Joshua 21:28

KJV

And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe {H4294} of Issachar {H3485}, Kishon {H7191} with her suburbs {H4054}, Dabareh {H1705} with her suburbs {H4054},

Complete Jewish Bible

Out of the tribe of Yissakhar: Kishyon with its surrounding open land, Dovrat with its surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath,

American Standard Version

And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:28, a seemingly brief and administrative verse, meticulously records the allocation of two specific cities, Kishon and Dabareh, along with their surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs"), from the territory of the tribe of Issachar to the Gershonite families of the Levites. This detail is part of a larger divine mandate, ensuring that the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, were strategically dispersed throughout Israel to fulfill their priestly and teaching duties, thereby illustrating God's precise provision and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 stands as the culmination of the land distribution narrative in the book of Joshua. Following the detailed accounts of territorial allotments to the twelve tribes (Joshua 13-19) and the establishment of cities of refuge (Joshua 20), this chapter specifically addresses the unique inheritance of the Levites. Unlike the other tribes who received contiguous territories, the Levites were to be given forty-eight cities scattered throughout the tribal lands, along with their surrounding pasturelands. Joshua 21:28 is one such entry within a comprehensive list (Joshua 21:27-33) detailing the cities assigned to the Gershonite clan from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh (east of Jordan). This meticulous cataloging underscores the fulfillment of God's earlier commands concerning the Levites' provision, as outlined in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites"). The entire chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling every promise He made to Israel regarding the land, culminating in the declaration in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the immediate aftermath of the conquest of Canaan, as Israel transitions from a nomadic people to a settled nation. Culturally, the Levites held a unique position within ancient Israelite society, dedicated entirely to the service of God in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). They had no territorial inheritance because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). To support their livelihood and enable their ministry, God commanded that they be given cities and "suburbs" (pasturelands) by the other tribes. This arrangement ensured that the Levites, functioning as spiritual instructors, judges, and guardians of the Law, were accessible to all Israelites across the land, fostering spiritual unity and adherence to the covenant. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) were crucial, providing essential grazing land for their livestock and communal space, signifying a complete and practical provision beyond just a dwelling place.

* **Key Themes:** The allocation of cities to the Levites, as exemplified in [Joshua 21:28](/joshua/21-28 "Joshua 21:28 - Levitical Cities in Issachar"), highlights several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Provision and Faithfulness** is paramount; God meticulously provides for His servants, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, just as He promised to give Israel the land ([Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")). Secondly, the detailed listing reflects **Divine Order and Organization** within the nascent Israelite nation, showcasing God's systematic wisdom in establishing a structured society. This order ensured both the physical sustenance of the Levites and the spiritual well-being of the entire community. Finally, it underscores **The Central Role of the Levites** in Israel's spiritual life. By scattering them throughout the tribes, God ensured that spiritual instruction, sacrificial rites, and judicial guidance were readily available to all, reinforcing their unique function as mediators of the Law and guardians of the covenant, vital for maintaining Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kishon (Hebrew, _qishon'_):** One of the two cities explicitly named in this verse, located within the territory originally allotted to the tribe of Issachar. While the exact location of the city of Kishon is debated, its inclusion here signifies a specific, tangible piece of the Levites' inheritance. The name is also associated with the Kishon River, a significant geographical feature in the region, though the city itself is distinct from the river. Its mention here underscores the precise fulfillment of God's command for the Levites to receive cities from various tribal allocations.
* **Dabareh (Hebrew, _davrat'_):** The second city named in this verse, also situated within the tribal land of Issachar. Like Kishon, its inclusion highlights the meticulous detail with which the Levites' inheritance was distributed. The naming of specific cities emphasizes the concrete nature of God's provision and the administrative precision involved in the settlement of Israel.
* **suburbs (Hebrew, מִגְרָשִׁים, _migrashim'_):** This term is critically important. It refers to the common lands, pasturelands, or open spaces immediately surrounding the walled cities. These "suburbs" were not for building houses but were designated for the Levites' livestock (cattle, donkeys, sheep) and for communal use. Their inclusion was essential for the Levites' economic sustenance, as they had no agricultural land. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" throughout Joshua 21 emphasizes the completeness of God's provision, ensuring the Levites had not only a place to live but also the means to support themselves and their families while fulfilling their sacred duties. This provision was outlined in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Issachar":** This initial phrase clearly identifies the source of the cities being allocated. It highlights the systematic nature of the distribution, where each of the other eleven tribes contributed cities from their respective inheritances to the Levites. This particular verse specifies that the cities listed immediately after come from the territory originally assigned to the tribe of Issachar, demonstrating the inter-tribal cooperation and the fulfillment of God's command for a scattered Levitical presence.
* **"Kishon with her suburbs":** This clause names the first specific city from Issachar designated for the Levites. The crucial addition "with her suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים, _migrashim_) indicates that the provision was not merely the city itself but also the surrounding pasturelands. This comprehensive provision was vital for the Levites' livelihood, as they were not to engage in farming or other land-based economic activities. It underscores God's meticulous care for His servants, ensuring their practical needs were met.
* **"Dabareh with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause names the second city from Issachar allocated to the Levites, again explicitly including "with her suburbs." The repetition of this phrase reinforces the completeness and consistency of the provision for all Levitical cities. Both Kishon and Dabareh, though seemingly minor details in the grand narrative, represent concrete examples of God's faithfulness and the precise execution of His divine plan for the settlement and spiritual organization of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:28, though part of a detailed administrative list, employs several subtle literary devices. The most prominent is **Cataloging** or **Listing**, as the entire chapter systematically enumerates the cities given to each Levitical clan from various tribes. This meticulous listing serves to emphasize the completeness and exactness of God's fulfillment of His promises. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים, _migrashim_) alongside each city is also significant. This consistent phrasing underscores the comprehensive nature of the divine provision for the Levites, ensuring not just dwellings but also the necessary means of sustenance. This repetition transforms what might otherwise be a dry list into a testament to God's thoroughness and attention to detail. Furthermore, the very act of naming specific, tangible cities like Kishon and Dabareh serves as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of historical accuracy and concrete reality to the narrative of the land distribution, reinforcing the truthfulness of God's covenant fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:28, as a microcosm of the entire chapter, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people. It demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed commitments that He brings to pass with precision. The scattering of the Levites, supported by the other tribes, underscores the principle of mutual dependence and communal responsibility within the covenant community, where each part contributes to the flourishing of the whole. Theologically, it prefigures the New Testament concept of the Church as a body with diverse members, each supported and sustained for the common good and the fulfillment of God's mission. The Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance, compensated by God's direct provision through the other tribes, also highlights the truth that true spiritual service often requires a relinquishing of worldly security in favor of divine sustenance, trusting in God as one's ultimate inheritance.

* [Numbers 35:6-8](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6-8 - Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Priests and Levites Have No Inheritance")
* [1 Chronicles 6:71-72](/1_chronicles/6-71 "1 Chronicles 6:71-72 - Levitical Cities from Issachar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:28 might appear as a mere ancient administrative detail, yet it carries profound spiritual weight for contemporary believers. It is a powerful testament to God's character: His meticulous attention to detail, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, and His comprehensive provision for those dedicated to His service. Just as God ensured the Levites were sustained to fulfill their spiritual duties, He continues to provide for and equip those He calls to ministry today. This verse challenges us to consider how we, as the modern spiritual "tribes," support those who dedicate their lives to teaching, pastoring, and serving the body of Christ. It also reminds us that God's plans are orderly and purposeful, even in what seems like the mundane. We are called to trust in His detailed providence, knowing that if He cares for the "suburbs" of ancient cities, He certainly cares for the intricacies of our lives and the needs of His Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:28 deepen your understanding of His care for you personally?**
* **In what ways can you, or your community, better support those who are dedicated to spiritual service and ministry?**
* **What "suburbs" or practical provisions does God use to sustain His servants today, and how can we be part of that provision?**
* **How does the divine order demonstrated in the distribution of cities for the Levites encourage your trust in God's broader plan for your life and the world?**

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

Answer: The Levites did not receive a contiguous tribal land inheritance because they were set apart for the exclusive service of the Lord. As [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance") states, "You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel." Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their livelihood was to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, as well as the cities and pasturelands provided to them. This arrangement ensured their full dedication to their priestly and teaching duties, preventing them from being distracted by agricultural or territorial concerns. This unique provision is detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge") and fulfilled in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Levitical Cities Distributed").

**What was the purpose of the 'suburbs' mentioned with these cities?**

Answer: The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) refers to the common lands or pasturelands surrounding the Levitical cities. These areas, typically extending 1,000 cubits (about 1,500 feet) from the city walls, were not for building additional houses but were designated for the Levites' livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) and for communal use. Since the Levites did not receive agricultural land for farming, these pasturelands were essential for their economic sustenance and livelihood. The inclusion of "suburbs" alongside each city, as seen in [Joshua 21:28](/joshua/21-28 "Joshua 21:28 - Levitical Cities in Issachar"), signifies God's comprehensive and practical provision for His servants, ensuring they had all they needed to live and fulfill their sacred duties without being a burden on the other tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:28, detailing the provision of cities and "suburbs" for the Levites, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of the New Covenant community. The Levites, scattered throughout Israel, served as mediators, teachers, and guardians of God's law, pointing to the need for access to God. Jesus, however, is the ultimate and perfect High Priest, who, through His single, eternal sacrifice, has provided direct access to God for all believers ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Jesus, the Perfect High Priest") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ")). No longer are specific cities or a designated tribe required to mediate God's presence; instead, through Christ, believers become a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The meticulous provision for the Levites foreshadows God's even greater provision in Christ, who is our ultimate inheritance and sustenance ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in Christ")). Just as the tribes supported the Levites, the Church, as the body of Christ, is called to support and equip all believers for ministry, recognizing that every member has a role in building up the kingdom, sustained by the inexhaustible riches found in Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")).

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 6:72

And out of the tribe of Issachar; Kedesh with her suburbs, Daberath with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:73

And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:

Joshua 19:12

And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,