Joshua 21:29

KJV

Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jarmuth {H3412} with her suburbs {H4054}, Engannim {H5873} with her suburbs {H4054}; four {H702} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yarmut with its surrounding open land and 'Ein-Ganim with its surrounding open land - four cities.

Berean Standard Bible

Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

Jarmuth with its suburbs, En-gannim with its suburbs; four cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:29 is a precise record of two cities, Jarmuth and Engannim, along with their surrounding pasture lands, that were allocated to the Gershonite clan of the Levites from the tribal territory of Issachar. This verse is part of a larger, meticulous enumeration in Joshua 21, which details the fulfillment of God's command to provide dwelling places for the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance of their own, ensuring their presence and service were distributed throughout all the tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 falls within the broader section of the book (chapters 13-21) that describes the division and allocation of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the initial conquest and the establishment of the tribal boundaries, chapter 21 meticulously details the provision for the Levitical priests and their families. While the other tribes received contiguous territories, the Levites, as God's designated servants, were not given a unified land inheritance but rather 48 cities scattered among all the tribes, along with their associated pasturelands. Verses 27-33 specifically list the cities designated for the Gershonite families of the Levites, drawing from the territories of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali. Joshua 21:29 is situated within the list of cities assigned to the Gershonites from the tribe of Issachar, immediately following the cities from Manasseh and preceding those from Asher. This precise enumeration underscores the meticulous fulfillment of divine instruction and the orderly establishment of Israel's tribal and religious structure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct fulfillment of God's command given to Moses in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge"), which stipulated that the Levites, having no tribal inheritance of their own (as the Lord was their inheritance, [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")), were to receive cities and their "suburbs" (pasturelands) from the other tribes. This arrangement ensured that the Levites, who were responsible for the Tabernacle service, teaching the Law, and administering justice, were dispersed throughout the nation. Culturally, this dispersion facilitated their role as spiritual guides and educators, making God's law accessible to all tribes. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) were not just empty land but specifically measured areas (1,000 cubits from the city wall, extending to 2,000 cubits, as detailed in [Numbers 35:4-5](/numbers/35-4 "Numbers 35:4-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs")) designated for their livestock and agricultural needs, providing practical sustenance for those dedicated to spiritual service. This provision highlights God's holistic care for His servants.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:29, as part of the broader chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in bringing Israel into the Promised Land and meticulously distributing it according to His covenant stipulations, including the provision for the Levites (compare [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It also highlights **Divine Order and Organization**, showcasing the systematic and precise way God ordained the societal and religious structure of Israel, ensuring the Levites were strategically placed to serve the entire nation. The dispersion of the Levites underscores the theme of **Provision for Sacred Service**, as God ensured His ministers had the necessary means of livelihood so they could devote themselves fully to their duties of teaching, worship, and judgment, without being tied to extensive agricultural labor. This meticulous detail reinforces the **Reliability of God's Word**, affirming that every command given was faithfully executed under Joshua's leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jarmuth (Hebrew, _Yarmūth'_):** This city name means "high" or "elevated." In the context of Joshua 21:29, Jarmuth is identified as one of the cities given to the Gershonite Levites within the territory of Issachar. Its mention here is significant not for its etymology, but for its inclusion in the precise fulfillment of God's command regarding Levitical cities. The existence and allocation of such specific, named places underscore the historical and geographical accuracy of the biblical narrative concerning the land distribution.
* **Engannim (Hebrew, _ʿĒn Gannīm'_):** Meaning "fountain of gardens" or "spring of gardens," this name suggests a place of fertility and natural abundance. Like Jarmuth, Engannim is listed as a city granted to the Gershonite Levites from the tribe of Issachar. The inclusion of such a descriptive name, alongside its practical designation as a Levitical city, points to God's provision for His servants, often placing them in areas that could sustain their livelihood through the "suburbs" (pasturelands) mentioned.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrāsh'_):** This crucial term refers to the open pastureland or common land surrounding a city, specifically designated for the livestock of the city's inhabitants. In the context of Levitical cities, Numbers 35:4-5 specifies the dimensions of these _migrash_ as extending 1,000 cubits from the city wall, and then an additional 2,000 cubits beyond that, totaling a significant area for grazing and sustenance. The repeated mention of "with her suburbs" emphasizes that the Levites were not merely given a city dwelling but also the necessary economic base to support their families and maintain their flocks, allowing them to focus on their religious and judicial duties without being burdened by extensive agricultural labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jarmuth with her suburbs":** This phrase identifies the first of two cities in this verse allocated to the Gershonite Levites. The inclusion of "her suburbs" (referring to the _migrash_) is vital, indicating that the Levites received not just the urban dwelling but also the surrounding pasturelands necessary for their livelihood, as stipulated in God's law. This highlights the practical and comprehensive nature of God's provision for His ministers.
* **"Engannim with her suburbs":** This clause names the second city assigned to the Gershonites in this particular listing. Similar to Jarmuth, Engannim is explicitly noted to include its "suburbs," reinforcing the consistent pattern of provision for the Levitical families. The repetition underscores the meticulous adherence to the divine instructions regarding the land allocation.
* **"four cities.":** This concluding phrase summarizes the total count of cities for the Gershonites from the tribe of Issachar. While the verse itself only names two (Jarmuth and Engannim), the "four cities" indicates that the preceding verses (Joshua 21:28) would have named the other two cities (Kishon and Dabareh, though the KJV has "Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs" in verse 28, implying a total of four from Issachar when read in context with verse 29). This final count serves as a numerical verification, confirming the fulfillment of the specific quota of cities assigned to this Levitical clan from this particular tribal territory. It points to the careful accounting and precise execution of God's commands.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 21:29, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**. The text meticulously lists cities and their associated "suburbs," creating a detailed inventory of the land distribution. This precise cataloging serves to affirm the exact fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land and the Levites' inheritance. The repetitive structure, particularly the phrase "with her suburbs," functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, emphasizing the consistent and comprehensive nature of the provision for the Levites. This repetition reinforces the idea that the Levites were fully equipped to carry out their duties, not just with a place to live, but with the means to sustain themselves. Furthermore, the very act of listing these specific, often obscure, place names lends an air of **Verisimilitude** or realism to the narrative, grounding the theological claims in concrete geographical and historical details, thereby enhancing the credibility of the divine instruction and its execution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:29, though a seemingly mundane list of names, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It serves as tangible evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, not only in bringing Israel into the Promised Land but also in meticulously providing for the spiritual infrastructure of the nation. The dispersion of the Levites throughout the tribes, living in cities like Jarmuth and Engannim, ensured that the presence of God's law, teaching, and worship was accessible to all Israelites. This systematic provision underscores the divine order established for Israel, where every tribe and every aspect of national life was to be permeated by the knowledge and service of God. It highlights God's practical care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their physical needs were met so they could focus on their spiritual duties, thereby fostering a nation rooted in divine instruction and worship.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command to provide Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord")
* [Ezekiel 48:13-14](/ezekiel/48-13 "Ezekiel 48:13-14 - Holy Portion for the Levites in the New Temple Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 21:29, and indeed the entire chapter, invites us to reflect on the nature of God's faithfulness and His meticulous care for His people and His purposes. In a world often characterized by chaos and unfulfilled promises, this passage stands as a testament to a God who remembers His covenants and executes them with precision. For us today, it reminds us that God's provision is often practical and specific, addressing our needs so that we can better serve Him. Just as the Levites were strategically placed to be a spiritual influence throughout Israel, believers are called to be salt and light in their communities, dispersed in various vocations and locations. Our "suburbs" might be the resources, talents, or opportunities God provides, enabling us to fulfill our unique callings. This passage encourages us to trust in God's detailed providence, recognizing that even the seemingly ordinary details of our lives are part of His grand, unfolding plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:29 encourage your faith in God's care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways might God be providing "suburbs" (resources, opportunities, support) for you to fulfill your purpose in His kingdom today?**
* **How can the principle of the Levites' dispersion, being present among all tribes, inform our understanding of Christian presence and influence in various spheres of society?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of cities important in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed list of cities, including Joshua 21:29, is crucial for several reasons. First, it serves as concrete evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, specifically the promise of the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")). Second, it demonstrates the meticulous divine order established for the nation, ensuring that the Levites, who were responsible for religious instruction and judicial matters, were strategically dispersed throughout all the tribes. This dispersion facilitated access to spiritual guidance for all Israelites. Third, it underscores the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical narrative, providing verifiable geographical and tribal allocations that attest to the truthfulness of God's word. It shows that the conquest and settlement were not merely abstract events but concrete historical realities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 21:29 details the physical provision for the Old Testament Levites, its deeper theological significance points towards the ultimate provision found in Christ. The Levites, scattered throughout Israel, served as mediators and teachers of God's law, foreshadowing the pervasive presence of God's truth and grace. Just as the Levites had no land inheritance but the Lord Himself (as per [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")), believers in Christ find their true inheritance not in earthly possessions but in God Himself, through Jesus. Christ is our ultimate "suburbs" – the one who provides all that we need to live and serve ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God will supply all your needs")). He is the true and greater High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a perfect and final sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the dispersion of the Levites finds its New Testament parallel in the church, the body of Christ, which is scattered throughout the world, acting as God's spiritual presence, teaching His word, and ministering His grace to all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). We, as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), are called to live out our faith in every sphere of life, empowered by the Spirit, just as the Levites were enabled by God's provision to fulfill their sacred duties.

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 10:3

Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

Joshua 12:11

The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

Joshua 10:23

And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, [and] the king of Eglon.