Joshua 21:20

KJV

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the families {H4940} of the children {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}, the Levites {H3881} which remained {H3498} of the children {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}, even they had the cities {H5892} of their lot {H1486} out of the tribe {H4294} of Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The families of the descendants of K'hat, who were L'vi'im, that is, the rest of the descendants of K'hat, received the cities of their lot. Out of the tribe of Efrayim

Berean Standard Bible

The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities:

American Standard Version

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:20 details the specific allocation of cities to the families of the Kohathite Levites from the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. This verse is part of a meticulous account of God's faithfulness in providing for the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance but were instead given cities scattered throughout Israel to ensure their presence for spiritual service and instruction among all the tribes. It underscores divine order and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 stands as the culmination of the land distribution narrative in the Book of Joshua. Following the allocation of territories to the other Israelite tribes (Joshua 13-19), this chapter meticulously records the fulfillment of God's command to provide cities for the Levites, who were set apart for sacred service and thus received no territorial inheritance like their brethren. This specific verse, [Joshua 21:20](/joshua/21-20 "Joshua 21:20 - Kohathites Receive Cities from Ephraim"), is part of a detailed list enumerating the cities given to each of the three main Levitical clans—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and specifying which tribes contributed those cities. The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's absolute faithfulness in fulfilling every promise made to Israel ([Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levites, descendants of Levi, were uniquely consecrated for priestly and temple service, as outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites Appointed for Service")). Unlike the other tribes, they were not to receive a territorial inheritance in Canaan; instead, "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Lord is the Inheritance of Levi")). To ensure their sustenance and their ability to fulfill their roles as spiritual instructors, judges, and administrators of the Law throughout the land, God commanded that 48 cities, along with their pasturelands, be given to them from the territories of the other tribes ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")). The allocation of these cities, often determined by the casting of lots, was a common practice in the ancient Near East, believed to reveal divine will. Ephraim, as one of the two sons of Joseph, was a prominent and influential tribe, receiving a significant portion of land in the central hill country, making it a fitting source for Levitical cities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities of the Levites"), powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises to the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and purpose despite their unique inheritance status ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Organization**, showcasing God's precise and systematic plan for the settlement of Israel and the careful execution of that plan by Joshua and the tribal leaders. The detailed listing of cities reflects a divinely guided process, not a haphazard distribution. Thirdly, the scattering of Levitical cities throughout the land underscores the theme of **Spiritual Presence and Instruction**. By strategically placing the Levites among all the tribes, God ensured that spiritual guidance, the administration of justice, and the knowledge of His laws would be accessible to every Israelite, fostering a unified and God-centered nation ([Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites to Teach God's Laws")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qəhāṯ_):** The name of one of Levi's three sons (along with Gershon and Merari). The descendants of Kohath, known as the Kohathites, held a particularly sacred and weighty responsibility in the Tabernacle service. They were uniquely tasked with carrying the most holy vessels and furnishings of the sanctuary, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars, whenever the Tabernacle was moved ([Numbers 4:1-15](/numbers/4-1 "Numbers 4:1-15 - Duties of the Kohathites")). Their cities were strategically placed to support this vital role.
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lēwī_):** Refers to the entire tribe descended from Levi, set apart by God for special service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the other tribes who received territorial inheritances, the Levites were designated as God's own special possession, serving as priests, teachers, musicians, and guardians of the Law. Their provision through cities and tithes underscored their dependence on God and the support of the other tribes.
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôrāl_):** This term refers to the method by which the cities were distributed. The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient Israel, understood as a means by which God's sovereign will was revealed in decisions of critical importance, such as land allocation ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot Is Cast Into the Lap")). The phrase "their lot" emphasizes that the allocation of these cities was not a human arbitrary decision but a divinely ordained arrangement, ensuring fairness and God's ultimate control over the distribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath":** This opening phrase meticulously identifies the specific recipients of the cities. It first names "the families of the children of Kohath," then clarifies "the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath." This repetition and specification serve to emphasize the precise lineage within the tribe of Levi—the Kohathites—who were a distinct and important branch. It highlights the meticulousness of the record and the divine particularity in the allocation.
* **"even they had the cities of their lot":** This clause describes the nature of their inheritance. Unlike the other tribes who received large tracts of land, the Kohathites (and all Levites) received specific "cities." The phrase "of their lot" signifies that these cities were assigned through a process involving the casting of lots, indicating divine oversight and approval in their distribution. It underscores that their provision was not haphazard but divinely ordained.
* **"out of the tribe of Ephraim":** This final clause pinpoints the source of the cities allocated to this particular branch of the Levites. The tribe of Ephraim, a prominent and powerful tribe descended from Joseph, contributed cities from its territory to the Kohathites. This detail illustrates the inter-tribal cooperation and the fulfillment of God's command for the other tribes to support the Levites, ensuring their presence and ministry throughout the land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**, as it is part of a detailed list within [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities of the Levites") that systematically records the cities given to each Levitical clan. This meticulous listing emphasizes the divine order and the precise fulfillment of God's commands. The **Repetition** of "children of Kohath" serves to underscore the specific identity of the recipients, ensuring clarity and reinforcing the distinct lineage within the Levites. While not explicitly a literary device, the underlying concept of the **Divine Passive** is present, as the phrase "had the cities of their lot" implies that the cities were given to them by divine agency, through the casting of lots, rather than through their own acquisition or negotiation. This highlights God's sovereign hand in the distribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:20, in its precise detailing of the Kohathite Levites' inheritance, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service. The Levites, without a land inheritance, found their portion in the Lord and were sustained by the offerings of the people, symbolizing a life consecrated to God's service. Their strategic placement throughout Israel ensured that the knowledge of God's law and the practice of justice were accessible to all, fostering a unified nation centered on the Lord. This divine arrangement demonstrates that God's care extends to every detail of His people's lives and that His plan is one of order, purpose, and abundant provision for those who prioritize His kingdom.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - Levites Have No Inheritance")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Levites' inheritance in Joshua 21:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement for spiritual influence, so too does He promise to provide for those who dedicate their lives to His service, though His provision may not always align with worldly expectations of wealth or territorial gain. This verse challenges us to consider our own "inheritance" – is it earthly possessions, or is it the Lord Himself and the privilege of serving Him? We are called to be "salt and light" in our communities, strategically placed by God's providence to share His truth and embody His love, much like the Levites were scattered to bring God's presence and instruction to all Israel. Our trust in God's faithfulness should empower us to embrace our unique calling, knowing that His plan for our lives is always best, even when it involves unconventional paths of provision and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites, despite their lack of land, challenge my understanding of true security and inheritance?**
* **In what ways am I called to be "scattered" as a spiritual influence in my own community or sphere of life, bringing God's presence to those around me?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of order, intentionality, and divine guidance in fulfilling God's purposes in my personal life and in the church?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance because the Lord Himself was their inheritance and portion, as stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). They were set apart for sacred service to God, responsible for the Tabernacle/Temple duties, teaching the Law, and administering justice. Their provision through cities scattered among the other tribes, along with tithes and offerings, ensured their sustenance while allowing them to fulfill their unique spiritual role across all of Israel, making God's presence and instruction accessible to everyone.

**What was the significance of the Kohathites specifically, as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, and they had a particularly sacred and weighty responsibility. Their unique duty was to carry the most holy articles of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars, whenever the Tabernacle was moved ([Numbers 4:1-15](/numbers/4-1 "Numbers 4:1-15 - Duties of the Kohathites")). This made their specific placement and provision crucial for the spiritual health and mobility of the nation, as they were the custodians of the most sacred symbols of God's presence among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:20, detailing the divine provision for the Kohathite Levites, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The Levites, without an earthly land inheritance, found their portion in the Lord and were sustained by the offerings of the people, symbolizing a life consecrated to God's service. Christ, our great High Priest, fulfills and transcends the entire Levitical system. He is the ultimate "inheritance" for all who believe, far surpassing any earthly portion ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Just as the Levites were scattered among the tribes to bring God's presence and teach His Law, so too are believers in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, strategically "scattered" throughout the world as the body of Christ, to be "salt and light" ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light"))—proclaiming the truth of the Gospel and embodying God's love. Our "lot" is no longer a physical city, but a spiritual dwelling in Christ, who has secured for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). He is the true 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")), fulfilling the sacrificial system the Levites served, and through Him, we receive not just cities, but eternal life and a place in God's eternal kingdom.

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.