Joshua 21:2

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Joshua 21:2 marks a crucial moment in the settlement of the land of Canaan, detailing the Levites' petition for their designated cities. After the other eleven tribes had received their territorial inheritances, the Levites, who had no large land portion, reminded the leaders of God's specific instructions concerning their livelihood.

Context

This verse opens the account of the allocation of cities to the tribe of Levi. Following the division of the land among the other Israelite tribes (chapters 13-20), the Levites, who were set apart for priestly and tabernacle service, came forward. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, as the LORD Himself was their inheritance. Their role required them to be dispersed throughout Israel to serve and teach. The request was made at Shiloh, which had become the central place of worship and the location of the tabernacle (Joshua 18:1), indicating a formal and public appeal to Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the tribes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Obedience: The verse underscores God's meticulous planning and faithfulness to His word, as the request for cities was based on a command given through Moses decades earlier. It also highlights Israel's eventual obedience in fulfilling these ancient divine decrees.
  • Provision for Ministry: God's command to provide the Levites with cities and pasture lands ensured that those dedicated to His service were adequately cared for. This allowed them to focus on their spiritual duties, teaching the law, and ministering at the tabernacle without the burden of cultivating land.
  • Scattered Spiritual Influence: By receiving cities scattered throughout all the tribal territories, the Levites were strategically positioned to be a spiritual influence, offering instruction, judgment, and priestly service to the entire nation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrash) refers not merely to residential outskirts but specifically to the designated pasture lands surrounding the Levitical cities. These were essential for their cattle, which provided sustenance and a means of livelihood, as the Levites were not engaged in agriculture like the other tribes. This term implies a specific, measured area allocated for their needs, as detailed in Numbers 35:2-5.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:2 reminds us that God always provides for those He calls to serve Him, ensuring they have the necessary resources to fulfill their mission. It also teaches the importance of remembering and acting upon God's commands, even if their fulfillment is delayed. For believers today, it encourages supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry, recognizing their vital role in the community and the Body of Christ. Just as the Levites were distributed to serve all Israel, believers are called to be a spiritual influence in their respective communities, living out their faith and sharing God's truth.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 18:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 48:9 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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