Joshua 21:25
And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
And out of the half {H4276} tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519}, Tanach {H8590} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Gathrimmon {H1667} with her suburbs {H4054}; two {H8147} cities {H5892}.
Out of the half-tribe of M'nasheh: Ta'nakh with its surrounding open land and Gat-Rimmon with its surrounding open land - two cities.
And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands.
And out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs; two cities.
Cross-References
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Joshua 17:11
And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries. -
Judges 5:19
The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
Commentary
Joshua 21:25 continues the detailed record of cities allotted to the Levites from the various tribes of Israel. Specifically, this verse notes that the cities of Tanach (or Taanach) and Gathrimmon, along with their surrounding suburbs, were given to the Levites from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. This seemingly simple administrative detail underscores profound theological and historical truths about God's faithfulness and the ordered settlement of the Promised Land.
Historical and Cultural Context
The book of Joshua meticulously chronicles the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel after its conquest. Unique among the tribes, the Levites did not receive a large, contiguous territorial inheritance. Instead, as ordained by God, they were given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with their associated pasturelands. This arrangement, detailed from Joshua 21:1 onward, ensured that the Levites—who were dedicated to priestly duties, teaching the Law, and maintaining the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple)—were strategically dispersed across the nation. The half-tribe of Manasseh was significant, having received land on both sides of the Jordan River. Tanach and Gathrimmon were located in the western portion of Manasseh's territory, west of the Jordan. Tanach, in particular, was a notable city in the Jezreel Valley, often appearing in later biblical narratives as a place of military and political significance.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrash) here refers not merely to residential areas outside the city walls, but more importantly to the surrounding pasturelands. These lands were designated for the Levites' livestock, providing them with a means of sustenance since they did not receive agricultural land like the other tribes. This detail emphasizes the completeness of God's provision for those dedicated to His service.
Practical Application
While Joshua 21:25 might seem like a mere list, it carries enduring significance. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even down to the smallest details. For believers today, it encourages us to trust in God's meticulous provision for our needs as we serve Him. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service and teaching, ensuring they are adequately resourced to fulfill their calling. The overall narrative of Joshua 21, culminating in Joshua 21:45, reminds us that God's Word is true and His promises are always fulfilled.
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