Joshua 21:27

KJV

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:27 meticulously records the allocation of two specific cities, Golan and Beeshterah, to the Gershonite families of the Levites from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. This verse is a precise detail within the broader account of Israel's tribal inheritance, highlighting God's faithfulness in providing for the Levites, who received no 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
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:27 is situated within a highly structured and detailed chapter, [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Cities of the Levites"), which meticulously lists the forty-eight cities allocated to the Levites from the territories of the other tribes. This chapter serves as the culmination of the land distribution process, following the general tribal allotments in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land East of the Jordan") and the specific designation of the six cities of refuge in [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge"). The precise enumeration of cities, including their suburbs and specific functions (like Golan's role as a city of refuge), underscores the divine order and fulfillment of God's promises regarding the settlement of the Promised Land. The chapter also reinforces the unique status of the Levites, who were set apart for service to God and thus received no land inheritance of their own.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the conquest of Canaan, the tribes of Israel were settling into their allotted territories. The Levites, descendants of Levi, were consecrated to the Lord for priestly and Tabernacle service, as outlined in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance"). Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a contiguous land inheritance but were instead given forty-eight cities scattered throughout Israel, along with surrounding pasturelands. This arrangement ensured their accessibility to all tribes for spiritual instruction, judicial guidance, and the administration of justice. Golan, located in Bashan, east of the Jordan River, was part of the territory assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on that side. The concept of "cities of refuge" was a unique legal and theological institution, established by divine command in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge and Witnesses"), providing asylum for individuals who had accidentally killed someone, protecting them from the "avenger of blood" until a fair trial could be held.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the entire chapter, powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises, not only by providing land for Israel but also by ensuring the sustenance and placement of the Levites for the spiritual well-being of the nation. Secondly, the mention of Golan as a "city of refuge" underscores the theme of **Justice Tempered with Mercy**. This system, detailed in passages like [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Six Cities of Refuge"), provided a divinely ordained framework for distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental death, offering a legal pathway for protection and due process. Lastly, the scattering of Levitical cities, including Golan and Beeshterah, throughout the tribal territories emphasizes the theme of **Accessibility of Spiritual Guidance and Law**. By living among the people, the Levites could effectively teach God's law, administer justice, and maintain the spiritual health of the Israelite community, thereby fostering national unity under God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Golan (Hebrew, _Gōlān'_):** The name of this city, meaning "circuit" or "exile," is particularly fitting given its function as a city of refuge. It was a place where one would "go around" or "flee to" for protection, a temporary place of residence for those in involuntary exile from their home territory due to an accidental killing. Its inclusion among the Levitical cities further emphasizes that these places of asylum were under the spiritual oversight of those dedicated to God's law.
* **City of Refuge (Hebrew, _‘îr miqlāṭ'_):** This phrase literally translates to "city of asylum" or "city of reception." The term _miqlāṭ_ (מִקְלָט) denotes a place of safety or refuge. These cities were not merely hideouts but divinely consecrated spaces designed to uphold justice and mercy. They provided a legal framework for due process, distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental homicide, thereby preventing cycles of blood vengeance and ensuring a fair trial before the community elders.
* **Slayer (Hebrew, _rōṣēaḥ'_):** While the general term _rōṣēaḥ_ (רֹצֵחַ) can refer to a murderer, in the context of the cities of refuge, it specifically denotes someone who has caused death, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The distinction between premeditated murder (for which there was no refuge) and accidental killing was paramount to the function of these cities, highlighting the nuanced application of God's law regarding the sanctity of human life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites":** This clause precisely identifies the recipients of these cities. The Gershonites were one of the three main branches of the Levites (along with Kohathites and Merarites), each with specific duties related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their allocation of cities was part of the broader Levitical distribution, ensuring that all Levitical families received their due portion.
* **"out of the [other] half tribe of Manasseh [they gave]":** This specifies the source of these cities. The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two halves, one settling west of the Jordan and the "other" half settling east of the Jordan, in the region of Bashan. The cities for the Gershonites were drawn from this eastern Manasseh territory, demonstrating the inter-tribal cooperation and the fulfillment of the divine command that the Levites would receive cities from all tribes.
* **"Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer;":** This identifies the first of the two cities, Golan, and its geographical location within Bashan. Crucially, it also states its primary function: a city of refuge. This designation underscores the importance of the justice system God established for Israel, providing a haven for those accused of unintentional homicide until their case could be properly judged. The "suburbs" refer to the pasturelands surrounding the city, essential for the Levites' livestock.
* **"and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.":** This names the second city, Beeshterah, also with its accompanying suburbs. The concluding phrase "two cities" serves as a precise summary, confirming the exact number of cities allocated to the Gershonites from this specific tribal territory, reinforcing the meticulous and orderly nature of the land distribution.

#### Literary Devices
The text of Joshua 21:27, and indeed the entire chapter, is characterized by **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 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 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 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.

### 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. 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.

* [Numbers 35:6](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - The Six Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 19:2](/deuteronomy/19-2 "Deuteronomy 19:2 - Purpose of Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Designation of Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise details of Joshua 21:27 invite us to reflect on God's character and our 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. This instills confidence in His sovereign plan and faithful provision, even when our circumstances seem uncertain. 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 balance in our own lives, seeking righteousness and upholding truth, while simultaneously extending compassion and forgiveness to others. Furthermore, the scattered presence of the Levites, including those in Golan and Beeshterah, served to make spiritual instruction and judicial wisdom accessible to all Israelites. This principle resonates today, challenging believers to be "salt and light" in their communities, living out their faith in practical ways and making the truth of God's Word accessible to those around them, thereby fostering spiritual health and moral integrity within society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in this verse encourage your trust in His care for your own life?**
* **In what ways can you, like the cities of refuge, be a source of justice tempered with mercy in your personal relationships and community interactions?**
* **How can you make spiritual truth and godly wisdom more accessible to those in your sphere of influence, mirroring the scattered presence of the Levites?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't the Levites receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance because God Himself was declared to be their inheritance. As stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"), "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 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 and priestly duties.

**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 relative of the deceased who had the right to exact vengeance). As detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities") and [Deuteronomy 19](/deuteronomy/19 "Deuteronomy 19 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge and Witnesses"), 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 high priest, after which they were free to return to their home. This system ensured justice was served while also extending mercy and preventing cycles of indiscriminate blood vengeance.

**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 half-tribe of Manasseh. The full list of cities for the Gershonites is enumerated in [Joshua 21:27-33](/joshua/21-27 "Joshua 21:27-33 - Cities for the Gershonites"), showing their distribution across the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Golan was one of the six designated cities of refuge throughout Israel, three on each side of the Jordan River, making it a particularly significant allocation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision of cities for the Levites and the establishment of cities of refuge, as seen in Joshua 21:27, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Golan offered a physical haven for the unintentional slayer, Jesus is the ultimate spiritual [Refuge for our souls](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - God's Unchangeable Purpose"). 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. Christ, however, serves as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, 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 balance of justice and mercy is perfectly reconciled, as God's righteous wrath against sin was poured out on the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") so that we might receive undeserved grace. Through Christ, we inherit an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance, far surpassing the earthly cities of the Levites, as we are granted full access to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") and a spiritual dwelling in Him.

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

1 Chronicles 6:71

Unto the sons of Gershom [were given] out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

Deuteronomy 1:4

After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:

Joshua 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.