Joshua 21:25

KJV

And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

And out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs; two cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:25 is a precise record of two cities, Tanach and Gathrimmon, along with their surrounding pasturelands, that were allotted to the Levites from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. This seemingly administrative detail is part of a larger, meticulous account of the land distribution in Canaan, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel and His divine wisdom in establishing an ordered system for the spiritual and administrative well-being of His people through the dispersed presence of the Levites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:25 is situated within the latter half of the book of Joshua, specifically in the detailed account of the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the initial conquest and the general allocation of territories, chapters 13-19 meticulously describe the tribal inheritances. Chapter 20 then details the cities of refuge, and chapter 21, where our verse resides, provides the exhaustive list of the 48 cities given to the Levites from the territories of all the other tribes. This chapter is a testament to the fulfillment of God's commands given in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites") regarding the Levites' inheritance. Verse 25, therefore, is not an isolated statement but a specific entry in a comprehensive divine ledger, affirming the completion of a significant phase in Israel's settlement and the meticulous care with which God orchestrated their national life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their forty-year wilderness wandering, culminating in the conquest and settlement of Canaan, roughly around 1400-1200 BC. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites, descendants of Levi, were consecrated for priestly and temple service and were explicitly excluded from receiving a contiguous territorial inheritance (cf. [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that they be given 48 cities scattered throughout Israel, along with their "suburbs" or pasturelands. This unique arrangement ensured that the spiritual leaders and teachers of the Law were geographically accessible to all tribes, facilitating national unity and adherence to the covenant. The half-tribe of Manasseh, particularly its western portion where Tanach and Gathrimmon were located, held strategic importance in the fertile Jezreel Valley, a region often contested in later biblical history.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Levitical Cities and Fulfillment"), including verse 25, powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, not only to Abraham regarding the land but also to Levi regarding their sustenance and role. Every city listed is a tangible sign of God's detailed care for His people. Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Organization**, reflecting the divine wisdom in establishing a structured society. The systematic allocation of cities, ensuring the Levites' presence across the land, speaks to God's desire for a well-ordered nation, not one left to chaos. Finally, it profoundly illustrates **The Role of the Levites** as spiritual anchors. Their dispersion meant that instruction in God's Law, judicial guidance, and access to priestly service were readily available to all tribes, fostering a unified national identity centered on the worship of Yahweh and obedience to His commands (cf. [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Teaching Role")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Half (Hebrew, _machătsîyth'_):** This term (H4276) refers to a "halving" or "middle," precisely indicating the portion of the tribe of Manasseh that settled west of the Jordan River. Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, uniquely received territory on both sides of the Jordan (cf. [Joshua 13:29-31](/joshua/13-29 "Joshua 13:29-31 - Manasseh's Inheritance East of Jordan") and [Joshua 17:1-13](/joshua/17-1 "Joshua 17:1-13 - Manasseh's Inheritance West of Jordan")). The specification of "half" here precisely locates the source of these two cities within the larger tribal allocation, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the land distribution.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** This crucial term (H4054) does not merely mean residential areas outside the city walls but specifically refers to the surrounding open country or pasturelands designated for the Levites' livestock. These lands were essential for their sustenance, as the Levites did not receive agricultural land for farming like the other tribes. This detail underscores the completeness of God's provision, ensuring that those dedicated to His service had the necessary resources to live and carry out their duties.
* **Cities (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This word (H5892) denotes a "city" or "town," often implying a guarded or watched place. In the context of Joshua 21, the mention of "cities" highlights the specific urban centers, along with their associated pasturelands, that were allocated to the Levites. The precise naming and counting of these cities throughout the chapter attest to the divine order and the meticulous fulfillment of God's detailed instructions for the settlement of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the half tribe of Manasseh,":** This opening phrase precisely identifies the tribal territory from which the following cities were drawn. It highlights the systematic and comprehensive nature of the Levite city allocation, ensuring that each tribe contributed cities to support the spiritual infrastructure of the nation. The specification of the "half tribe" points to the western portion of Manasseh's land, west of the Jordan River.
* **"Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs;":** This clause names the two specific cities and their associated pasturelands. Tanach (or Taanach) was a significant city in the Jezreel Valley, often mentioned in later biblical narratives (e.g., [Judges 5:19](/judges/5-19 "Judges 5:19 - Battle at Taanach")). Gathrimmon, though less frequently mentioned, was also a Levitical city. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" emphasizes that not just the city proper but also the vital surrounding pasturelands were included in the allocation, ensuring the Levites' complete provision.
* **"two cities.":** This concluding phrase serves as a numerical summary for the preceding list, confirming that exactly two cities were designated from this particular half-tribe. This consistent pattern throughout Joshua 21 reinforces the meticulous record-keeping and the exact fulfillment of God's command regarding the 48 Levitical cities. It acts as a divine accounting, leaving no doubt about the completeness of the task.

#### Literary Devices
While Joshua 21:25 is primarily an administrative record, it employs several subtle literary devices that enhance its impact and underscore its theological significance. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse is part of a comprehensive list of cities. This systematic listing throughout [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Levitical Cities") conveys a sense of divine order, thoroughness, and the complete fulfillment of God's promises. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" alongside each city name (e.g., "Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs") serves to emphasize the completeness of the provision for the Levites, highlighting that not just the urban centers but also the essential pasturelands for their livestock were included. This repetition reinforces the meticulous nature of God's planning and provision. Furthermore, the overall **Precision** and specificity of the geographical and tribal details (e.g., "half tribe of Manasseh," specific city names) lend an air of historical authenticity and divine exactitude to the narrative, affirming that God's promises are fulfilled with absolute accuracy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:25, as a single entry in a lengthy list, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness and the divine order He establishes for His people. It is a testament to the fact that God's promises are not vague generalities but detailed commitments, fulfilled with precision down to the allocation of specific cities and their pasturelands. This passage underscores that God is a God of order, who provides for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their sustenance and enabling them to fulfill their spiritual mandate among the tribes. The dispersion of the Levites throughout the land, facilitated by such allocations, ensured that the knowledge of God's Law and access to spiritual guidance were accessible to all, fostering national unity and spiritual health. This divine provision for the Levites foreshadows God's care for His servants in all ages, reminding us that those who faithfully serve Him will be sustained.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command to Provide Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promise Fulfilled")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision for Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 21:25 might appear as a mere administrative detail, its inclusion in the inspired text carries profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail and unwavering faithfulness. If He meticulously oversaw the allocation of every city and its surrounding pastureland to ensure the Levites were provided for and strategically positioned, how much more does He care for the intricate details of our lives and callings? This verse encourages us to trust in God's comprehensive provision, knowing that He is attentive to our needs as we seek to serve Him. It also highlights the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, teaching, and ministry, ensuring they are adequately resourced to fulfill their divine mandate, just as the tribes provided for the Levites. Ultimately, this passage calls us to reflect on the divine order in our own lives, trusting that God's plan, though sometimes detailed and seemingly mundane, is always purposeful and perfectly executed for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:25 encourage your trust in His care for your own life and needs?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers today, emulate the ancient Israelites' commitment to supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership and teaching roles?**
* **What "details" in your life, which might seem insignificant, could God be using to fulfill a larger purpose or promise?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Levites receive cities instead of a tribal territory, and what was the purpose of their dispersion?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a contiguous tribal territory like the other eleven tribes because they were uniquely set apart by God for sacred service. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). Instead of land for agriculture, they were given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands (their "suburbs"). The purpose of this dispersion was multifaceted and highly strategic. Firstly, it ensured that the spiritual leaders, teachers of the Law, and those responsible for the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) were accessible to all Israelites, regardless of their tribal affiliation or geographical location. This facilitated the uniform teaching of God's Law, the administration of justice, and the maintenance of spiritual purity across the entire nation. Secondly, their presence among all tribes fostered national unity, reminding everyone of God's covenant and their shared identity as His people. Finally, it underscored the principle that God's servants are to be sustained by the community they serve, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between those who minister spiritually and those who support them materially, as seen in [Deuteronomy 14:27-29](/deuteronomy/14-27-29 "Deuteronomy 14:27-29 - Provision for Levites and Sojourners").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:25, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement throughout Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The Levites, as mediators, teachers, and guardians of the Mosaic Law, foreshadowed the perfect and ultimate High Priest, Jesus, who did not inherit an earthly territory but whose "inheritance" is the salvation of His people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (cf. [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Just as the Levites were dispersed to bring God's presence and instruction to all tribes, Christ's ministry extends to all nations, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and uniting all believers in one body (cf. [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers")). Furthermore, God's detailed provision for the Levites in their cities and suburbs points to Christ as the one who provides all things for His New Covenant people, the Church. We, as believers, are a "royal priesthood" (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness. Christ not only provides for our spiritual sustenance through His Word and Spirit but also ensures our eternal inheritance, a "city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (cf. [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - The City with Foundations")). Thus, the ancient allocation of cities to the Levites ultimately points to the comprehensive and eternal provision found in Jesus, our High Priest and the Giver of all good things.

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 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.