Joshua 21:39

KJV

Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer with her suburbs; four cities in all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Heshbon {H2809} with her suburbs {H4054}, Jazer {H3270} with her suburbs {H4054}; four {H702} cities {H5892} in all.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heshbon with its surrounding open land and Ya'zer with its surrounding open land - four cities in all.

Berean Standard Bible

Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

Heshbon with its suburbs, Jazer with its suburbs; four cities in all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:39 meticulously concludes a significant segment of the Levitical city allocation, detailing the provision of "Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer with her suburbs; four cities in all" to the Merarite clan. This verse, situated within the broader account of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, powerfully underscores God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness in providing comprehensively for those dedicated to His service and establishing His divine order throughout the newly settled nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:39 serves as the concluding statement for the cities allotted to the Merarite families of the Levites from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun, specifically detailed in [Joshua 21:34-39](/joshua/21-34-39 "Joshua 21:34-39 - Merarite Cities from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun"). This verse is the final entry in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Allotment of Levitical Cities"), a chapter that meticulously records the distribution of 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, to the Levites. This entire chapter acts as a crucial capstone to the broader land distribution narrative found in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"), confirming that every aspect of God's promise regarding the land and its inhabitants, including the Levites, has been fulfilled. The precise enumeration of cities, culminating in the summary statement "four cities in all," emphasizes the completion and exactness of God's provision for this specific Levitical clan, mirroring the overarching theme of divine faithfulness in fulfilling all His promises, as powerfully declared in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Unlike the other Israelite tribes who received extensive territorial inheritances, the Levites were set apart for sacred service to the Lord and did not receive a tribal land portion, as divinely stipulated in [Numbers 18:24](/numbers/18-24 "Numbers 18:24 - The Levites' Inheritance"). Instead, God commanded that they be given cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This unique arrangement ensured their livelihood while allowing them to fulfill their priestly, teaching, and judicial duties across the entire nation. Heshbon and Jazer were historically significant cities located in the Transjordanian region, east of the Jordan River. This area was formerly under the control of Sihon, king of the Amorites, before being decisively conquered by Moses and Israel (cf. [Numbers 21:21-32](/numbers/21-21-32 "Numbers 21:21-32 - Conquest of Sihon and Og")). The allocation of cities in this region to the Merarites, specifically within the tribal lands of Reuben and Gad, highlights the comprehensive nature of the land distribution, encompassing territories on both sides of the Jordan, and the strategic placement of the Levites even in these frontier areas to maintain spiritual oversight and instruction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of the broader allocation of Levitical cities, powerfully articulates several foundational themes. Firstly, it underscores **God's unwavering faithfulness in provision**. He had pledged to provide for the Levites, and this detailed account, down to individual cities and their accompanying "suburbs," demonstrates His meticulous and comprehensive fulfillment of that word (cf. [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not one word failed")). Secondly, it highlights **divine order and organization**. The precise listing of cities, including their surrounding pasturelands, reflects the divine blueprint for the distribution of the land and the structured organization of the Israelite nation. Every tribe, every clan, and even the Levites who served the tabernacle, had their designated place and provision according to God's careful and sovereign plan. Lastly, it emphasizes the **strategic placement of Levites** as spiritual anchors. By scattering the Levites throughout all the tribes, God ensured that spiritual instruction, judicial oversight, and the administration of the Law were accessible across the entire nation, preventing spiritual drift and fostering national unity and adherence to God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh_):** This term (מִגְרָשׁ, H4054) is crucial for understanding the Levites' comprehensive provision. It does not refer to residential areas outside the city walls in the modern sense, but rather to the common pasture lands, open spaces, and agricultural fields immediately surrounding the walled cities. These lands were vital for the Levites' livelihood, as they were often keepers of livestock for sacrifices and their own sustenance, given that they did not receive agricultural land like the other tribes. The inclusion of "suburbs" emphasizes that the Levites received not just dwelling places but also the necessary economic resources for sustenance, fulfilling God's comprehensive and practical provision for their needs as they served the Lord. It highlights the holistic nature of God's care.
* **Four (Hebrew, _ʼarbaʻ_):** The specific number "four" (אַרְבַּע, H702) here serves as a precise summation, confirming the exact count of cities allotted to this particular Merarite family group in the Transjordanian region (Heshbon, Jazer, and the two implied cities mentioned earlier in [Joshua 21:36-37](/joshua/21-36-37 "Joshua 21:36-37 - Merarite Cities from Reuben and Gad"), namely Kedemoth and Mephaath). This numerical precision underscores the meticulousness of the land distribution process and the complete fulfillment of God's promises, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of the Levites' inheritance. It reinforces the theme of divine order and the exact execution of God's plan, demonstrating God's attention to every detail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Heshbon with her suburbs":** This clause identifies Heshbon, a historically significant city located east of the Jordan River, as one of the cities specifically allotted to the Merarite Levites. The phrase "with her suburbs" is essential, underscoring that the provision was not merely a dwelling place but comprehensively included the vital pasturelands surrounding the city. These lands were indispensable for the Levites' sustenance and their role in managing livestock, particularly for sacrificial purposes. Heshbon was a former Amorite capital, famously conquered by Moses during the wilderness wanderings (cf. [Numbers 21:25-26](/numbers/21-25-26 "Numbers 21:25-26 - Conquest of Heshbon")).
* **"Jazer with her suburbs":** Similarly, Jazer is named as another city, also situated east of the Jordan, and likewise provided with its accompanying pasturelands. Jazer was also part of the Amorite territory conquered by Israel (cf. [Numbers 21:32](/numbers/21-32 "Numbers 21:32 - Conquest of Jazer")). Its inclusion further delineates the specific geographical area of the Merarite inheritance in the Transjordan, reinforcing the precise and comprehensive nature of the allocation for this Levitical clan.
* **"four cities in all":** This concluding phrase serves as a definitive summary statement for the Merarite cities listed in this specific section of Joshua 21 (specifically [Joshua 21:36-39](/joshua/21-36-39 "Joshua 21:36-39 - Merarite Cities")). While only Heshbon and Jazer are explicitly named in this particular verse, the preceding verses (specifically [Joshua 21:36-37](/joshua/21-36-37 "Joshua 21:36-37 - Merarite Cities from Reuben and Gad")) list Kedemoth and Mephaath as the other two cities, bringing the total to four. This numerical summation confirms the completion of the promised allocation for this specific Levitical clan, emphasizing the exact and thorough fulfillment of God's detailed plan for His people and their land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:39 employs several literary devices to effectively convey its message and reinforce its theological implications. **Enumeration** is prominently evident in the specific naming of "Heshbon" and "Jazer," followed by the precise numerical count "four cities in all." This meticulous detailing underscores the divine order and the exact fulfillment of God's promises, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the completeness of the provision. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" after each city name emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the provision, ensuring the Levites received not just a place to live but also the necessary economic resources for their livelihood and service. This repetition highlights the thoroughness of God's care and the practical implications of His covenant. Furthermore, the entire chapter, including this verse, functions as an example of **Fulfillment Literature**, demonstrating that God's promises regarding the land and the provision for the Levites, made centuries earlier, have now been completely and precisely brought to pass. The cities themselves, strategically scattered throughout the land, can be seen as **Symbols** of God's pervasive presence and the accessibility of spiritual instruction and divine law throughout the newly settled nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:39, though seemingly a mere administrative detail, is profoundly theological. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care for His covenant people. The detailed listing of cities, even down to their "suburbs," demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, tangible realities that He brings to pass with precision. He provides for His servants comprehensively, ensuring not only their dwelling but also their sustenance, thereby enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties without earthly distraction. This divine provision for the Levites, who had no earthly inheritance of their own, powerfully foreshadows God's comprehensive care for all who dedicate their lives to Him, reminding believers that their true and ultimate inheritance is found in Him. The strategic placement of the Levites also highlights God's design for spiritual leadership and instruction to be accessible throughout the community, fostering a nation grounded in His Law and dependent on His guidance.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:39, as part of the meticulous record of God's provision for the Levites, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously provided for the Levites, who were set apart for His service, He continues to provide for those who dedicate their lives to Him today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's comprehensive provision for our needs, recognizing that He not only gives us a "place" (a purpose, a calling) but also equips us with the "suburbs" (the necessary resources, sustenance, community, and support) to fulfill that calling effectively. It challenges us to consider our own "inheritance" in Christ—not of earthly land, but of spiritual blessings and eternal life—and to live in gratitude for His faithful and abundant provision. Furthermore, the strategic scattering of the Levites serves as a powerful model for the church's mission: to permeate society with the truth of God's Word and to be spiritual anchors, sources of light and instruction, in every community, ensuring that the transformative message of Christ is accessible to all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:39 strengthen your trust in His faithfulness for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways does God provide for your "suburbs"—the practical needs, resources, and support systems—that enable you to serve Him effectively in your current sphere of influence?**
* **How can you, like the Levites, seek to be a spiritual anchor or a source of divine instruction and truth within your own community, workplace, or family?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Levites given cities with "suburbs" instead of tribal land like the other Israelites?**

Answer: The Levites were uniquely set apart by God for special service in the tabernacle and later the temple, as well as for teaching the Law and administering justice throughout Israel. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a territorial land inheritance because "the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that they be given 48 cities scattered throughout the other tribes' territories, along with "suburbs" (pasturelands) for their livestock. This arrangement served a dual purpose: it ensured their livelihood (as they often tended animals for sacrifices and their own sustenance, since they did not farm) and strategically positioned them to be spiritual leaders, teachers, and judges accessible to all the tribes. This distribution prevented spiritual decline and fostered national unity under God's Law. This unique provision underscored their distinct role and God's comprehensive care for His dedicated servants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:39, with its emphasis on God's meticulous provision for the Levites and their strategic placement throughout the land, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant. The Levites, without a land inheritance, prefigured the spiritual inheritance of believers in Christ, whose true "possession" is not earthly territory but the Lord Himself and the spiritual blessings found in Him ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")). Just as the Levites were scattered throughout Israel to be spiritual guides, instructors, and mediators of God's law, so too are believers in Christ, as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")), called to be light and salt in every corner of the world, proclaiming the gospel and discipling nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). Christ Himself is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a single, perfect, and eternal sacrifice for sins, making access to God possible for all who believe ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His completed work secures for His people a far greater and eternal "inheritance"—eternal life, spiritual blessings in the heavenly places, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, the precise and comprehensive provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:39 points forward to God's even more comprehensive and eternal provision for all who are in Christ, enabling them to live out their priestly calling in the world as ambassadors of His kingdom.

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 6:81

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

Joshua 13:17

Heshbon, and all her cities that [are] in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

Jeremiah 48:32

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.

Numbers 21:26

For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.

Numbers 21:30

We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which [reacheth] unto Medeba.

Numbers 32:3

Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

Joshua 13:21

And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, [which were] dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.