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 meticulously records the allocation of specific cities to the families of the Kohathite Levites from the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. This verse is an integral part of the detailed account of God's faithfulness in providing for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance but were instead given cities scattered throughout Israel. This divine arrangement ensured their presence for spiritual service, instruction, and the administration of justice among all the tribes, powerfully underscoring God's meticulous order and the unwavering fulfillment of His promises to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 serves as the climactic conclusion to the extensive land distribution narrative within the Book of Joshua, which began with the general allocation to the tribes in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"). Having detailed the inheritances for the twelve territorial tribes, this chapter meticulously records the fulfillment of God's specific command to provide cities for the Levites, who were uniquely set apart for sacred service and thus received no large territorial inheritance. This particular verse, [Joshua 21:20](/joshua/21-20 "Joshua 21:20 - Kohathites Receive Cities from Ephraim"), is embedded within a comprehensive list that enumerates the cities granted to each of the three main Levitical clans—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and specifies which tribes contributed those cities. The entire chapter culminates in a powerful and triumphant affirmation of God's absolute faithfulness in fulfilling every single promise made to Israel, leaving no promise unfulfilled, as declared in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levites, as direct descendants of Levi, held a distinct and consecrated role within ancient Israelite society, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. They were uniquely appointed for priestly and Tabernacle/Temple service, tasked with mediating between God and His people ([Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5-10 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Levites Appointed for Service")). Consequently, unlike the other tribes, they were explicitly forbidden from receiving 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, mobility, and ability to fulfill their vital roles as spiritual instructors, judges, and administrators of the Law across the entire land, God commanded that 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, be given to them from the territories of the other tribes ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "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 be a means of discerning divine will. Ephraim, as one of the two prominent sons of Joseph, was a powerful and influential tribe, receiving a significant portion of land in the strategically important central hill country, making it a fitting source for Levitical cities.

* **Key Themes:** Within the broader narrative of [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities of the Levites"), this verse powerfully underscores several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous and unwavering care in fulfilling His promises to the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and purpose despite their unique inheritance status, affirming that the Lord Himself was their portion ([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, divinely guided execution of that plan by Joshua and the tribal leaders. The detailed listing of cities reflects a divinely orchestrated process, not a haphazard distribution. Thirdly, the strategic scattering of Levitical cities throughout the land underscores the theme of **Spiritual Presence and Instruction**. By placing the Levites among all the tribes, God ensured that spiritual guidance, the administration of justice, and the knowledge of His laws would be readily accessible to every Israelite, fostering a unified and God-centered nation, as they were to teach God's laws to Jacob and Israel ([Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites to Teach God's Laws")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh_):** From a root suggesting connection or kinship, this term denotes a circle of relatives, extending to a class of persons, a species, or by extension, a tribe or people. In this context, it emphasizes the specific lineage within the Kohathite clan that received these cities. It highlights the meticulous and precise nature of the land distribution, not just to the Kohathites generally, but to their distinct family units, ensuring that the divine provision reached every designated household.
* **remained (Hebrew, _yâthar_):** This primitive root means "to jut over or exceed," and by implication, "to excel," or intransitively, "to remain or be left." Causatively, it means "to leave, cause to abound, or preserve." Here, it refers to the specific portion of the Kohathite families who were designated to receive cities from Ephraim, implying a specific group within the larger Kohathite lineage that was "left" or assigned to this particular region. It speaks to the precise and exhaustive nature of the allocation, ensuring no one was overlooked.
* **lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl_):** Properly, a pebble (small stones being used for this purpose), this term figuratively refers to a portion or destiny as if determined by lot. In ancient Israel, the casting of lots was a common and divinely sanctioned method for making important decisions, believed to reveal God's sovereign will. The phrase "their lot" thus signifies that the allocation of these cities was not an arbitrary human decision but a divinely ordained arrangement, ensuring fairness, divine oversight, and God's ultimate control over the distribution of the land and provision for His people.

#### 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 precise 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 specific identification serve to emphasize the exact lineage within the tribe of Levi—the Kohathites—who were a distinct and highly important branch with unique responsibilities. It highlights the divine meticulousness of the record and the particularity in the allocation process.
* **"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 for agricultural and residential purposes, 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 and justly distributed.
* **"out of the tribe of Ephraim":** This final clause pinpoints the specific 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 and demonstrating the unity of the twelve tribes under God's overarching plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**, as it is an integral part of a comprehensive 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, precision, and the faithful fulfillment of God's commands. The **Repetition** of "children of Kohath" serves to underscore the specific identity of the recipients, ensuring absolute clarity and reinforcing the distinct lineage within the Levites, highlighting the particularity of this divine provision. While not explicitly a literary device, the underlying concept of the **Divine Passive** is strongly implied, as the phrase "had the cities of their lot" suggests that the cities were given to them by divine agency, through the casting of lots, rather than through their own acquisition or negotiation. This subtly but powerfully highlights God's sovereign hand in the entire distribution process.

### 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 entirely to God's service and a dependence on His divine care. 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 above earthly gain.

* [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/21-43-45 "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 primarily 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 that prioritize spiritual impact over material accumulation.

#### 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 my own life?**
* **In what specific ways am I called to be "scattered" as a spiritual influence in my own community or sphere of life, bringing God's presence and truth 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 collective mission of 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 declared to be their inheritance and portion, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). They were uniquely set apart for sacred service to God, responsible for the Tabernacle and later Temple duties, teaching the Law, and administering justice throughout Israel. Their provision through cities scattered among the other tribes, along with tithes and offerings from the people, 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 particular significance of the Kohathites, as mentioned in this verse, among the Levites?**

Answer: The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, alongside the Gershonites and Merarites. They held a particularly sacred and weighty responsibility within the Levitical service. 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/4-1-15 "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 and dependence on His divine economy. Christ, our great High Priest, fulfills and transcends the entire Levitical system, for He is the ultimate "inheritance" for all who believe, far surpassing any earthly portion or material gain ([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 living body of Christ, to be "salt and light" ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 6:66

And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:5

And the rest of the children of Kohath [had] by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.