Joshua 21:4

And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, [which were] of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

And the lot {H1486} came out {H3318} for the families {H4940} of the Kohathites {H6956}: and the children {H1121} of Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548}, which were of the Levites {H3881}, had by lot {H1486} out of the tribe {H4294} of Judah {H3063}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Simeon {H8099}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Benjamin {H1144}, thirteen {H7969}{H6240} cities {H5892}.

The lot came out for the families of the K'hati. The descendants of Aharon the cohen, who were of the L'vi'im, received by lot thirteen cities from the tribes of Y'hudah, Shim'on and Binyamin.

The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, who were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of the Simeonites, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 21:4

Joshua 21:4 marks a significant moment in the distribution of the promised land to the Israelite tribes, specifically detailing the allocation of cities to the Levites. This verse focuses on the Kohathite families, particularly the descendants of Aaron, who were designated for priestly service.

Context

This verse is part of Joshua chapter 21, which meticulously records the fulfillment of God's command to provide cities for the Levites. Unlike the other tribes who received large territorial inheritances, the Levites were not given a single, contiguous land portion because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance," as stated in Joshua 13:33. Instead, they were to receive 48 scattered cities throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with their surrounding pasturelands. This strategic placement ensured their presence among all the people, enabling them to serve as spiritual instructors, judges, and guardians of God's law. The allocation process was carried out "by lot," emphasizing divine guidance and impartiality in the distribution. The Kohathites were one of the three main branches of the Levites, distinguished by their responsibility for carrying the sacred articles of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, as detailed in Numbers 3:31. Within the Kohathites, the "children of Aaron" were the consecrated priests, holding the most sacred duties in Israel's worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Faithfulness: The meticulous detail of this verse, along with the entire chapter, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in providing for His servants and fulfilling His ancient promises to the Levites (Numbers 35). Even without a traditional land inheritance, their needs were met through God's specific instructions.
  • Order and Structure: The systematic allocation of cities by lot demonstrates God's divine order in the administration of the newly settled land. It highlights the structured nature of Israelite society and worship under God's guidance.
  • The Importance of Priesthood: The specific mention of "the children of Aaron the priest" emphasizes the centrality of the priestly ministry in Israel. These thirteen cities provided dwelling places for those dedicated to temple service, ensuring their ability to fulfill their sacred duties.
  • Unity and Spiritual Oversight: By scattering the Levites, including the priests, among all the tribes, God ensured that spiritual leadership and instruction were accessible throughout the nation, fostering a cohesive religious and social fabric.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the lot came out" (Hebrew: goral) refers to a common ancient practice of casting lots to determine God's will or to make impartial decisions. This was not a game of chance but a solemn procedure believed to reveal divine direction, as noted in Proverbs 16:33. The term "Kohathites" identifies a specific lineage within the tribe of Levi, descendants of Kohath, Levi's second son. Their distinct responsibilities within the Tabernacle service set them apart, especially the priestly line of Aaron who descended from Kohath.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:4 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Meticulous Care: This verse reminds us that God is deeply concerned with the details of our lives and faithfully provides for those who serve Him, even in unconventional ways. Our provision may not look like others', but God's faithfulness endures.
  • Purposeful Placement: Just as the Levites were strategically placed among the tribes to serve God's purposes, believers today are called to be "salt and light" within their communities, influencing those around them with the Gospel (Matthew 5:13-16).
  • Seeking Divine Guidance: The use of the lot underscores the principle of seeking God's guidance in significant decisions. While we no longer cast lots, we are encouraged to pray, study His Word, and seek wise counsel to discern His will for our lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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 6:60

    And out of the tribe of Benjamin; Geba with her suburbs, and Alemeth with her suburbs, and Anathoth with her suburbs. All their cities throughout their families [were] thirteen cities.

  • Joshua 21:8

    And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

  • Joshua 21:19

    All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, [were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.

  • Joshua 24:33

    And Eleazar the son of Aaron died; and they buried him in a hill [that pertained to] Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount Ephraim.
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