Joshua 21:2

KJV

And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they spake {H1696} unto them at Shiloh {H7887} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872} to give {H5414} us cities {H5892} to dwell in {H3427}, with the suburbs {H4054} thereof for our cattle {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was at Shiloh in the land of Kena'an that they spoke to them; they said, "ADONAI ordered through Moshe that we be given cities to live in, with the surrounding open land for our livestock."

Berean Standard Bible

at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.”

American Standard Version

and they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, Jehovah commanded by Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:2 records the pivotal moment when the Levites, through their representatives at Shiloh, formally petitioned Joshua, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders. Their appeal was not a new request but a solemn reminder of the Lord's specific, ancient command given through Moses: that they be allocated cities for their dwelling and surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This interaction marks the critical initiation of God's meticulous provision for the tribe consecrated entirely to His service, ensuring their strategic dispersion throughout Israel to fulfill their unique spiritual and judicial ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate precursor to the detailed enumeration of the Levitical cities in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Levitical Cities"), following the extensive accounts of land distribution to the other Israelite tribes in [Joshua 13-20](/joshua/13-20 "Joshua 13-20 - Division of the Land"). With the territorial inheritances settled for the other tribes, the narrative now shifts to address the unique situation of the Levites, who, by divine decree, did not receive a consolidated tribal land portion. Joshua 21:2 thus establishes the legal and theological basis for the subsequent allocation, emphasizing that this provision is not a concession but the meticulous fulfillment of God's prior commands, thereby demonstrating the completion of Israel's inheritance and the establishment of its societal structure in the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, Shiloh, was of immense historical and cultural significance, having been established as the central location for the tabernacle and Israel's worship, as detailed in [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh"). This choice of venue underscores the formal, public, and sacred nature of the Levites' petition, addressed to the highest spiritual (Eleazar the high priest) and civil (Joshua, the tribal heads) authorities. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were consecrated for priestly and tabernacle service, and therefore, [the LORD Himself was their inheritance](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). Their sustenance was divinely ordained to come from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, and their dwelling places were specifically commanded in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites"). This context highlights God's comprehensive care for His ministers and the communal responsibility of the entire nation to uphold divine decrees.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:2 powerfully articulates several foundational themes. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness and Obedience**, as the Levites' request is not a new demand but a direct appeal to a command given through Moses decades earlier. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and the imperative for Israel to finally obey these ancient divine decrees, bringing God's plan to fruition. Another crucial theme is **Provision for Ministry**. God's command to provide the Levites with cities and pasturelands ensured that those dedicated to His service were adequately cared for, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties—teaching the law, administering justice, and ministering at the tabernacle—without the burden of agricultural labor. This divine provision is further elaborated in [Leviticus 25:32-34](/leviticus/25-34 "Leviticus 25:32-34 - Levitical City Regulations"). Finally, the concept of **Scattered Spiritual Influence** is paramount. By receiving cities distributed throughout all the tribal territories, the Levites were strategically positioned to be a pervasive spiritual presence, offering instruction, judgment, and priestly service to the entire nation, fostering unity and adherence to the covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root, `dâbar`, signifies not merely uttering words but often implies an arrangement, a declaration, or even a command. In this context, it conveys the formal and authoritative nature of the Levites' address to the leaders. Their "speaking" was a solemn declaration, reminding the recipients of a divine mandate that required action, underscoring the weight and legitimacy of their petition.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the proper name of God, `Yᵉhôvâh`, often rendered "Jehovah" or "the LORD" in English translations, signifying "the Self-Existent" or "the Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes the ultimate divine authority behind the command. The Levites are not appealing to human tradition or a personal preference, but to the direct, authoritative word of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, highlighting the non-negotiable nature of the instruction.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** While literally meaning "hand," `yâd` is used here figuratively to denote agency, means, or authority. "By the hand of Moses" signifies that Moses was the divinely appointed instrument or agent through whom the LORD's command was delivered. This phrase reinforces the authenticity and divine origin of the instruction, linking the present request directly to the foundational covenant established at Sinai through God's chosen leader.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan":** This opening clause identifies the petitioners ("they," the Levites, represented by their heads of families) and the recipients of the petition ("them," Joshua, Eleazar the high priest, and the heads of the tribes). The specific location, Shiloh, is crucial, as it was the spiritual and administrative center of Israel at that time, where the tabernacle rested. This setting establishes the formal, public, and sacred context of the request, lending it immense weight and legitimacy.
* **"saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses":** This phrase immediately establishes the authoritative basis of the Levites' request. They are not asking for a new favor but are reminding the leaders of a pre-existing, direct divine mandate. By appealing to "The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses," they invoke the highest authority in Israelite law and tradition, underscoring the imperative for the nation to fulfill God's explicit instructions concerning the Levites' provision, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites").
* **"to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle":** This specifies the precise nature of the divine command and the Levites' petition. They required not only cities for their residence but also surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs") for their livestock. This dual provision was essential for their livelihood, as they had no agricultural land, ensuring they could focus entirely on their sacred duties—teaching, judging, and ministering at the tabernacle—without economic hardship. This demonstrates God's holistic and meticulous care for His servants.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Allusion** is central, as the Levites' statement directly alludes to the Mosaic Law, specifically the detailed instructions in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites") regarding the provision of cities and pasturelands for the Levites. This device firmly grounds the immediate narrative in the broader covenant history of Israel and underscores the continuity of God's commands. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the request for scattered cities anticipates the Levites' future role as geographically dispersed spiritual guides, teachers, and judicial figures throughout the land, ensuring that every tribe had access to those who understood and taught God's law. Finally, the verse uses **Emphasis** through the repeated invocation of "The LORD commanded." This repetition underscores the unwavering nature of God's promises and the imperative for Israel to obey them, highlighting the meticulous fulfillment of God's overarching plan for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:2 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and His detailed provision for those He calls to serve Him. It underscores the profound theological principle that divine calling is always accompanied by divine provision. The Levites, set apart for sacred duties, were not left to fend for themselves but were sustained through a communal effort mandated by God Himself. This act of remembering and acting upon an ancient command highlights the importance of covenant fidelity, not just on God's part, but also on the part of His people. It teaches that God's plans unfold over time, and obedience, even when delayed, is ultimately required. The dispersion of the Levites throughout the land also signifies God's desire for His truth and spiritual guidance to permeate every corner of society, ensuring that all Israel had access to instruction in the Law and opportunities for worship.

* [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2-8 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:2 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning God's unwavering provision, the sacred nature of ministry, and our communal responsibility within the Body of Christ. Just as God meticulously planned for the Levites' sustenance and strategic placement, He continues to provide for those He calls into service, ensuring they have the necessary resources to fulfill their mission. This verse challenges us to consider how we, as the church, actively support those dedicated to full-time spiritual ministry, recognizing their vital role in teaching, guiding, and nurturing the faith of the community. It also reminds us that God's commands, though ancient in their origin, remain eternally relevant and require our active obedience and diligent remembrance. Furthermore, like the Levites who were scattered to influence all Israel, every believer is called to be a spiritual influence in their respective spheres—families, workplaces, communities—living out their faith and sharing God's truth, demonstrating His presence and principles wherever they are placed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage encourage you about God's faithfulness to His promises, even when their fulfillment is delayed?**
* **In what ways can you, or your local church community, better support those who are called to full-time spiritual ministry today?**
* **Where are you "scattered" in your daily life, and how can you intentionally live as a spiritual influence in that context?**
* **What "ancient commands" or foundational principles from God's Word do you need to remember and act upon more diligently in your own life?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't the Levites receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites were uniquely set apart for sacred service to the Lord, primarily for ministry at the tabernacle and later the temple. Their inheritance was not a territorial portion of the land, but rather [the LORD Himself](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). This distinct status meant they were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual duties without the burden of agricultural labor or land management. Their dispersion among all the tribes also ensured that spiritual instruction and priestly service were accessible throughout the entire nation.

**What was the significance of Shiloh in this context?**

Answer: Shiloh was the central religious and administrative hub for Israel during the period of the judges, serving as the location where the tabernacle was set up after the conquest of Canaan, as recorded in [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - Tabernacle at Shiloh"). The Levites' petition at Shiloh signifies that their request was made to the highest authorities (Joshua, Eleazar the high priest, and the tribal heads) at the most sacred and authoritative place in Israel. This formal setting lent immense legitimacy and solemnity to their appeal for the fulfillment of God's command.

**What does "suburbs" mean in the context of Levitical cities?**

Answer: In this context, "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) refers specifically to the designated pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities, not merely residential outskirts. These lands were essential for the Levites' cattle, which provided a means of livelihood and sustenance. [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2-5 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs") provides detailed instructions regarding the size and purpose of these pasturelands, emphasizing that they were for the Levites' livestock and not for cultivation, thus ensuring their economic stability while maintaining their focus on spiritual ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:2, ensuring their sustenance and strategic dispersion throughout Israel, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levites, whose inheritance was the Lord Himself and whose ministry involved mediating between God and His people, powerfully foreshadow Jesus. He is the true and ultimate [inheritance of His people](/psalms/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Chosen Portion"), the one who fully embodies the presence of God among humanity as [Immanuel](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - God With Us"). Just as the Levitical cities were scattered to bring spiritual instruction and a reminder of God's law to every corner of Israel, so too are New Covenant believers, empowered by Christ, dispersed throughout the world as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Christ, the great High Priest, provides for His ministers in the New Covenant, commanding that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living from the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")), echoing the divine principle of provision for those set apart for His service. Ultimately, the meticulous fulfillment of God's command to Moses concerning the Levites points to the perfect and complete fulfillment of all God's promises in Jesus Christ, who provides for His church and commissions them to go into [all the world, making disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

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 18:1

¶ And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

Numbers 35:8

And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.

Matthew 10:10

Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Ezekiel 48:9

The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD [shall be] of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth.

Ezekiel 48:18

And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

1 Timothy 5:17

¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.