not only their dwelling but also their economic well-being. This comprehensive provision allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual responsibilities without the distraction of agricultural labor for their own food supply.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joshua 21:16, detailing the specific and meticulous provision for the Levites, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The Levites, particularly the Aaronic priests, served as mediators between God and humanity, offering sacrifices and teaching the Law. This Old Covenant system, with its prescribed cities and support, foreshadowed the perfect and eternal provision of God in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate and perfect High Priest, not of the Aaronic order, but "after the order of Melchizedek," as affirmed in Hebrews 7:11. He offered Himself as the one sufficient and eternal sacrifice for sins, making all other sacrifices obsolete and establishing a new covenant, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:10-14. Furthermore, Jesus is the true "House of God," the spiritual dwelling place where God perfectly meets humanity, transcending any physical city or temple, as He Himself declared in John 2:19-21. Just as God meticulously provided for His Old Covenant ministers, He now perfectly provides for His New Covenant people through Christ, who is our complete inheritance and sustenance, in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" and in whom we "have been filled," as stated in Colossians 2:9-10. The scattering of Levites throughout Israel to teach the Law finds its spiritual parallel in the Great Commission, where Christ sends His followers, a "royal priesthood" and "holy nation" according to 1 Peter 2:9, throughout the world to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples, empowered and sustained by His indwelling Spirit.

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Commentary on Joshua 21 verses 9–42

We have here a particular account of the cities which were given to the children of Levi out of the several tribes, not only to be occupied and inhabited by them, as tenants to the several tribes in which they lay - no, their interest in them was not dependent and precarious, but to be owned and possessed by them as lords and proprietors, and as having the same title to them that the rest of the tribes had to their cities or lands, as appears by the law which preserved the house in the Levites' cities from being alienated any longer than till the year of jubilee, Lev 25:32, Lev 25:33. Yet it is probable that the Levites having only the cities and suburbs, while the land about pertained to the tribes in which they lay, those of that tribe, for the convenience of occupying that land, might commonly rent houses of the Levites, as they could spare them in their cities, and so live among them as their tenants. Several things may be observed in this account, besides what was observed in the law concerning it, Num. 35.

I. That the Levites were dispersed into all the tribes, and not suffered to live all together in any one part of the country. This would find them all with work, and employ them all for the good of others; for ministers, of all people, must neither be idle nor live to themselves or to one another only. Christ left his twelve disciples together in a body, but left orders that they should in due time disperse themselves, that they might preach the gospel to every creature. The mixing of the Levites thus with the other tribes would be an obligation upon them to walk circumspectly, and as became their sacred function, and to avoid every thing that might disgrace it. Had they lived all together, they would have been tempted to wink at one another's faults, and to excuse one another when they did amiss; but by this means they were made to see the eyes of all Israel upon them, and therefore saw it their concern to walk so as that their ministry might in nothing be blamed nor their high character suffer by their ill carriage.

II. That every tribe of Israel was adorned and enriched with its share of Levites' cities in proportion to its compass, even those that lay most remote. They were all God's people, and therefore they all had Levites among them. 1. To show kindness to, as God appointed them, Deu 12:19; Deu 14:29. They were God's receivers, to whom the people might give their grateful acknowledgments of God's goodness, as the occasion and disposition were. 2. To receive advice and instruction from; when they could not go up to the tabernacle, to consult those who attended there, they might go to a Levites' city, and be taught the good knowledge of the Lord. Thus God set up a candle in every room of his house, to give light to all his family; as those that attended the altar kept the charge of the Lord, to see that no divine appointment was neglected there, so those that were scattered in the country had their charge too, which was to see that no idolatrous superstitious usages were introduced at a distance and to watch for the souls of God's Israel. Thus did God graciously provide for the keeping up of religion among them, and that they might have the word nigh them; yet, blessed be God, we, under the gospel, have it yet nigher, not only Levites in every county, but Levites in every parish, whose office it is still to teach the people knowledge, and to go before them in the things of God.

III. That there were thirteen cities, and those some of the best, appointed for the priests, the sons of Aaron, Jos 21:19. Aaron left but two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, yet his family was now so much increased, and it was foreseen that it would in process of time grow so numerous, as to replenish all these cities, though a considerable number must of necessity be resident wherever the ark and the altar were. We read in both Testaments of such numbers of priests that we may suppose none of all the families of Israel that came out of Egypt increased afterwards so much as that of Aaron did; and the promise afterwards to the house of Aaron is, God shall increase you more and more, you and your children, Psa 115:12, Psa 115:14. He will raise up a seed to serve him.

IV. That some of the Levites' cities were afterwards famous upon other accounts. Hebron was the city in which David began his reign, and in Manhanaim, another Levites' city (Jos 21:38), he lay, and had his headquarters when he fled from Absalom. The first Israelite that ever wore the title of king (namely, Abimelech, the son of Gideon) reigned in Shechem, another Levites' city, Jos 21:21.

V. That the number of them in all was more than of most of the tribes, except Judah, though the tribe of Levi was one of the least of the tribes, to show how liberal God is, and his people should be, to his ministers; yet the disproportion will not appear so great as at first it seems, if we consider that the Levites had cities only with their suburbs to dwell in, but the rest of the tribes, besides their cities (and those perhaps were many more than are named in the account of their lot), had many unwalled towns and villages which they inhabited, besides country houses.

Upon the whole, it appears that effectual care was taken that the Levites should live both comfortably and usefully: and those, whether ministers or others, for whom Providence has done well, must look upon themselves as obliged thereby to do good, and, according as their capacity and opportunity are, to serve their generation.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–42. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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