Joshua 21:21

For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,

For they gave {H5414} them Shechem {H7927} with her suburbs {H4054} in mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, to be a city {H5892} of refuge {H4733} for the slayer {H7523}; and Gezer {H1507} with her suburbs {H4054},

they gave them: Sh'khem with its surrounding open land, in the hills of Efrayim, the city of refuge for the killer; Gezer with its surrounding open land;

From the tribe of Ephraim they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer,

And they gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill-country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs,

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 21:21

Joshua 21:21 details part of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the allocation of cities to the tribe of Levi. This verse highlights two significant cities, Shechem and Gezer, given to the Kohathite families of the Levites.

Context

The book of Joshua chronicles Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Chapters 13-19 describe the division of the land among the twelve tribes. However, the tribe of Levi, consecrated for priestly and temple service, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 18:20). Instead, God ordained that they would receive 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with their surrounding pasturelands (Joshua 21:2). This arrangement ensured the Levites were accessible to all Israelites for spiritual guidance and instruction in God's law.

Among these Levitical cities, six were designated as cities of refuge. Shechem, located in Mount Ephraim, is specifically named here as one such city. These cities served a crucial role in Israelite jurisprudence, providing asylum for individuals who had accidentally caused another's death, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could be held (Deuteronomy 19:4).

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Provision: This verse underscores God's meticulous planning for the settlement of Israel and the provision for the Levites. Even without a traditional land inheritance, their needs were met through the generosity and obedience of the other tribes, ensuring their vital spiritual function.
  • Justice and Mercy: The designation of Shechem as a "city of refuge" exemplifies the balance between justice and mercy in God's law. While intentional murder was met with strict retribution, accidental killing was distinguished, offering a path for sanctuary and a fair legal process, preventing retaliatory violence.
  • Centrality of Spiritual Leadership: By scattering the Levitical cities throughout Israel, God ensured that spiritual instruction and knowledge of His law were accessible to all tribes, reinforcing the Levites' critical role in the nation's spiritual life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "city of refuge" translates from the Hebrew 'arei miklat (ืขึธืจึตื™ ืžึดืงึฐืœึธื˜), literally meaning "cities of asylum" or "cities of reception." This term highlights their function as places of safe harbor and protection for those seeking refuge from immediate danger, emphasizing the legal and compassionate aspect of their purpose.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:21 reminds us of several enduring principles:

  • God's Detailed Care: Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites and established a system of justice and mercy for Israel, He continues to work out His purposes in our lives with precision and care.
  • Balance of Justice and Grace: The concept of cities of refuge illustrates that God's justice is not arbitrary but discerning, offering grace and a path to reconciliation even in difficult circumstances. This foreshadows the ultimate refuge found in Christ for those who unintentionally (or even intentionally, through repentance) offend God's law (Hebrews 6:18).
  • Importance of Community and Support: The Levites' dependence on other tribes for their cities highlights the interdependence within God's people. We are called to support and serve one another, especially those dedicated to spiritual leadership and instruction.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 20:7

    ยถ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

  • 1 Kings 9:15

    ยถ And this [is] the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

  • 1 Kings 9:17

    And Solomon built Gezer, and Bethhoron the nether,

  • Genesis 33:19

    And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.

  • Joshua 16:10

    And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

  • Judges 9:1

    ยถ And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

  • 1 Kings 12:1

    ยถ And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
โ† Back