Joshua 21:23

KJV

And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Dan {H1835}, Eltekeh {H514} with her suburbs {H4054}, Gibbethon {H1405} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

Out of the tribe of Dan: Elt'ke with its surrounding open land, Gib'ton with its surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon,

American Standard Version

And out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its suburbs, Gibbethon with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:23 meticulously records the allocation of two cities, Eltekeh and Gibbethon, along with their essential pasturelands, from the tribal territory of Dan to the Levites. This verse is part of a larger, detailed account in Joshua 21 that describes the faithful fulfillment of God's covenant promise to provide for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no consolidated land inheritance but were strategically distributed throughout Israel to serve as spiritual guides and upholders of the Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:23 is nestled within a highly structured and meticulous account of the distribution of cities to the Levites, following the division of the land among the other tribes of Israel. The chapter begins with the Levites approaching Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the heads of the tribes to request the cities promised to them by God through Moses ([Joshua 21:1-3](/joshua/21-1 "Joshua 21:1-3 - The Levites' Request for Cities")). The subsequent verses detail the specific cities allotted to the three Levitical families—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—from various tribes. Joshua 21:23 specifically falls within the list of cities designated for the Kohathite families, emphasizing the precise and orderly nature of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises as the entire land distribution concludes with a summary of God's faithfulness in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Fulfillment of Promises")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly and temple service, and thus did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other twelve tribes. Instead, God commanded that they be given 48 cities scattered throughout the land, each with its surrounding "suburbs" or pasturelands ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")). This unique arrangement ensured that the Levites, who were responsible for teaching the Law, administering justice, and maintaining the tabernacle/temple worship, were accessible to all Israelites, preventing spiritual drift and promoting national unity under God's covenant. The cities of Eltekeh and Gibbethon, located within the territory of Dan, illustrate this strategic dispersion, ensuring that even a tribe known for its later struggles with idolatry had a Levitical presence within its borders.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites") and specifically in [Joshua 21:23](/joshua/21-23 "Joshua 21:23 - Cities from Dan for the Levites") powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Provision**, demonstrating God's faithful and detailed fulfillment of His promises to Israel, ensuring every aspect of their national life, including the support of their spiritual leaders, was meticulously planned. Secondly, it emphasizes **Intertribal Unity and Responsibility**, as the act of various tribes, including Dan, ceding cities to the Levites fostered a sense of shared national identity and mutual dependence, with each tribe contributing to the support of the Levitical ministry for the spiritual benefit of all. Thirdly, it reinforces **The Centrality of Levitical Ministry**, showcasing how the strategic distribution of Levites throughout the land ensured the accessibility of spiritual instruction, justice, and the knowledge of God's laws, preventing spiritual decay and promoting covenant obedience across the entire nation, as God had commanded in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Teaching Role")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash'_):** This term is often misunderstood in modern translations. It does not refer to residential areas outside a city, but specifically to the common pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities. These "suburbs" were crucial for the sustenance of the Levites, providing grazing land for their livestock, which was a primary source of their livelihood, as they did not engage in agriculture like the other tribes. The precise definition of these lands (1,000 cubits out from the city wall, with an additional 2,000 cubits for fields and vineyards) is detailed in [Numbers 35:4-5](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs"), emphasizing God's meticulous provision for their needs.
* **Dan (Hebrew, _dan'_):** The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, initially allotted territory on the Mediterranean coast. Their inheritance, however, proved difficult to secure, leading them to migrate northward later in Israel's history [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - The Migration of Dan"). The inclusion of cities from Dan in the Levitical allocation, despite their future struggles and eventual fall into idolatry, highlights the comprehensive and equitable nature of God's initial distribution plan, ensuring Levitical presence even in areas that would later deviate from the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Dan,"**: This opening phrase specifies the source of the cities, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Levitical allocation. It underscores that every tribe contributed to the support of the Levites, demonstrating a national, unified effort in upholding God's covenant and providing for His chosen servants. This detail highlights God's meticulous plan for the entire nation.
* **"Eltekeh with her suburbs,"**: Eltekeh was one of the cities designated for the Kohathite Levites. The inclusion of "her suburbs" (pasturelands) is vital, as it indicates the provision of essential resources for the Levites' livelihood. Without these lands, the Levites would have struggled to sustain themselves and their families, hindering their ability to fulfill their spiritual duties. This phrase underscores God's holistic care.
* **"Gibbethon with her suburbs,"**: Similar to Eltekeh, Gibbethon was another city from the tribe of Dan allotted to the Kohathite Levites, also with its accompanying pasturelands. The repetition of "with her suburbs" reinforces the crucial nature of these lands for the Levites' economic well-being and their ability to perform their sacred service. The listing of specific cities emphasizes the tangible fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:23, like the entire chapter, employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**, which are common in administrative and legal texts of the ancient Near East. This precise listing of cities and their associated tribes serves to document the faithful fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical inheritance. The repetitive phrase "with her suburbs" functions as a form of **Anaphora** or simple **Repetition**, emphasizing the critical importance of the pasturelands for the Levites' sustenance. The entire chapter, including this verse, also serves as a powerful example of **Fulfillment Literature**, demonstrating how God's promises made through Moses are meticulously brought to pass under Joshua's leadership. The administrative tone throughout the chapter lends an air of **Verisimilitude** and **Authority** to the narrative, underscoring the divine order and precision in the land's distribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:23, though a seemingly simple list, is profoundly theological. It testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people and His appointed servants. The systematic allocation of cities to the Levites across all tribal territories illustrates God's commitment to ensuring spiritual instruction and oversight were accessible to every corner of Israel. This arrangement also highlights the principle of corporate responsibility within the covenant community, where each tribe contributed to the well-being of those dedicated to God's service. It underscores that spiritual leadership requires material support, enabling those called to ministry to focus on their divine mandate without undue worldly distractions, a principle that echoes throughout biblical history.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Deuteronomy 12:18-19](/deuteronomy/12-18 "Deuteronomy 12:18-19 - Care for the Levite")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Supporting Laborers in the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:23 invites us to reflect on God's character and our role in His kingdom today. Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement for the spiritual health of the nation, so too does He remain faithful to supply the needs of His people and His church in every age. We are called to trust in His sovereign provision, recognizing that His plans are always perfect and comprehensive. Furthermore, this passage challenges us to consider our own stewardship and generosity. The tribes of Israel, including Dan, willingly shared their inheritance for the greater spiritual good of the nation. This serves as a powerful model for believers today, urging us to contribute our resources—time, talents, and finances—to support those who minister God's Word and serve His church, enabling them to fulfill their calling effectively and ensuring the spread of the gospel and the spiritual nourishment of communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:23 deepen your trust in His provision for your own life and ministry?**
* **In what ways can you, as a member of God's people, actively participate in supporting those who minister God's Word and serve the church today?**
* **What does the intertribal sharing of land for the Levites teach us about unity and shared responsibility within the body of Christ?**
* **How does the strategic placement of the Levites relate to the church's mission to be a light in the world, scattered yet effective?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Levites given cities instead of a consolidated tribal territory like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites were set apart by God for special service related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the offerings of Israel, rather than a specific land territory ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead of a single territory, God commanded that they be given 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs"), scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This strategic distribution served several crucial purposes: it ensured the Levites were accessible to all Israelites for teaching the Law, administering justice, and leading worship, thus preventing spiritual ignorance and promoting national unity and obedience to the covenant. It also underscored that their primary identity and sustenance came from their service to God, not from agricultural pursuits.

**What was the significance of the "suburbs" mentioned alongside the cities like Eltekeh and Gibbethon?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) were not residential areas but specifically designated common pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities. These lands were absolutely vital for the Levites' livelihood, as they were not allotted agricultural land. The "suburbs" provided grazing for their livestock, which was a primary source of their sustenance. The precise dimensions of these pasturelands were even specified by God ([Numbers 35:4-5](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs")), demonstrating God's meticulous care and provision for His servants. Without these lands, the Levites would have faced significant economic hardship, hindering their ability to focus on their sacred duties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:23, with its meticulous detail of cities given to the Levites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Levitical system, with its priests and scattered cities, foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who did not receive an earthly inheritance but became the inheritance for all believers. Just as the Levites were strategically distributed to bring the knowledge of God and His Law to all Israel, so too is the church, the body of Christ, now scattered throughout the world, serving 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 us out of darkness. Christ Himself is our ultimate provision, our "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the one who sustains us in every way. The Old Testament pattern of the tribes supporting the Levites points to the New Testament principle of the church supporting those called to full-time ministry, ensuring the gospel can be freely proclaimed and the body of Christ nourished, all made possible by the once-for-all sacrifice and eternal priesthood of Jesus, who has entered into the true heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of Good Things to Come")).

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 19:44

And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

Joshua 19:45

And Jehud, and Beneberak, and Gathrimmon,