Joshua 21:23

Joshua 21:23 lists two cities, Eltekeh and Gibbethon, along with their surrounding pasturelands, which were given to the Levites out of the territory of the tribe of Dan. This verse is part of a larger detailed account in Joshua 21, describing the meticulous distribution of cities to the Levites throughout the twelve tribes of Israel.

Context

The book of Joshua chronicles Israel's conquest and settlement of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership. Chapter 21 is pivotal, detailing the fulfillment of God's command regarding the Levites. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a consolidated territorial inheritance because "the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance" (Numbers 18:20). Instead, they were allotted 48 cities, along with their "suburbs" (pasturelands), strategically spread across the tribal lands. This ensured that the Levites, who served as spiritual teachers, judges, and guardians of the Mosaic Law, were accessible to all Israelites. Eltekeh and Gibbethon were specifically designated for the Kohathite families within the Levite clan, who were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's most sacred items.

Key Themes

• Divine Order and Provision: This verse, like the rest of Joshua 21, powerfully illustrates God's faithful and meticulous provision for His people and His servants. Every detail of the land distribution, including these specific cities from Dan, highlights God's perfect plan and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to Israel.
• Intertribal Unity and Responsibility: The act of various tribes, including Dan, ceding cities to the Levites demonstrates the interconnectedness and shared responsibility among the tribes of Israel. It fostered national unity, as each tribe contributed to the support of the Levitical ministry, which benefited the entire nation spiritually.
• The Role of the Levites: By scattering the Levites throughout the land, God ensured that spiritual instruction, justice, and the knowledge of His laws were readily available to all Israelites, preventing spiritual drift and promoting obedience to the covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The term "suburbs" in KJV (Hebrew: migrash, מִגְרָשׁ) is crucial for understanding the provision for the Levites. It does not refer to residential areas outside a city, as commonly understood today. Instead, it denotes the common pasture lands surrounding the city, essential for grazing the Levites' livestock. These lands were vital for their sustenance, as their primary income came from tithes and offerings rather than agriculture.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:23, though seemingly a simple list of cities, offers profound lessons for believers today:

• God's Faithfulness in Provision: Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, He remains faithful to supply the needs of His people today. We can trust in His provision for our lives and ministries.
• Supporting Spiritual Leadership: The principle of the tribes providing for the Levites underscores the ongoing importance of supporting those who minister God's Word and serve His church. This support enables them to focus on their calling without undue worldly distractions.
• Stewardship and Sharing: The example of the tribes sharing their inheritance for the greater spiritual good encourages us to be good stewards of our resources and to share them generously to advance God's kingdom and support His work in the world.