Joshua 21:35

KJV

Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

Dimnah {H1829} with her suburbs {H4054}, Nahalal {H5096} with her suburbs {H4054}; four {H702} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Dimnah with its surrounding open land and Nahalal with its surrounding open land - four cities. {

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

Dimnah with its suburbs, Nahalal with its suburbs; four cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:35, a seemingly concise verse, meticulously lists two of the four cities—Dimnah and Nahalal, each "with her suburbs"—allocated to the Merarite clan of the Levites from the tribe of Zebulun. This specific enumeration, part of a broader chapter detailing the distribution of forty-eight Levitical cities throughout Israel, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and His precise provision for those dedicated to His sacred service, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement among all the tribes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 is a pivotal chapter that records the fulfillment of God's command regarding the Levites' inheritance, as outlined in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Levite Cities Command"). Unlike the other eleven tribes who received consolidated territorial inheritances, the Levites, consecrated for priestly and spiritual duties, were granted forty-eight cities scattered throughout the land, each accompanied by its "suburbs" or pasturelands. This intricate distribution ensured their presence among all the tribes, facilitating their role as spiritual guides and teachers. Verse 35 specifically concludes the list of cities designated for the Merarite clan from the tribe of Zebulun, following the mention of Jokneam and Kartah in [Joshua 21:34](/joshua/21-34 "Joshua 21:34 - Merarite Cities from Zebulun"), thus completing the stated total of "four cities" for this particular group. The detailed cataloging in this chapter emphasizes the divine order and the meticulous fulfillment of every aspect of God's promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, land ownership was fundamental to tribal identity and economic sustenance. However, the Levites were unique; their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, as stated in [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). This meant they did not receive a tribal land portion for agriculture. Instead, God commanded that they be given cities with surrounding pasturelands. The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) was crucial, referring to the common lands, pastures, and open spaces essential for their livestock and communal use, as they relied on tithes and offerings for their livelihood rather than farming their own fields. This system ensured their physical needs were met, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties—serving in the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching the Law, and judging disputes—while being strategically dispersed to minister to the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:35, though a seemingly minor detail within a long list, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, not only to give the land to Israel but also to meticulously provide for the Levites, who were set apart for His service. This echoes the triumphant declaration in [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled") that "not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed." Secondly, it underscores **Order and Organization**, revealing God's precise and systematic approach to the distribution of the land and the structuring of Israelite society. Every detail, down to the pasturelands, was accounted for, ensuring the Levites had the necessary resources. Lastly, it exemplifies the **Support for Spiritual Service**, illustrating how God ensured the physical well-being of those dedicated to His sacred work, allowing them to fulfill their duties without the burden of agricultural labor, thereby enabling their vital spiritual ministry throughout the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dimnah (Hebrew, _Dimnāh'_):** One of the cities located within the tribal territory of Zebulun, specifically allocated to the Merarite clan of the Levites. Its inclusion here signifies the meticulous fulfillment of the divine command to provide dwelling places for the Levites throughout the land.
* **Nahalal (Hebrew, _Nahălāl'_):** Another city situated in Zebulun, also designated for the Merarite Levites. The pairing of Dimnah and Nahalal in this verse completes the count of four cities for this specific Levitical group, underscoring the precise and exhaustive nature of the land distribution.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrāš'_):** This term is critical. It refers not merely to the outskirts of a city but to the designated common lands, pastures, and open spaces surrounding the Levitical cities. These areas were essential for the Levites' sustenance, providing grazing land for their cattle and serving as communal areas, as they did not engage in farming their own fields like the other tribes. The repeated phrase "with her suburbs" emphasizes that the provision was comprehensive, covering not just dwelling places but also the necessary resources for their livelihood and the performance of their duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dimnah with her suburbs":** This phrase identifies the first city, Dimnah, and explicitly includes its associated pasturelands. The inclusion of "suburbs" is vital, indicating the full provision for the Levites, not just a place to live but also the means to sustain themselves and their livestock.
* **"Nahalal with her suburbs":** Similarly, this identifies the second city, Nahalal, and its accompanying pasturelands. The repetition of "with her suburbs" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the divine provision and the Levites' unique economic model.
* **"four cities.":** This concluding statement serves as a summary, confirming that Dimnah and Nahalal, along with Jokneam and Kartah mentioned in [Joshua 21:34](/joshua/21-34 "Joshua 21:34 - Merarite Cities from Zebulun"), constitute the total of four cities allocated to this specific Merarite group from the tribe of Zebulun. It highlights the precise accounting and fulfillment of the divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:35, though brief, employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The primary device is **Enumeration**, as the verse is part of a detailed list of cities. This meticulous listing emphasizes the divine order and the thoroughness with which God's promises were fulfilled. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" highlights the importance of these pasturelands for the Levites' livelihood and underscores the comprehensive nature of God's provision. The **Conciseness** of the concluding phrase "four cities" serves as a summary, providing clarity and confirming the exact number of cities for this particular allocation. Together, these devices contribute to the overall impression of divine precision, faithfulness, and the orderly establishment of Israelite society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:35, as a fragment of a larger divine blueprint, speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people. It profoundly illustrates His meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling every detail of His covenant promises, even those that seem mundane or administrative. The precise allocation of cities and their essential "suburbs" for the Levites demonstrates God's deep care for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their sustenance and enabling their spiritual ministry throughout the nation. This act of provision underscores the principle that God equips those He calls, and that the spiritual well-being of a community is intrinsically linked to the support provided for those who minister God's word. It teaches us that God's order extends to every aspect of life, and His provision is always comprehensive.

* [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Command for Levite Cities")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment")
* [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Support for Laborers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Though Joshua 21:35 might appear as a mere historical record of ancient city names, it carries profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous provision for His people, particularly those dedicated to His service. Just as God precisely allocated cities and essential pasturelands for the Levites, He promises to care for and sustain those who commit their lives to His work, whether in full-time ministry or through their daily vocations. This should encourage us to trust in His provision and to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to His purposes, knowing He will meet our needs. Furthermore, the Levites' dependence on the support of the other tribes highlights the vital principle of interdependence within the Body of Christ. We are called to support and empower those who labor in spiritual ministry, recognizing that their effectiveness is often tied to the practical and prayerful backing of the wider community of faith. This verse challenges us to consider our role in stewarding resources—both material and spiritual—for the advancement of God's kingdom and the flourishing of His servants.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites encourage you in your own service or calling, particularly when facing uncertainties?**
* **In what practical ways can the modern church emulate the ancient Israelite model of supporting those dedicated to spiritual ministry, ensuring their needs are met?**
* **What seemingly mundane or detailed aspects of Scripture, like a list of cities, have you found to reveal profound truths about God's character and His care for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Levites not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a consolidated tribal land inheritance because their inheritance was the Lord Himself, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "The Lord as Inheritance") and [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "The Lord is the Levites' Portion"). They were set apart for priestly and spiritual service, dedicated to ministering in the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching God's Law, and serving as judges. To fulfill this role effectively, God commanded that they be distributed among all the tribes, living in forty-eight designated cities with their surrounding pasturelands. This arrangement allowed them to be accessible to all Israelites, ensuring spiritual instruction and oversight were available throughout the nation, rather than being confined to one geographical area.

**What is the significance of "suburbs" (migrash) in this context?**

Answer: The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) is highly significant. It refers not just to the immediate outskirts of a city but to the surrounding common lands, pastures, and open spaces specifically designated for the Levites' cattle and for communal use. Since the Levites did not engage in agricultural farming of their own fields like the other tribes, these *migrash* lands were essential for their sustenance. They provided vital grazing areas for their livestock, which were a primary source of their livelihood alongside the tithes and offerings they received. The repeated inclusion of "with her suburbs" in the text highlights God's comprehensive and practical provision, ensuring the Levites had the necessary resources to live and perform their sacred duties without being burdened by the need to cultivate land for food.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:35, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement throughout Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The Levites, as a priestly tribe, foreshadowed Christ, our Great High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity, not through a physical inheritance but through His eternal sacrifice and intercession ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Their scattered presence throughout the land, bringing the knowledge of God to all tribes, points to Christ's universal ministry and the global reach of His gospel, transcending geographical and tribal boundaries. While the Levites' inheritance was the Lord in a symbolic sense, believers in Christ find their true and eternal inheritance *in* Him, receiving spiritual blessings far surpassing any earthly land ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")). The divine care for the Levites' physical needs, enabling their spiritual service, prefigures God's even greater care for those who are "in Christ," empowering them as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")) to proclaim His excellencies and serve His kingdom. Thus, this seemingly administrative detail in Joshua ultimately directs our gaze to the comprehensive and perfect provision of God in Jesus, who is both our ultimate inheritance and the one who fully equips us for His service.

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.