Joshua 21:36

KJV

And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,

KJV (with Strong's)

And out of the tribe of Reuben {H7205}, Bezer {H1221} with her suburbs, and Jahazah {H3096} with her suburbs,

Complete Jewish Bible

Out of the tribe of Re'uven: Betzer with its surrounding open land, Yachtzah with its surrounding open land,

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz,

American Standard Version

And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with its suburbs, and Jahaz with its suburbs,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:36 meticulously records the divine allocation of Bezer and Jahazah, along with their surrounding pasturelands, from the territory of the tribe of Reuben, to the Levites. This verse is an integral part of a larger account detailing the comprehensive distribution of forty-eight cities throughout Israel, ensuring that the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, were strategically sustained and positioned to fulfill their vital priestly, teaching, and judicial responsibilities across all the twelve tribes, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for His consecrated servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:36 is situated within the climactic section of the Book of Joshua, following the successful conquest of Canaan and the detailed division of the land among the Israelite tribes (Joshua 13-19). Specifically, it falls within Chapter 21, which meticulously records the fulfillment of God's command to provide cities for the Levites. This divine directive, initially given in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites"), ensured that the tribe set apart for sacred service, and thus without a contiguous territorial inheritance, would be sustained and strategically dispersed throughout the nation. Chapter 20, immediately preceding, establishes the six cities of refuge, with Bezer, mentioned in our verse, being one of them. The precise enumeration of these cities, tribe by tribe, underscores the divine order and comprehensive nature of the land's distribution, culminating in the powerful declaration of God's complete faithfulness and the granting of rest and inheritance to Israel in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Levites, descendants of Levi, were uniquely consecrated to the Lord for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Numbers 3:5-10). Unlike the other tribes, their inheritance was to be the Lord Himself, meaning they would not possess a contiguous land territory (Deuteronomy 18:1-2). Instead, God commanded that they be given cities with surrounding pasturelands (Hebrew: _migrashim_) for their livestock. This arrangement ensured their sustenance and mobility, allowing them to serve as spiritual guides, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice throughout the nation. The tribe of Reuben, from whose territory Bezer and Jahazah were given, had chosen to settle their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, along with Gad and half of Manasseh (Joshua 13:15-23). The designation of Bezer as a city of refuge was a critical aspect of Israelite law, providing a place of asylum for those who had unintentionally caused the death of another, ensuring due process and protection from blood vengeance, as detailed in [Numbers 35:9-34](/numbers/35-9 "Numbers 35:9-34 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge") and [Deuteronomy 19:1-13](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-13 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge").

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the Levite city allocation, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. First, it highlights **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**. God, true to His covenant promises, meticulously provides for His consecrated servants, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people, even down to the practical details of their livelihood. Second, the precise enumeration reflects **Order and Organization**, showcasing God's desire for a well-structured society where every part, including the spiritual leadership, is properly situated and sustained. This divine order was foundational for the nation's spiritual health and unity. Third, the inclusion of Bezer as a city of refuge within this list underscores **Justice and Mercy**. God's legal system in Israel was designed to balance the demands of justice with the provision for mercy, ensuring protection for the innocent while upholding the sanctity of life. The strategic placement of these cities also facilitated the Levites' role in teaching the Law and maintaining the spiritual integrity of all Israel, reinforcing the theme of **Spiritual Accessibility and Guidance** throughout the land, ensuring that God's instruction was available to all tribes, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levi's Role in Teaching").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reuben (Hebrew, _Rᵉʼûwbên'_):** Derived from the imperative of `rāʼāh` (to see) and `bēn` (son), meaning "see ye a son." Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:32), and the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His tribe settled east of the Jordan River, and it is from their allotted territory that Bezer and Jahazah were designated for the Levites. The inclusion of Reuben here signifies the inter-tribal cooperation mandated by God for the sustenance of the Levites, highlighting the shared responsibility of all Israel in supporting those dedicated to sacred service.
* **Bezer (Hebrew, _Betser'_):** Meaning "an inaccessible spot," Bezer was a significant city located in the territory of Reuben, east of the Jordan River. Its primary importance in this context is its designation as one of the six cities of refuge (Joshua 20:8). This status provided a critical legal and spiritual function within Israel, offering a sanctuary for those who had accidentally killed someone, protecting them from the avenger of blood until their case could be heard. Its inclusion here emphasizes God's meticulous care for justice and mercy within the land He provided, ensuring a place of due process and protection for the innocent.
* **Jahazah (Hebrew, _Yahats'_):** Or Yahatsah, from an unused root meaning "to stamp," perhaps suggesting a "threshing-floor." Jahazah was a place east of the Jordan, also located within the territory of Reuben. It held historical significance as the site where Israel defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:23; Deuteronomy 2:32). Its allocation to the Levites, alongside Bezer, further demonstrates the comprehensive and practical nature of the divine provision for the priestly tribe, ensuring their ability to live and serve throughout the land, even in historically significant locations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And out of the tribe of Reuben":** This opening clause immediately establishes the source of the cities being allocated. It signifies that these specific cities—Bezer and Jahazah—were to be given from the land already designated to the tribe of Reuben. This highlights the inter-tribal cooperation and the fulfillment of God's command that the other tribes contribute to the Levites' sustenance, ensuring their presence and spiritual influence were distributed throughout the entire nation.
* **"Bezer with her suburbs":** This specifies the first of two cities from Reuben's territory designated for the Levites. Bezer, as previously noted, was one of the crucial cities of refuge. The phrase "with her suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) is vital, indicating that the Levites received not just the walled city itself, but also the essential surrounding lands necessary for their sustenance, particularly for grazing their animals. This detail underscores the completeness of God's provision, ensuring their economic viability despite lacking a tribal land inheritance.
* **"and Jahazah with her suburbs":** This introduces the second city from Reuben's allocation. Jahazah (also spelled Jahaz) was a significant city, known for being the site of a battle where Israel defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:23). Like Bezer, it was provided to the Levites with its surrounding pasturelands, further demonstrating the comprehensive and practical nature of the divine provision for the priestly tribe, ensuring their ability to live and serve across the diverse regions of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:36, while seemingly a straightforward administrative record, employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as it is part of a larger cataloging of cities assigned to the Levites, emphasizing precision, divine order, and the comprehensive fulfillment of God's command. The recurring phrase "with her suburbs" functions as a form of **Merism**, where the city and its surrounding pasturelands collectively represent the entire living and sustenance package provided to the Levites, highlighting the completeness of God's provision. The mention of Bezer, a city of refuge, introduces **Symbolism**, as Bezer itself symbolizes divine justice, mercy, and protection within the legal framework of Israel. The entire chapter, including this verse, serves as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His promises to pass, particularly the promise of land and provision for all His people, including those set apart for sacred service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:36 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and comprehensive provision for His people. It illustrates that divine promises are not vague assurances but detailed commitments that God fulfills with absolute precision, even down to the specific cities and their surrounding lands. The allocation of cities to the Levites, who had no land inheritance, underscores the principle that God always makes a way for those consecrated to Him, ensuring their sustenance and ability to fulfill their calling. This passage also highlights the interconnectedness and mutual responsibility within the tribes of Israel, demonstrating that the well-being of the spiritual leaders was a shared burden and privilege, reflecting God's design for community and mutual support within His covenant people. The strategic scattering of the Levites throughout the land ensured that spiritual instruction, worship, and justice were accessible to all, fostering a unified and God-centered nation, deeply rooted in His law and presence.

* [Numbers 35:6-8](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6-8 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Inheritance of the Priests and Levites")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 21:36 details an ancient administrative act, its underlying principles resonate deeply with believers today, offering timeless truths for faith and life. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His meticulous care for every detail of our lives, especially for those who dedicate themselves to His service. Just as He provided for the Levites, ensuring their physical needs were met so they could focus on their spiritual duties, so too does God promise to meet the needs of His people who serve Him today, whether in vocational ministry or in their daily callings. This passage implicitly encourages the support of those who minister God's Word and shepherd His flock, mirroring the provision made for the Levites by the other tribes. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign provision, knowing that if He cares for the smallest details of ancient land distribution, He certainly cares for our daily needs and spiritual well-being. Furthermore, the inclusion of Bezer as a city of refuge reminds us of God's profound commitment to justice and mercy, prompting us to extend grace, seek righteousness, and advocate for fairness in our own lives and communities, reflecting His character to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:36 encourage your trust in His faithfulness for your own life and calling, particularly in areas of provision and purpose?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers today, embody the principle of supporting those who are dedicated to spiritual service, mirroring the provision for the Levites by the other tribes?**
* **Considering Bezer as a city of refuge, how does this passage speak to God's perfect balance of justice and mercy, and how can we reflect this balance in our interactions with others and in our pursuit of righteousness?**
* **What does the detailed organization of the land distribution, including the Levite cities, teach us about God's character and His desire for order, purpose, and community in our lives and in the church?**

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

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial land inheritance because God designated them for a unique and sacred role: to serve Him directly in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their service to Him was their primary focus. As stated in [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "The Inheritance of the Priests and Levites"), "The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the Lord’s offerings by fire, and His portion. They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the Lord is their inheritance, as He promised them." Instead of land, they were provided with forty-eight cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement to minister to all Israel. This arrangement allowed them to fulfill their priestly, teaching, and judicial duties without being tied to agricultural pursuits.

**What is meant by "suburbs" in this biblical context?**

Answer: In the King James Version and other older translations, "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrashim_) does not refer to residential areas outside a city as we understand them today. Instead, it denotes the open, common pasturelands, fields, and outlying areas immediately surrounding the walled city. These _migrashim_ were crucial for the Levites' livelihood, as they were permitted to graze their livestock there, which was a primary source of their sustenance. This provision ensured that the Levites, who were not engaged in large-scale agriculture, had the necessary means to sustain themselves and their families, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties. This detail highlights the comprehensive and practical nature of God's provision for His consecrated servants.

**What was the significance of Bezer being designated as a city of refuge?**

Answer: Bezer was one of six cities (three on each side of the Jordan River) designated as cities of refuge (Joshua 20:8). These cities served a vital purpose in Israelite law and society, providing asylum for individuals who had accidentally caused the death of another. If someone unintentionally killed another person, they could flee to a city of refuge to escape the "avenger of blood" (a relative of the deceased who had the right to exact vengeance). Once in the city of refuge, the slayer would be protected until their case could be heard by the community elders at the city gate. If found innocent of intentional murder, they would remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest ([Numbers 35:25](/numbers/35-25 "The Slayer's Stay in the City of Refuge")). This divinely instituted system underscored God's commitment to both justice and mercy, preventing arbitrary vengeance while ensuring due process and upholding the sanctity of human life within the covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:36, with its detailed account of cities provided for the Levites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Levites, set apart for sacred service and having no earthly inheritance, prefigure Christ, who, though Creator and King, "had nowhere to lay His head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")) during His earthly ministry, yet was perfectly sustained by the Father. The provision of cities and pasturelands for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement, points to God's meticulous care for His people, culminating in the ultimate provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as Bezer offered refuge from the avenger of blood, Jesus is our ultimate [City of Refuge](/hebrews/6-18 "Taking Refuge in Hope"), offering complete and eternal sanctuary from the judgment due to sin for all who flee to Him (Hebrews 6:18). He is the true [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") (Hebrews 4:14), fulfilling and surpassing the Levitical priesthood, mediating a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Our inheritance as believers is no longer a physical land, but spiritual blessings "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), a heavenly citizenship ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), and an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). The scattering of the Levites throughout Israel to teach and minister foreshadows the New Testament church, a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")) scattered throughout the world, called to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, sustained by His grace and provision until His glorious return.

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 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.

Numbers 21:23

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

Joshua 13:18

And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

1 Chronicles 6:78

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, [were given them] out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs,

1 Chronicles 6:79

Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs: