Joshua 21:26

KJV

All the cities [were] ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the cities {H5892} were ten {H6235} with their suburbs {H4054} for the families {H4940} of the children {H1121} of Kohath {H6955} that remained {H3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the cities of the families of the rest of the descendants of K'hat numbered ten with their surrounding open land.

Berean Standard Bible

In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans.

American Standard Version

All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with their suburbs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:26 concludes the specific enumeration of cities allocated to the non-priestly families of the Kohathites, a major division within the tribe of Levi. This verse precisely states that these particular Kohathite families received a total of ten cities along with their surrounding pasturelands, known as suburbs. It marks the culmination of a detailed process of land distribution, underscoring God's meticulous faithfulness in providing for His consecrated servants and fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:26 is situated within a highly structured and detailed chapter that meticulously records the fulfillment of God's command to provide dwelling places for the Levites. Unlike the other eleven tribes, who received large territorial inheritances, the Levites were designated for priestly and spiritual service and were therefore distributed throughout the land. Chapters [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites") detail the allocation of Cities of Refuge and Levitical cities, respectively. Within [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), the cities are first assigned to the priestly descendants of Aaron (also Kohathites) in [Joshua 21:9-19](/joshua/21-9 "Joshua 21:9-19 - Cities for the Priests"). Following this, [Joshua 21:20-26](/joshua/21-20 "Joshua 21:20-26 - Cities for the Remaining Kohathites") specifically lists the cities for the remaining Kohathite families, culminating in the summary statement of verse 26. This precise enumeration highlights the orderly and complete nature of Israel's settlement and God's provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a unique arrangement rooted in Mosaic Law, particularly as outlined in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge"). The Levites, consecrated for service to God, did not receive a tribal land inheritance in the same manner as the other tribes, as "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Lord as Levi's Inheritance")). Instead, they were given 48 cities, each with its surrounding "suburbs" (pasturelands for their livestock), distributed among the other tribes. This dispersion ensured their presence throughout the nation, enabling them to fulfill their duties as teachers of the Law, judges, and spiritual guides, thereby maintaining the spiritual health and unity of Israel. The Kohathites, one of the three main Levitical clans (along with Gershonites and Merarites), held the significant responsibility of carrying the most sacred elements of the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, during the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathite Duties")). Their strategic placement throughout the land underscored their ongoing role in Israel's spiritual life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), powerfully reinforces several core themes. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises to Israel, not only in granting them the land but also in providing for those dedicated to His service, as promised in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Structure**, showcasing the detailed organization God established for His people, ensuring every tribe and family had its rightful place and provision. The precise enumeration of cities underscores God's intentionality and precision. Thirdly, it speaks to **Levitical Responsibility and Spiritual Nurturing**, as the dispersion of the Levites throughout the land positioned them as spiritual anchors, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice, crucial for the spiritual vitality and unity of the twelve tribes. This arrangement ensured that God's word and presence were accessible throughout the nation, preventing spiritual decay and promoting righteousness, echoing the broader purpose of the covenant as seen in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levi's Role in Teaching").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cities (עָרִים, _‘arim'_):** This plural noun refers to fortified settlements or towns. In the context of the Levitical cities, these were not merely dwelling places but strategic centers from which the Levites could perform their duties. The fact that they were "cities" implies a degree of infrastructure and population, making them suitable bases for spiritual and judicial administration.
* **Suburbs (מִגְרָשֶׁיהָ, _migrasheyha'_):** This term refers to the open pasturelands or common lands surrounding the Levitical cities. According to [Numbers 35:4-5](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs"), these suburbs extended 1,000 cubits (approx. 1,500 feet) from the city wall in every direction, providing grazing land for their livestock and space for their tents or temporary dwellings. The inclusion of suburbs was crucial for the Levites' sustenance, as they did not have large agricultural territories like the other tribes.
* **Kohath (קְהָת, _qehath'_):** Kohath was the second son of Levi, and his descendants formed one of the three major divisions of the Levites ([Genesis 46:11](/genesis/46-11 "Genesis 46:11 - Sons of Levi")). The Kohathites were uniquely responsible for carrying the most sacred vessels of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars, during Israel's wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathite Duties")). This verse distinguishes between the priestly Kohathites (descendants of Aaron, who received their cities earlier in [Joshua 21:13-19](/joshua/21-13 "Joshua 21:13-19 - Cities for Aaron's Descendants")) and the "remaining" Kohathites, who were non-priestly but still vital to the Levitical service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the cities [were] ten":** This phrase provides a precise numerical summary of the cities allocated to this specific group of Kohathites. Following a detailed list of individual cities in the preceding verses ([Joshua 21:20-25](/joshua/21-20 "Joshua 21:20-25 - Cities for the Remaining Kohathites")), this summation confirms the exact count, emphasizing the meticulous fulfillment of God's command. The number "ten" signifies completeness and order within this specific allocation.
* **"with their suburbs":** This clause highlights that the provision for the Levites was not just the cities themselves but also the essential surrounding pasturelands. These suburbs were critical for their economic well-being, allowing them to keep livestock, which was a primary source of sustenance given their lack of agricultural land. This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision.
* **"for the families of the children of Kohath that remained":** This specifies the recipients of these ten cities. The phrase "that remained" distinguishes these Kohathite families from the priestly Kohathites (descendants of Aaron), who had already received their cities. It clarifies that this allocation completes the provision for the non-priestly Kohathite clans, ensuring every segment of Levi was provided for according to God's detailed plan.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:26 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Summation**, serving as a final tally for the specific group of Kohathites. This precise numerical accounting underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levitical cities. The chapter as a whole, and this verse specifically, contributes to the **Fulfillment Motif** prevalent throughout the book of Joshua, demonstrating that God is faithful to His promises and that every detail of His covenant with Israel is brought to fruition. The structured listing of cities for different Levitical families throughout [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites") also exhibits **Structural Parallelism**, reinforcing the orderly and comprehensive nature of the land distribution, reflecting the divine blueprint for the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:26, though a seemingly simple numerical summary, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people, particularly those consecrated for His service. The precise allocation of cities, down to the specific number for each Levitical family, illustrates God's commitment to order, justice, and the well-being of His covenant community. It underscores the principle that those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry are to be supported by the community, allowing them to focus on their divine calling without being burdened by the need to acquire land or sustenance. This divine blueprint for the Levites ensured the spiritual health of the entire nation, as these dispersed servants would teach God's Law and administer justice throughout Israel.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Command to provide Levitical cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "The Lord is Levi's inheritance")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "God's faithfulness in fulfilling all promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:26 invites us to reflect on the nature of divine provision and the importance of supporting those in spiritual service. Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement for ministry, so too does He care for His servants today. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, and His plans are always brought to fruition. For us, it encourages trust in His provision, not just for material needs but for every aspect of our lives and callings. It also challenges the church to consider how it supports those called to full-time ministry, recognizing the biblical precedent for the community of faith to enable spiritual leaders to focus on their divine mandate. Ultimately, it reinforces the truth that God's faithfulness is comprehensive, extending to the smallest details of His covenant promises and His care for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:26 encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can the modern church emulate the biblical principle of supporting those dedicated to spiritual ministry, as seen in the provision for the Levites?**
* **What does the detailed fulfillment of God's promises in this chapter, including the specific number of cities, teach us about God's character and His commitment to His word?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Levites not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance in the same way as the other eleven tribes because the Lord Himself was declared to be their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is Levi's inheritance")). Instead of land, they were consecrated for direct service to God, performing duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple, teaching the Law, and administering justice throughout Israel. God commanded that 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands (suburbs), be given to them from the territories of the other tribes. This ensured their sustenance and allowed them to be dispersed throughout the nation, serving as spiritual guides and teachers to all the tribes, as outlined in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities"). This unique arrangement highlighted their distinct role and God's direct provision for their needs.

**What was the significance of the "suburbs" mentioned alongside the cities for the Levites?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) were the open pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities, crucial for their sustenance. Since the Levites did not receive large tracts of agricultural land for farming, these suburbs provided essential grazing areas for their livestock, which included cattle, sheep, and goats ([Numbers 35:3](/numbers/35-3 "Numbers 35:3 - Suburbs for their livestock")). This provision ensured that the Levites, who were dedicated to spiritual service, had a means of livelihood and were not dependent on the agricultural output of the other tribes for their basic needs. It reflects God's comprehensive care for those who served Him, ensuring they were well-resourced to fulfill their divine calling without distraction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:26, with its meticulous account of God's provision for the Levites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Levites, dispersed throughout Israel, served as spiritual guides and teachers, pointing the people to God and His Law. This foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Levitical priesthood and the ultimate spiritual guide for His people. Just as the tribes provided for the Levites, Christ, as the Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, the Great High Priest")), provides for His church, His spiritual body. Our inheritance is no longer a physical land or cities, but spiritual blessings in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual blessings in Christ")) and eternal life in His heavenly kingdom. Furthermore, the precise and faithful fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the Levites prefigures the absolute faithfulness of God in sending His Son, Jesus, to fulfill all the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and to secure an eternal inheritance for all who believe ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An incorruptible inheritance")). Christ Himself is our true "inheritance," providing all we need for life and godliness, far surpassing any earthly provision of cities and suburbs.

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.