Joshua 21:40

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Joshua 21:40 concludes the specific allocation of cities to the Merarite clan, one of the three main families of the Levites, confirming that they received a total of twelve cities by lot. This verse is part of the detailed account of the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel as they settled in the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is found within Joshua chapter 21, which meticulously records the distribution of cities to the entire tribe of Levi. Unlike the other Israelite tribes who received large territorial inheritances, the Levites, dedicated to priestly and temple service, were not given a single contiguous territory. Instead, they were allotted specific cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands (Numbers 35:2). This arrangement allowed them to serve the spiritual needs of all Israel. Joshua 21 details the specific allocations: the Kohathites received cities from Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin (verses 9-19); the Gershonites from Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh (verses 27-33); and finally, the Merarites from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun (verses 34-39), concluding with this summary verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Provision: The precise fulfillment of the number of cities for the Merarites, and for all Levites, underscores God's meticulous care and faithfulness in providing for His people, especially those dedicated to His service.
  • Order and System: The detailed account of the city distribution, determined by lot, highlights the divine order and systematic approach God employed in settling Israel. It was not chaotic but carefully planned.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This distribution directly fulfills earlier commands given by God through Moses regarding the Levites' inheritance, demonstrating God's word is always accomplished.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "by their lot" (KJV) translates the Hebrew word goral, which refers to a method of decision-making believed to reveal God's will. It was not a random chance but a divinely guided process, ensuring that the allocation of cities to the Merarites, and indeed all tribal lands, was according to God's precise plan.

Significance and Application

Joshua 21:40, while a specific detail, is part of the larger narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, who fulfills every promise He makes. For believers today, it speaks to God's commitment to provide for those who serve Him and His meticulous attention to detail in His divine plan. Just as He ensured every Levite family had its designated place, so too does God have a specific purpose and provision for each of His children.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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