Joshua 21:3

KJV

And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} gave {H5414} unto the Levites {H3881} out of their inheritance {H5159}, at the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, these cities {H5892} and their suburbs {H4054}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So out of their inheritance the people of Isra'el gave the L'vi'im the following cities with the surrounding open land:

Berean Standard Bible

So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of Jehovah, these cities with their suburbs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:3 meticulously records the faithful and obedient action of the children of Israel in allocating specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands to the Levites from their tribal inheritances. This act directly fulfilled a long-standing divine command, demonstrating God's precise provision for those consecrated to His service and strategically establishing the Levites' unique role as spiritual guides, teachers, and guardians of the covenant dispersed throughout the promised land, rather than possessing a consolidated territorial inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:3 initiates the detailed account of the cities allotted to the Levites, serving as the culmination of the land distribution narrative in the book of Joshua. This chapter immediately follows the comprehensive allocation of territory to the other eleven tribes of Israel, meticulously documented from [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Distribution Begins") through [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotment to Naphtali and Dan"). The preceding chapter, [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge"), specifically details the establishment of the six Cities of Refuge, all of which were designated as Levitical cities. Thus, [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites") completes the divine mandate for settling the land, ensuring that even the tribe without a consolidated territorial inheritance—the Levites—received their divinely ordained provision. The verse sets the foundational premise for the subsequent enumeration of forty-eight cities and their suburbs, underscoring Israel's commitment to fulfilling every aspect of God's instructions for the promised land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levites, descendants of Levi, held a unique, divinely appointed status within Israel. Unlike the other tribes, they were not to receive a territorial inheritance because "the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Levites' Inheritance")). This divine decree necessitated an alternative form of provision, which God had commanded through Moses in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites"). This command specified that cities, along with their essential "suburbs" (pasturelands), were to be provided from the inheritances of all the other tribes. This strategic dispersion of the Levites throughout the land was not a disadvantage but a deliberate design, enabling them to fulfill their crucial roles as teachers of the Law, guardians of the covenant, administrators of justice, and facilitators of worship in every region of Israel. Culturally, this act of giving from one's own tribal portion underscored the profound communal responsibility, mutual support, and spiritual interdependence vital for the nation's well-being and covenant fidelity.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:3 powerfully encapsulates several pivotal themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Primarily, it highlights **Obedience to Divine Command**, as the phrase "at the commandment of the LORD" emphasizes Israel's faithful adherence to God's specific instructions for the Levites' provision, serving as a testament to their commitment to the Mosaic covenant. This act also profoundly illustrates **Divine Provision and Order**, showcasing God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, ensuring their needs are met in a unique way that facilitates their spiritual ministry across the nation. Furthermore, the verse signifies the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as God's long-standing word concerning the Levites' cities, first given in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites"), is now brought to fruition. This echoes the overarching theme of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling all His promises to Israel, a truth explicitly affirmed in [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Faithfulness"). Finally, it powerfully demonstrates the principle of **Interdependence within the Covenant Community**, where the territorial tribes willingly contribute from their own portions to sustain those dedicated to spiritual service, fostering a profound sense of shared responsibility and mutual support within the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root signifies a deliberate, active, and willing act of giving, used with the greatest latitude of application (e.g., put, make, appoint, bestow). In this context, it underscores the Israelites' active participation in fulfilling God's command, demonstrating their obedience and commitment to the divine order. The act of "giving" implies a recognition of the Levites' unique status and the divine imperative behind their provision, signifying an intentional transfer of property.
* **commandment (Hebrew, _peh'_):** From H6310, this term literally refers to the "mouth" or "utterance" (as the means of blowing, particularly speech) of the LORD. It emphasizes that the provision for the Levites was not a human suggestion or an arbitrary decision, but a direct, authoritative word spoken by God Himself. This highlights the divine origin and binding nature of the instruction, making Israel's action a direct response to God's revealed will and not merely an act of benevolence.
* **suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** From H4054, this term is crucial for understanding the full scope of the Levites' provision. It refers to the common pasturelands, open country, or glebe lands surrounding the Levitical cities, whither flocks are driven from pasture. These areas were essential for the Levites' livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) and served as vital resources for their livelihood, demonstrating that God's provision was comprehensive, extending beyond mere dwelling places to include the means for their sustenance, as they were not allotted agricultural land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites":** This opening clause highlights the collective action of the entire nation, represented by "the children of Israel" (H1121 _bên_ H3478 _Yisrâʼêl_). It signifies a unified and communal effort, not merely a decree from Joshua or the tribal leaders. This corporate obedience underscores the solidarity of the tribes in upholding the divine covenant and actively supporting those dedicated to sacred service, demonstrating a national commitment.
* **"out of their inheritance":** This phrase (H5159 _nachălâh_) emphasizes the sacrificial aspect of the giving. The cities (H5892 _ʻîyr_) and their lands were not newly created but were relinquished from the already allotted territories of the other tribes. This demonstrates the principle of shared responsibility and the willingness of the tribes to contribute from their own divinely granted portions to ensure the well-being and proper function of the Levitical priesthood, prioritizing divine command over personal gain.
* **"at the commandment of the LORD":** This is the theological lynchpin of the verse, unequivocally stating the ultimate authority and motivation behind the Israelites' actions. Their giving was not an act of benevolence or convenience, but a direct response to a divine imperative (H6310 _peh_ of H3068 _Yᵉhôvâh_). This highlights God's sovereignty over the land and His people, and the centrality of obedience to His revealed will in the life of the nation, making their action an act of worship.
* **"these cities and their suburbs":** This specifies the exact nature of the provision. It was not just a general allocation of resources, but concrete urban centers (H5892 _ʻîyr_) along with their essential surrounding pasturelands (H4054 _migrâsh_). The inclusion of "suburbs" was vital for the Levites' economic sustainability, as they were not to engage in agriculture or other land-based trades, but to rely on their livestock and the offerings of the people. This precise provision ensured their ability to live and carry out their sacred duties without being burdened by agricultural labor.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:3 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Fulfillment** is a prominent theme, as the actions described directly correspond to prior divine commands given through Moses in the Pentateuch, particularly in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites"). This demonstrates the integrity of God's word and the faithfulness of His people in response. The phrase "at the commandment of the LORD" functions as a powerful statement of **Divine Sovereignty** and **Obedience**, establishing God as the ultimate initiator and authority behind the land distribution and the Levites' provision. The concise structure of the verse itself, detailing the givers ("children of Israel"), the recipients ("Levites"), the source ("out of their inheritance"), and the divine impetus ("at the commandment of the LORD"), along with the specific gift ("these cities and their suburbs"), creates a clear and concise narrative of **Action and Consequence**, where the action (giving) is a direct consequence of divine command. Furthermore, the act of the other tribes giving from their own portions powerfully illustrates the principle of **Interdependence**, a foundational aspect of the covenant community's social and spiritual fabric.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:3 serves as a profound theological statement about God's meticulous providential care for those set apart for His service and the communal responsibility of His people to uphold divine commands. The Levites, whose unique inheritance was the Lord Himself, were sustained by the collective generosity and obedience of the other tribes. This divinely ordained arrangement ensured that those dedicated to spiritual ministry were freed from the burdens of land cultivation and defense, allowing them to focus entirely on their sacred duties of teaching God's Law, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later Temple), and mediating between God and Israel. It underscores the timeless principle that God's workers are worthy of support, and that the entire community benefits from a well-supported and spiritually focused ministry. This divine pattern of provision and interdependence established in the Old Testament finds powerful echoes in the New Testament church, where believers are called to support those who minister the Word.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:3 offers timeless principles for believers today, reminding us of the profound importance of obedience to God's specific commands, the beauty of communal interdependence within the body of Christ, and God's unwavering faithfulness to provide for those dedicated to His work. Just as the tribes willingly gave from their own inheritances to support the Levites, we are called to actively participate in sustaining and empowering those who serve in spiritual leadership and ministry, whether through financial contributions, prayer, or practical assistance. This act of giving is not merely charity but an expression of our obedience to God's established order and a recognition of the vital role that spiritual leaders play in nurturing the faith of the community. Furthermore, the Levites' unique "inheritance" in the Lord challenges us to re-evaluate our own priorities, reminding us that true wealth and security are found not in earthly possessions, but in our relationship with God and His provision, which enables us to serve Him wholeheartedly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Israelites' obedience to God's command in Joshua 21:3 challenge our own willingness to follow divine directives, especially when they require personal sacrifice or a reordering of our priorities?**
* **In what specific ways can we, as a community of faith, emulate the principle of interdependence seen here, actively supporting those dedicated to spiritual ministry and teaching within our local church or broader Christian community?**
* **Considering the Levites' unique "inheritance" in the Lord, what does this verse teach us about true spiritual wealth and provision, and how might this perspective shift our understanding of our own "inheritance" in Christ?**

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

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes because they were uniquely set apart by God for sacred service. Their primary role was to serve in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), manage its sacred vessels, perform priestly duties, and teach God's Law to the people. God declared that "the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Levites' Inheritance")), meaning their sustenance and provision would come directly from God through the offerings and tithes of the other tribes, as well as through these scattered cities. This arrangement allowed them to be distributed throughout the land, making them accessible to all tribes for spiritual instruction and oversight, rather than being confined to one geographical region. This unique provision is detailed in passages like [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Portion") and [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Inheritance").

**What does "suburbs" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the term "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) in Joshua 21:3 does not refer to the modern understanding of residential areas just outside a city. Instead, it refers to the common pasturelands, open ground, or glebe lands immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. These areas were crucial for the Levites' livelihood, as they were permitted to keep livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) on these lands. Since the Levites were not given agricultural land to cultivate, these pasturelands were vital for their economic sustenance and for providing for their families. This comprehensive provision, including both dwelling places and the means for sustenance, is further clarified in [Numbers 35:3-5](/numbers/35-3-5 "Numbers 35:3-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs"), which specifies the dimensions of these _migrash_ lands around each city.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:3, detailing the provision for the Levites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Levites, as a tribe set apart for priestly service and whose inheritance was the Lord Himself, powerfully foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests who served in an earthly tabernacle and temple, Christ offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling the entire Levitical system and establishing a new priesthood for all believers ([Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "The Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood")). Furthermore, the strategic scattering of the Levites among all the tribes, making them accessible spiritual guides and teachers, prefigures the New Covenant reality where God's presence is not confined to a single temple or tribe, but indwells every believer through the Holy Spirit, making each believer part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")). Just as the tribes supported the Levites, the New Testament church is called to support those who dedicate their lives to proclaiming the gospel, which is the good news of Christ's finished work and the establishment of His kingdom ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "Support for Gospel Workers")). Ultimately, the Levites' unique inheritance in the Lord points to the believer's true, eternal inheritance in Christ, where He is our life, our provision, and our eternal dwelling place, enabling us to participate in His ongoing mission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")).

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

Genesis 49:7

Cursed [be] their anger, for [it was] fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

Deuteronomy 33:8

¶ And of Levi he said, [Let] thy Thummim and thy Urim [be] with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, [and with] whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

Deuteronomy 33:10

They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.

1 Chronicles 6:54

¶ Now these [are] their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

1 Chronicles 6:81

And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.