Joshua 21:42

KJV

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus [were] all these cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

These cities {H5892} were every one {H5892}{H5892} with their suburbs {H4054} round about {H5439} them: thus were all these cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

these cities, each with its surrounding open land; thus is it to be with all these cities.

Berean Standard Bible

Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities.

American Standard Version

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus it was with all these cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:42 serves as a concluding affirmation of God's meticulous and complete fulfillment of His promise to provide for the tribe of Levi within the Promised Land. This seemingly simple verse underscores that each of the forty-eight cities allocated to the Levites was given with its essential surrounding pasturelands, ensuring their sustenance and enabling them to fulfill their unique spiritual duties among the tribes of Israel. It highlights divine precision and comprehensive provision, bringing closure to the detailed account of the Levitical inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:42 marks the culmination of a significant section in the book of Joshua dedicated to the allocation of cities to the Levites. Following the successful conquest of Canaan and the detailed division of the land among the other eleven tribes (chapters 13-19), chapter 20 addresses the establishment of Cities of Refuge, six of which were Levitical cities. Chapter 21 then meticulously lists the forty-eight cities assigned to the Levites from the territories of all the other tribes. Verse 41 provides the total count of these cities, and verse 42 acts as a powerful summary statement, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this provision, ensuring that every city came with its necessary "suburbs." This verse immediately precedes Joshua 21:43-45, which offers a grand theological summary of God's faithfulness in fulfilling all His promises to Israel regarding the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi held a distinct position. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a continuous territorial inheritance because the Lord Himself was declared to be their inheritance ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, they were assigned forty-eight cities scattered throughout the land. This strategic dispersion was not arbitrary; it allowed the Levites, who included priests, teachers, and judges, to be present among all the tribes, providing spiritual instruction, administering justice, and maintaining the covenant. The "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) mentioned in the verse were crucial. These were not merely residential extensions but designated common pasturelands surrounding the cities, vital for the Levites' livestock. Since they were not given agricultural fields to farm, their sustenance largely depended on these pasturelands and the tithes and offerings from the other tribes, underscoring their unique economic and social model within Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:42 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**. God, true to His covenant promises, meticulously provided for His dedicated servants, ensuring their livelihood and ability to perform their sacred duties. This echoes the broader theme of God's unwavering commitment to fulfill all His promises to Israel regarding the land, a theme explicitly stated in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness in Giving the Land")). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**. The detailed allocation of cities and their accompanying pasturelands demonstrates God's orderly nature and His attention to every practical need, down to the provision for livestock. Lastly, the verse underscores the **Levitical Role and Dispersion**. The inclusion of the "suburbs" was not just a practical detail but fundamental to the Levites' function. Their scattered presence, supported by these provisions, enabled them to serve as spiritual guides and upholders of the Law throughout all Israel, a role outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Teaching Role")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash'_):** This term is crucial for understanding the Levites' provision. *Migrash* refers specifically to the open land, common pasture grounds, or outlying districts immediately adjacent to a city, designated for grazing livestock. It was not merely undeveloped land but a legally defined and essential area for the economic sustenance of the Levites, who did not receive agricultural fields. Its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive and practical nature of God's provision, ensuring the Levites could sustain themselves and their families through their flocks and herds, as detailed in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs")).
* **Every one (Hebrew, _kol'_):** The Hebrew word *kol* signifies "all," "every," or "the whole." Its use here emphasizes the totality and completeness of the provision. It means that not a single one of the 48 Levitical cities was neglected; each was fully equipped with its necessary pasturelands. This highlights the meticulousness of God's fulfillment and the thoroughness of the land distribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them":** This clause emphasizes the comprehensive and precise nature of the allocation. It confirms that each of the previously enumerated Levitical cities was provided with its essential *migrash*, the surrounding pasturelands. This detail was critical for the Levites' livelihood, as they depended on their livestock for sustenance, unlike the other tribes who received agricultural lands. The phrase "round about them" further stresses the completeness of the provision, indicating that the necessary support system was intrinsically linked to each city.
* **"thus [were] all these cities":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation and summary. It declares that the entire process of allocating the Levitical cities, complete with their vital suburbs, was fully accomplished according to divine command and intention. It signifies the successful and precise completion of this significant aspect of the land distribution, reinforcing the theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:42, though concise, employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, evident in the phrases "every one" and "all these cities." This repetition serves to underscore the completeness and thoroughness of God's provision for the Levites, leaving no room for doubt that the allocation was exhaustive and perfectly executed. Secondly, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, providing a conclusive affirmation to the detailed account of the Levitical cities in the preceding verses. It brings a sense of closure and finality to this section of the narrative. Finally, the verse is an act of **Affirmation**, confirming the meticulous fulfillment of God's command and promise regarding the Levites' inheritance. It solidifies the divine faithfulness that permeates the entire book of Joshua.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:42, in its affirmation of meticulous provision, reflects God's unwavering faithfulness and His detailed care for His servants. The divine blueprint for the Levites, ensuring their sustenance through cities and pasturelands despite their lack of a territorial inheritance, speaks volumes about God's covenant loyalty. He is not a God who makes promises and then leaves His people to fend for themselves; rather, He orchestrates every detail to ensure their well-being and their ability to fulfill their calling. This specific provision for the Levites highlights a broader theological truth: God provides comprehensively for those dedicated to His service, enabling them to carry out their divine mandate without being consumed by earthly anxieties.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - The Cities for the Levites")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness in Giving the Land")
* [Deuteronomy 12:12](/deuteronomy/12-12 "Deuteronomy 12:12 - Rejoicing with the Levite")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:42 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. Just as God precisely and comprehensively provided for those set apart for His service in ancient Israel, so too does He promise to care for His people in every generation. This verse reminds us that God is attentive to the practical needs of those who dedicate their lives to Him, whether in full-time ministry or in their daily vocations as believers. It encourages us to trust in His faithfulness for our own sustenance and provision, knowing that if He cared for the Levites down to their pasturelands, He will certainly care for us. Furthermore, the dispersion of the Levites among all tribes, supported by these provisions, serves as a model for the church's mission. Believers are called to be present within society, not isolated from it, bringing the truth and light of God's Word into every sphere of influence. This verse also implicitly calls the broader community of faith to actively support those who serve in spiritual leadership, ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out their calling effectively, just as the other tribes supported the Levites.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites encourage your trust in His care for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can we, as the church today, emulate God's provision for those who serve in full-time ministry?**
* **How does the dispersion of the Levites inform our understanding of being "in the world but not of the world" as believers?**

### FAQ
**Why were the "suburbs" so important to mention specifically?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: *migrash*) were not merely undeveloped land but crucial common pasture grounds surrounding the Levitical cities. Their specific mention is vital because the Levites did not receive agricultural land like the other tribes. Their primary means of sustenance, apart from tithes and offerings, came from their livestock. Therefore, the *migrash* provided the necessary grazing land for their animals, ensuring their economic viability and enabling them to live and serve among the people. It highlights the practical and comprehensive nature of God's provision for their unique economic model, as detailed in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Suburbs")).

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christian ministry today?**

Answer: Absolutely. Joshua 21:42 underscores God's commitment to providing for those dedicated to His service. This principle translates directly into the New Testament understanding that "the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should make their living from the gospel" ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Ministers")). It affirms the importance of the church supporting its spiritual leaders so they can devote themselves fully to ministry. Furthermore, the dispersion of the Levites among all tribes, rather than in one concentrated area, models the importance of spiritual leaders and believers being present within society, bringing God's truth and influence to every community and sphere, rather than being isolated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:42, ensuring their sustenance and enabling their service as mediators and teachers of the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfection in Jesus Christ. While the Levites received cities and pasturelands, Christ himself is our true and eternal inheritance, far surpassing any earthly portion ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in Christ")). He is the ultimate High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a single, perfect sacrifice for sins, making continuous provision for our spiritual needs through His finished work ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The scattered Levitical cities, designed to bring God's presence and teaching to all Israel, foreshadow the universal accessibility of God's presence through Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ makes His dwelling not in specific cities, but in the hearts of all believers, who are now a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to proclaim His excellencies to the world. Moreover, the Cities of Refuge, which were among the Levitical cities, find their supreme reality in Christ. He is our ultimate "city of refuge," the secure and eternal sanctuary for all who flee from the judgment of sin and take refuge in Him ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Christ")). The completeness of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:42 is a shadow of the "all things" that are freely given to us in Christ, who "did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gives All Things")).

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.