Joshua 21:40

KJV

So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were [by] their lot twelve cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

So all the cities {H5892} for the children {H1121} of Merari {H4847} by their families {H4940}, which were remaining {H3498} of the families {H4940} of the Levites {H3881}, were by their lot {H1486} twelve {H8147}{H6240} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All these were the cities of the descendants of M'rari according to their families, the rest of the families of the L'vi'im; their lot totaled twelve cities.

Berean Standard Bible

In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans.

American Standard Version

All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:40 serves as a concluding summary statement regarding the allocation of cities to the Merarite clan, one of the three principal families descended from Levi. This verse meticulously records the fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the Levites, confirming that the Merarites, by divine lot, received precisely twelve cities and their surrounding pasturelands from the territories of other Israelite tribes. It underscores the divine order and faithfulness in the distribution of the Promised Land, ensuring that even those without a tribal inheritance were fully provided for according to God's precise plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:40 stands as the concluding verse for the specific distribution of cities to the Merarite clan, following the detailed listing of their allocated cities in [Joshua 21:34-39](/joshua/21-34 "Joshua 21:34-39 - Merarite Cities"). This verse is part of the broader chapter [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Cities of the Levites"), which meticulously records the fulfillment of God's command to provide forty-eight cities for the entire tribe of Levi, scattered among the other Israelite tribes. The chapter begins with the Levite leaders approaching Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads ([Joshua 21:1-2](/joshua/21-1 "Joshua 21:1-2 - Levites Request Cities")), followed by the distribution to the Kohathites ([Joshua 21:4-26](/joshua/21-4 "Joshua 21:4-26 - Kohathite Cities")), then the Gershonites ([Joshua 21:27-33](/joshua/21-27 "Joshua 21:27-33 - Gershonite Cities")), and finally the Merarites. The chapter culminates in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled"), a grand summary affirming that God had fulfilled every single promise He made to Israel, including the provision of rest and land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a unique arrangement stemming from their special status within Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance because the Lord Himself was their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is Levi's Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded Moses to set aside forty-eight cities with their pasturelands for them, scattered throughout the land of Canaan ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levite Cities")). This strategic dispersion allowed the Levites, who were responsible for teaching God's law, administering justice, and performing tabernacle/temple service, to be accessible to all the tribes of Israel, ensuring spiritual instruction and oversight throughout the land. The distribution "by lot" was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, but for Israel, it was understood as a divine mechanism for revealing God's sovereign will, removing human bias from the critical process of land allocation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Cities of the Levites"), powerfully reinforces several core themes of the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises to Israel, particularly concerning the Levites' unique inheritance. The precise accounting of cities underscores **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, showing that the settlement of the Promised Land was not a chaotic process but a divinely orchestrated plan, where even the smallest details were accounted for. Furthermore, it exemplifies the **Fulfillment of God's Word**, as the distribution directly corresponds to the commands given by God through Moses in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge"), proving that God's covenant promises are always accomplished.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merari (Hebrew, _mᵉrārî_):** One of the three sons of Levi (along with Kohath and Gershon), whose descendants formed a major clan within the Levitical tribe. The Merarites were primarily responsible for the transport and care of the structural components of the tabernacle (e.g., frames, bars, pillars, bases) during Israel's wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Merarite Duties")). Their allocation of cities in Joshua 21 signifies their settled role in the land, continuing their service to God and Israel.
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gōrāl'_):** This term refers to a casting of lots, a method used in ancient Israel to determine God's will or to make decisions, particularly in the division of land ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot")). It was not seen as a game of chance but as a divinely guided process, as Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." The use of the lot here emphasizes that the distribution of cities to the Merarites, and indeed all tribal inheritances, was not arbitrary but divinely ordained and sanctioned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families":** This opening clause summarizes the preceding detailed list of cities allocated to the Merarite clan. It emphasizes that the provision was comprehensive, covering all the sub-clans ("families") within the Merarite lineage. This highlights the meticulous nature of God's provision, ensuring no segment of His dedicated servants was overlooked.
* **"which were remaining of the families of the Levites":** This phrase serves as a clarifying distinction. It indicates that the Merarites were the last of the three main Levitical families (Kohathites and Gershonites having been addressed previously) to receive their allotted cities. This sequential fulfillment underscores the systematic and orderly completion of the divine command regarding the Levites' inheritance.
* **"were [by] their lot twelve cities":** This final clause provides the precise numerical total for the Merarites' inheritance. The inclusion of "by their lot" (derived from the Hebrew _gōrāl'_) reiterates the divine sanction and guidance behind the distribution. The exact number, "twelve cities," confirms the fulfillment of the broader divine plan for the entire Levitical tribe, which was to receive 48 cities in total (13 for the priestly Kohathites, 10 for the non-priestly Kohathites, 13 for the Gershonites, and 12 for the Merarites).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Summary** as a key literary device, consolidating the preceding detailed enumeration of Merarite cities into a concise concluding statement. This provides a sense of completion and finality to that specific portion of the Levitical distribution. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "by their lot" functions as **Repetition for Emphasis**, underscoring the divine sovereignty and meticulous planning behind the land allocation, rather than mere human decision-making. The precise numerical detail of "twelve cities" also serves as a form of **Verification**, confirming the exact fulfillment of God's command and demonstrating His faithfulness in providing for His people according to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:40, by confirming the precise allocation of cities to the Merarites, stands as a testament to God's absolute faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people. It is part of the larger narrative in Joshua that demonstrates the fulfillment of every promise God made to the patriarchs and to Moses regarding the land and the settlement of Israel. The Levites, without a tribal land inheritance, were entirely dependent on God's provision through the other tribes, and this verse confirms that God did not fail them. Their scattered presence throughout the land also served a theological purpose, establishing centers of worship, teaching, and justice, thereby ensuring that the spiritual life of Israel was maintained and accessible in every region.

* [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Numbers 35:7 - Total Cities for Levites") - This verse commands the total of 48 cities for the Levites, which Joshua 21, including the Merarite portion, meticulously fulfills.
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word Failed") - A powerful summary statement at the end of the chapter, affirming that "not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass," of which the Levite cities are a prime example.
* [Deuteronomy 12:12](/deuteronomy/12-12 "Deuteronomy 12:12 - Rejoicing with the Levite") - Emphasizes the inclusion and provision for the Levites in the communal life and blessings of Israel, reflecting God's care for those dedicated to His service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:40, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, carries profound spiritual implications for believers today. It reminds us that our God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously ensured the Levites, who had no earthly inheritance, were fully provided for according to His divine plan, so too does He care for every detail of our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision, knowing that if He is faithful in the grand sweep of history and the minute details of ancient land distribution, He will certainly be faithful in our personal circumstances. It also calls us to consider our own "inheritance" in Christ – not a piece of land, but a spiritual dwelling and a purpose within His kingdom. We are called to serve Him, and like the Levites, our ultimate provision and security come from Him alone, not from worldly possessions or status. This passage invites us to rest in the certainty of God's fulfilled promises and to embrace our unique calling within His divine order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:40 encourage your trust in His provision for your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "by their lot" (divine guidance) challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in your circumstances?**
* **Considering the Levites' role as scattered spiritual guides, how might God be calling you to be a spiritual influence in your own "scattered" spheres of life (work, community, family)?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Levites given cities instead of a tribal territory like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites were uniquely set apart for the service of the Lord, specifically for the care of the tabernacle (and later the temple) and for teaching God's law to the people. Because "the Lord God of Israel Himself is their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "The Lord is Levi's Inheritance")), they were not allotted a contiguous tribal territory like the other tribes. Instead, God commanded that they be given 48 cities with their surrounding pasturelands, scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Command for Levite Cities")). This arrangement ensured that they could fulfill their spiritual duties by being accessible to all the tribes of Israel, providing instruction, judgment, and priestly service wherever needed.

**What is the significance of the phrase "by their lot"?**

Answer: The phrase "by their lot" (Hebrew: _gōrāl'_) signifies that the distribution of the cities was not a random or arbitrary process, nor was it decided by human negotiation alone. In ancient Israel, casting lots was understood as a divinely guided method for discerning God's will and making important decisions. Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Therefore, the use of the lot here emphasizes that the specific cities and the precise number of twelve cities for the Merarites were divinely ordained and sanctioned, ensuring that God's perfect plan for the settlement of the land and the provision for His servants was meticulously executed.

**How does Joshua 21:40 relate to the broader theme of God's promises in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: Joshua 21:40, by confirming the Merarites' specific allocation, is a crucial detail within the larger narrative of God's faithfulness in fulfilling all His promises to Israel. The entire book of Joshua showcases God's commitment to bringing His people into the Promised Land, as He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The meticulous division of the land, including the provision for the Levites, directly fulfills the covenant promises. The chapter concludes with the powerful declaration in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "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; all came to pass." Joshua 21:40 serves as a concrete example of this overarching theme of divine fidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:40, in its meticulous detail of God's provision for the Merarite Levites, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. The Levites, without a land inheritance, found their portion in the Lord and served as mediators and teachers of God's law, foreshadowing Christ's perfect mediation. Just as God meticulously provided for His servants in the Old Covenant, so too does He provide for His people in the New Covenant through Christ, who is our true and eternal inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). We, as believers, are a spiritual priesthood ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to serve God not in a specific geographical location but by being scattered throughout the world as His witnesses, just as the Levites were dispersed to minister to all Israel. Our security and provision are not found in earthly possessions but in the spiritual blessings we have in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Ultimately, the divine order and faithfulness seen in the allocation of cities to the Merarites find their ultimate expression in God's perfect plan of salvation, meticulously executed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, ensuring that every promise made to the spiritual Israel is fulfilled in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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.