TRV
Translation
King James Version
And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.
KJV (with Strong's)
And unto the children H1121 of Gershon H1648, of the families H4940 of the Levites H3881, out of the other half H2677 tribe H4294 of Manasseh H4519 they gave Golan H1474 in Bashan H1316 with her suburbs H4054, to be a city H5892 of refuge H4733 for the slayer H7523; and Beeshterah H1203 with her suburbs H4054; two H8147 cities H5892.
Complete Jewish Bible
To the descendants of Gershon, of the families of the L'vi'im, out of the half-tribe of M'nasheh they gave: Golan in Bashan with its surrounding open land, the city of refuge for the killer; and B'esht'rah with its surrounding open land - two cities.
Berean Standard Bible
This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands.
American Standard Version
And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be-eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.
World English Bible Messianic
They gave to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Be Eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also vnto the children of Gershon of the families of the Leuites, they gaue out of the halfe tribe of Manasseh, the citie of refuge for the slaier, Golan in Bashan with her suburbes, and Beeshterah with her suburbes: two cities.
Young's Literal Translation
And for the sons of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half of the tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Golan in Bashan and its suburbs, and Beeshterah and its suburbs--two cities.
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Commentary on Joshua 21 verses 9–42
9 ¶ And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name,
10 Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.
11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.
12 But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.
13 Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,
14 And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,
15 And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,
16 And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.
17 And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,
18 Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.
19 All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.
20 And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
21 For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,
22 And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.
23 And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,
24 Aijalon with her suburbs, Gathrimmon with her suburbs; four cities.
25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
26 All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.
27 And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.
28 And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,
29 Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.
30 And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,
31 Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.
32 And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.
33 All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their suburbs.
34 And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,
35 Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities.
36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,
37 Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities.
38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
39 Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer with her suburbs; four cities in all.
40 So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.
41 All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.
42 These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus were all these cities.
We have here a particular account of the cities which were given to the children of Levi out of the several tribes, not only to be occupied and inhabited by them, as tenants to the several tribes in which they lay - no, their interest in them was not dependent and precarious, but to be owned and possessed by them as lords and proprietors, and as having the same title to them that the rest of the tribes had to their cities or lands, as appears by the law which preserved the house in the Levites' cities from being alienated any longer than till the year of jubilee, Lev 25:32, Lev 25:33. Yet it is probable that the Levites having only the cities and suburbs, while the land about pertained to the tribes in which they lay, those of that tribe, for the convenience of occupying that land, might commonly rent houses of the Levites, as they could spare them in their cities, and so live among them as their tenants. Several things may be observed in this account, besides what was observed in the law concerning it, Num. 35.
I. That the Levites were dispersed into all the tribes, and not suffered to live all together in any one part of the country. This would find them all with work, and employ them all for the good of others; for ministers, of all people, must neither be idle nor live to themselves or to one another only. Christ left his twelve disciples together in a body, but left orders that they should in due time disperse themselves, that they might preach the gospel to every creature. The mixing of the Levites thus with the other tribes would be an obligation upon them to walk circumspectly, and as became their sacred function, and to avoid every thing that might disgrace it. Had they lived all together, they would have been tempted to wink at one another's faults, and to excuse one another when they did amiss; but by this means they were made to see the eyes of all Israel upon them, and therefore saw it their concern to walk so as that their ministry might in nothing be blamed nor their high character suffer by their ill carriage.
II. That every tribe of Israel was adorned and enriched with its share of Levites' cities in proportion to its compass, even those that lay most remote. They were all God's people, and therefore they all had Levites among them. 1. To show kindness to, as God appointed them, Deu 12:19; Deu 14:29. They were God's receivers, to whom the people might give their grateful acknowledgments of God's goodness, as the occasion and disposition were. 2. To receive advice and instruction from; when they could not go up to the tabernacle, to consult those who attended there, they might go to a Levites' city, and be taught the good knowledge of the Lord. Thus God set up a candle in every room of his house, to give light to all his family; as those that attended the altar kept the charge of the Lord, to see that no divine appointment was neglected there, so those that were scattered in the country had their charge too, which was to see that no idolatrous superstitious usages were introduced at a distance and to watch for the souls of God's Israel. Thus did God graciously provide for the keeping up of religion among them, and that they might have the word nigh them; yet, blessed be God, we, under the gospel, have it yet nigher, not only Levites in every county, but Levites in every parish, whose office it is still to teach the people knowledge, and to go before them in the things of God.
III. That there were thirteen cities, and those some of the best, appointed for the priests, the sons of Aaron, Jos 21:19. Aaron left but two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, yet his family was now so much increased, and it was foreseen that it would in process of time grow so numerous, as to replenish all these cities, though a considerable number must of necessity be resident wherever the ark and the altar were. We read in both Testaments of such numbers of priests that we may suppose none of all the families of Israel that came out of Egypt increased afterwards so much as that of Aaron did; and the promise afterwards to the house of Aaron is, God shall increase you more and more, you and your children, Psa 115:12, Psa 115:14. He will raise up a seed to serve him.
IV. That some of the Levites' cities were afterwards famous upon other accounts. Hebron was the city in which David began his reign, and in Manhanaim, another Levites' city (Jos 21:38), he lay, and had his headquarters when he fled from Absalom. The first Israelite that ever wore the title of king (namely, Abimelech, the son of Gideon) reigned in Shechem, another Levites' city, Jos 21:21.
V. That the number of them in all was more than of most of the tribes, except Judah, though the tribe of Levi was one of the least of the tribes, to show how liberal God is, and his people should be, to his ministers; yet the disproportion will not appear so great as at first it seems, if we consider that the Levites had cities only with their suburbs to dwell in, but the rest of the tribes, besides their cities (and those perhaps were many more than are named in the account of their lot), had many unwalled towns and villages which they inhabited, besides country houses.
Upon the whole, it appears that effectual care was taken that the Levites should live both comfortably and usefully: and those, whether ministers or others, for whom Providence has done well, must look upon themselves as obliged thereby to do good, and, according as their capacity and opportunity are, to serve their generation.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–42. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 21:27 meticulously details the specific allocation of two cities, Golan and Beeshterah, to the Gershonite families of the Levites from the territory of the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. This verse is a precise record within the broader account of Israel's tribal inheritance, serving as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in providing for the Levites, who received no contiguous territorial inheritance, and underscoring the crucial role of Golan as one of the divinely appointed cities of refuge for those who had committed unintentional homicide.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The text of Joshua 21:27, and indeed the entire chapter, is characterized by its remarkable Precision and Enumeration. The detailed listing of cities, tribes, and Levitical families reflects a highly organized and meticulous record-keeping, emphasizing God's orderly administration and the faithful fulfillment of His promises. The Repetition of phrases like "with her suburbs" throughout the chapter serves to standardize the description of each city's allocation, reinforcing the completeness of the provision for the Levites and their practical needs (pasture for their animals). Furthermore, the specific designation of Golan as a "city of refuge for the slayer" employs Legal Language, highlighting the divine establishment of a judicial system that meticulously balanced justice with mercy, a key aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God. This precise, almost formulaic, presentation underscores the authoritative and divinely ordained nature of the land distribution and the divine order within the nascent Israelite nation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:27, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care, covenant faithfulness, and the intricate balance of justice and mercy within His divine plan for Israel. The provision of cities for the Levites, who had no land of their own, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to those consecrated for His service, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement among the tribes to minister to the entire nation. The designation of Golan as a city of refuge further highlights God's character as both righteous Judge and compassionate Provider, establishing a system that protected the innocent while ensuring due process for those accused of unintentional wrongdoing. This ancient legal framework foreshadows a deeper spiritual reality of refuge found in God Himself, who provides ultimate safety and justice for all who turn to Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise details of Joshua 21:27 invite us to reflect deeply on God's character and our appropriate response to His divine order. Just as God meticulously planned the distribution of land and the provision for the Levites, down to specific cities and their functions, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives with sovereign wisdom and perfect timing. This truth should instill profound confidence in His faithful provision and overarching plan, even when our personal circumstances seem uncertain or chaotic. The concept of the "city of refuge" reminds us of the delicate balance between justice and mercy that is intrinsic to God's nature. We are called to embody this divine balance in our own lives, seeking righteousness and upholding truth, while simultaneously extending compassion, understanding, and forgiveness to others, especially those who may have caused harm unintentionally. Furthermore, the scattered presence of the Levites, including those in Golan and Beeshterah, served to make spiritual instruction, judicial wisdom, and access to God's law accessible to all Israelites. This principle resonates powerfully today, challenging believers to be "salt and light" in their communities, living out their faith in practical ways and making the transformative truth of God's Word accessible and understandable to those around them, thereby fostering spiritual health and moral integrity within society.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why didn't the Levites receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes?
Answer: The Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance like the other tribes because God Himself was declared to be their inheritance. As clearly stated in Numbers 18:20, "Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel." This unique status set them apart for full-time, dedicated service to God, tending to the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), teaching the Law, and administering justice. Instead of land, they were provided with forty-eight cities, including their surrounding pasturelands, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, ensuring their accessibility to all Israelites for spiritual guidance, priestly duties, and judicial oversight.
What was the primary purpose of a "city of refuge" like Golan?
Answer: The primary purpose of a "city of refuge" was to provide a divinely ordained sanctuary for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, protecting them from immediate retaliation by the "avenger of blood" (a close relative of the deceased who had the legal right to exact vengeance). As meticulously detailed in Numbers 35 and Deuteronomy 19, these cities allowed the accused to flee and await a fair trial before the community elders. If found innocent of premeditated murder, the unintentional slayer could remain in the city of refuge until the death of the reigning high priest, after which they were free to return to their home territory without fear of reprisal. This system ensured justice was served while also extending mercy and preventing cycles of indiscriminate blood vengeance, upholding the sanctity of life within Israel.
How many cities did the Gershonites receive in total, and how does Golan fit into that total?
Answer: The Gershonites, one of the three Levitical families, received a total of thirteen cities from various tribes. Joshua 21:27 specifically mentions Golan and Beeshterah as two of these cities, provided from the territory of the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. The full list of cities for the Gershonites is enumerated in Joshua 21:27-33, showing their distribution across the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Golan was particularly significant as it was one of the six designated cities of refuge throughout Israel, three on each side of the Jordan River, making it a vital component of Israel's divinely established legal and social structure.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision of cities for the Levites and the establishment of cities of refuge, as so precisely detailed in Joshua 21:27, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Golan offered a physical haven for the unintentional slayer, Jesus is the ultimate spiritual Refuge for our souls. Those who, in their spiritual blindness and sin, have inadvertently transgressed God's holy law, can flee to Him for safety and forgiveness. He is not merely a temporary shelter but our eternal sanctuary, providing complete and lasting deliverance from the condemnation of sin. Furthermore, the Levitical priesthood, though divinely ordained, was imperfect and temporary, requiring continuous sacrifices for the atonement of sin. Christ, however, serves as our Great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling the law's demands for justice and extending boundless mercy to all who believe. In Him, the profound balance of justice and mercy is perfectly reconciled, as God's righteous wrath against sin was poured out on the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world so that we might receive undeserved grace and eternal life. Through Christ, we inherit an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance (1 Peter 1:4), far surpassing the earthly cities of the Levites, as we are granted full access to the throne of grace and a spiritual dwelling in Him.