Joshua 21:5

KJV

And the rest of the children of Kohath [had] by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the rest {H3498} of the children {H1121} of Kohath {H6955} had by lot {H1486} out of the families {H4940} of the tribe {H4294} of Ephraim {H669}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Dan {H1835}, and out of the half {H2677} tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519}, ten {H6235} cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The rest of the descendants of K'hat received by lot ten cities from the families of the tribes of Efrayim and Dan and the half-tribe of M'nasheh.

Berean Standard Bible

The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

American Standard Version

And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:5 meticulously records the divine allocation of ten cities to the non-priestly segment of the Kohathite clan, a specific Levitical family. This verse highlights God's faithful and precise fulfillment of His promise to provide for the Levites, who received no territorial inheritance, by scattering them among the other tribes of Israel to serve as spiritual guides and administrators throughout the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 stands as a pivotal chapter in the book of Joshua, marking the culmination of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel. Following the conquest of Canaan and the division of the land by lot, detailed in [Joshua 14-19](/joshua/14-19 "Joshua 14-19 - Division of the Land"), this chapter addresses the unique provision for the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a contiguous territory, as the Lord Himself was their inheritance, a theme powerfully articulated in [Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Levites' Inheritance"). Instead, God commanded that they be given cities to dwell in, along with their pasturelands, scattered among all the other tribes. Joshua 21 systematically details the fulfillment of this divine decree, beginning with the request from the heads of the Levitical families in [Joshua 21:1-3](/joshua/21-1-3 "Joshua 21:1-3 - Levites Request Cities"). Verse 4 specifically addresses the allocation to the Aaronite Kohathites (the priestly line), while verse 5 then specifies the provision for "the rest of the children of Kohath"—the non-priestly members of this clan, who had distinct duties related to the Tabernacle's furnishings. The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling all His promises to Israel, as seen in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithful Fulfillment of Promises").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct fulfillment of God's command given much earlier in the wilderness wanderings, particularly in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities"). This divine instruction ensured that the Levites, who were set apart for sacred service, would be sustained and strategically positioned throughout the nascent nation. The method of "by lot" (Hebrew: _goral_) was a common and divinely sanctioned practice in ancient Israel for making important decisions, signifying that the outcome was not based on human preference or negotiation but on God's sovereign will. The scattering of the Levites among the tribes was crucial for the spiritual health and unity of Israel. As teachers of the Law, judges, and administrators of justice, their presence in various regions ensured accessibility to spiritual instruction and oversight, preventing spiritual drift and promoting adherence to the Mosaic covenant across the diverse tribal territories. This arrangement also prevented the formation of a concentrated, potentially powerful, priestly land-owning class, reinforcing their dependence on God and the generosity of the other tribes.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:5, within the broader context of the chapter, powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**. The meticulous distribution of cities, determined by lot and precisely recorded, demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His detailed care for His chosen servants. This echoes the broader narrative of God's faithfulness throughout the book of Joshua, culminating in the declaration of [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "God's Faithful Fulfillment of All Promises"). Secondly, it highlights **Order and Administration** within the newly settled nation. The systematic and precise allocation of cities, recorded with such detail, reflects the divinely guided organization of Israel's tribal and religious structure under Joshua's leadership. This was not a chaotic process but a testament to God's orderly nature, ensuring justice and spiritual guidance were accessible across the land, as also seen in the establishment of the [Cities of Refuge](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge"). Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of the **Unique Levitical Role**. By providing cities for the Levites, including the Kohathites who were responsible for carrying the most sacred elements of the Tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathites' Duties")), God ensured their continued function as spiritual instructors, mediators, and guardians of the Law, thereby promoting national unity and spiritual vitality throughout the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rest (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to jut over or exceed"; by implication, "to excel"; (intransitively) "to remain or be left"; causatively, "to leave, cause to abound, preserve." In this context, "the rest" refers to those descendants of Kohath who were not of the priestly line of Aaron. This distinction is crucial, as the Aaronite priests had already received their allocation of thirteen cities in the preceding verse ([Joshua 21:4](/joshua/21-4 "Joshua 21:4 - Allocation to Aaronite Kohathites")). These non-priestly Kohathites had vital responsibilities related to the Tabernacle, primarily the carrying of its holy furnishings (such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars) during Israel's wilderness journeys. Their continued provision in Canaan ensured the perpetuation of their sacred duties and their role in the spiritual life of the nation.
* **by lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** Or (shortened) גֹּרָל; from an unused root meaning "to be rough (as stone)"; properly, "a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose)"; figuratively, "a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)." This phrase signifies that the distribution of cities was determined by casting lots, a practice in ancient Israel understood to be a means by which God revealed His will ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). The use of the lot removed any human bias or negotiation from the process, emphasizing that the allocation of these cities was not arbitrary but divinely ordained. It underscored God's sovereignty over the land and His meticulous involvement in the details of His people's lives and national affairs.
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qᵉhâth'_):** From an unused root meaning "to ally oneself"; "allied"; Kehath, an Israelite. Kohath was one of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Merari), and his descendants formed a major clan within the tribe of Levi. While Aaron, the first high priest, was a descendant of Kohath, the term "the rest of the children of Kohath" in this verse specifically distinguishes them from the priestly (Aaronite) branch mentioned in [Joshua 21:4](/joshua/21-4 "Joshua 21:4 - Allocation to Aaronite Kohathites"). These non-priestly Kohathites had vital responsibilities related to the Tabernacle, primarily the carrying of its holy furnishings. Their continued provision in Canaan ensured the perpetuation of their sacred duties and their role in the spiritual life of the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the rest of the children of Kohath [had]":** This opening clause immediately distinguishes this group from the priestly Kohathites who received their allocation in the preceding verse. It refers to the non-priestly descendants of Kohath, who, though not serving as priests, were integral to the Levitical service, particularly in the care and transport of sacred Tabernacle items. The phrase implies their receiving or possessing these cities as their divinely appointed dwelling places.
* **"by lot":** This crucial phrase indicates the method of distribution. It emphasizes that the allocation was not a human decision but a divine one, with God superintending the casting of lots to determine which cities would be assigned to this specific Levitical clan. This underscores God's sovereignty and meticulous involvement in the details of the land's division, ensuring fairness and divine order.
* **"out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh":** This specifies the source of the cities. The Kohathites did not receive cities from a single tribe, but from three distinct tribal territories. This highlights the strategic scattering of the Levites throughout Israel, ensuring their presence and influence across various regions, fulfilling their role as spiritual instructors and administrators for all the tribes. It also demonstrates the cooperative effort required from the other tribes to fulfill God's command.
* **"ten cities":** This final clause provides the exact number of cities allocated to "the rest of the children of Kohath." The precision of this number, following the divine determination by lot and the naming of the contributing tribes, reinforces the theme of God's orderly provision and the meticulous fulfillment of His promises regarding the Levitical inheritance. This specific number contrasts with the thirteen cities given to the priestly Kohathites, demonstrating a tailored, divinely guided allocation.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:5, within the broader context of the chapter, employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Divine Command/Fulfillment Narrative**, where the text systematically details the execution of God's earlier instructions regarding the Levitical cities ([Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")). This narrative structure emphasizes God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word, demonstrating that His decrees are always brought to pass. The **Repetition** of the phrase "by lot" throughout Joshua 21 (e.g., [Joshua 21:4](/joshua/21-4 "Joshua 21:4 - Allocation to Aaronite Kohathites"), [Joshua 21:6](/joshua/21-6 "Allocation to Gershonites"), [Joshua 21:8](/joshua/21-8 "Summary of Lot Allocation")) serves to underscore the divine superintendence over the entire land distribution process, removing any human arbitrariness and highlighting God's sovereign control. Furthermore, the meticulous **Enumeration** of tribes and cities throughout the chapter, including the specific mention of Ephraim, Dan, and Manasseh in this verse, adds to the sense of historical accuracy and the thoroughness of God's provision. This detailed listing serves as a testament to the orderly nature of the divine plan and its precise execution, leaving no doubt about the fulfillment of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:5, in its specific detail, powerfully echoes the broader theological truth of God's meticulous faithfulness and His sovereign provision for His people. The precise allocation of cities to the Kohathites, determined by divine lot, underscores that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed commitments that He unfailingly brings to pass. This act of provision for the Levites, who were set apart for sacred service and had no land inheritance, illustrates God's care for those dedicated to Him, ensuring their sustenance and enabling their crucial role in the spiritual life of the nation. It highlights the divine order and wisdom in establishing a system where spiritual instruction and oversight were accessible throughout all the tribes, preventing spiritual decay and fostering national unity under God's law. This divine arrangement also prefigures the New Testament concept of the church as a scattered, yet unified, body, entrusted with the spiritual care and instruction of God's people.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "God's Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "The Lord as the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "God's Faithful Fulfillment of All Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:5, though detailing an ancient administrative act, offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. The meticulous care with which God provided for the Kohathites, down to the specific number of cities and the tribes from which they were drawn, serves as a powerful reminder of His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It encourages us to trust in God's provision for our own lives, recognizing that He is intimately concerned with our needs and purposes, just as He was for His servants in ancient Israel. This passage also highlights the importance of spiritual presence and instruction within communities. Just as the Levites were scattered to be spiritual anchors, we, as believers, are called to be salt and light in our spheres of influence, embodying God's truth and love in our daily lives. The divine order evident in this allocation also prompts us to consider the importance of structure, intentionality, and divine guidance in our own lives and in the life of the church, trusting that God works out His plans with precision for His glory and our good. It reminds us that our "inheritance" is not primarily earthly possessions but a relationship with God, and from that relationship flows His provision for our service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Kohathites encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can you, like the scattered Levites, intentionally embody a "spiritual presence" in your family, workplace, or community?**
* **What does the "by lot" method of allocation teach us about trusting God's sovereignty in decisions that impact our future?**
* **How does the Levites' unique inheritance (the Lord Himself) inform your understanding of true spiritual wealth and provision?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Kohathites, and why were they mentioned separately from other Levites?**

Answer: The Kohathites were one of the three main clans descended from Levi, the ancestor of the Levitical tribe. They were responsible for carrying the most sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the altars. They are mentioned separately because, while all Levites served God, the Kohathites had distinct duties. Furthermore, within the Kohathite clan, there was a crucial distinction: the Aaronite Kohathites (descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother) were the priests, while "the rest of the children of Kohath" (as in [Joshua 21:5](/joshua/21-5 "Joshua 21:5 - Allocation to Non-Priestly Kohathites")) were non-priestly Levites with other specific service roles related to the Tabernacle's care and transport. This verse specifically addresses the provision for this non-priestly segment of the Kohathites.

**What is the significance of the phrase "by lot" in the context of land distribution?**

Answer: The phrase "by lot" (Hebrew: _goral_) signifies that the distribution of the cities was not based on human negotiation, preference, or strategic planning, but was determined by casting lots. In ancient Israel, this method was understood as a way of seeking and receiving divine direction, ensuring that the outcome was God's sovereign will ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). It emphasized that the land, and its division, ultimately belonged to God, and He was orchestrating the details of His people's inheritance and settlement, removing any potential for human dispute or perceived unfairness in the allocation process.

**Why were the Levites, including the Kohathites, scattered among the other tribes instead of receiving a single territory?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes because "the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that they be scattered among all the tribes by receiving cities and pasturelands. This strategic distribution served several vital purposes: it ensured that spiritual instruction, the teaching of the Law, and the administration of justice were accessible to all tribes throughout the land. The Levites served as spiritual guides, judges, and administrators, helping to maintain the nation's adherence to God's covenant and preventing spiritual drift in isolated areas. This arrangement fostered national unity under God's law and provided spiritual oversight across the entire land of Israel, ensuring that God's presence and commands were felt in every corner of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:5, detailing the meticulous provision for the Kohathites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The Levites, particularly the Kohathites who handled the sacred objects of the Tabernacle, served as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priestly and mediatorial work. Their unique inheritance (the Lord Himself) and their scattered presence among the tribes point to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ and the church's mission in the world. Just as the Levites were provided for by God to facilitate spiritual access and instruction, so Christ is our ultimate provision, enabling our access to God through His perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). He is our true and eternal inheritance, far surpassing any earthly portion, for in Him "we have obtained an inheritance" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Furthermore, the scattering of the Levites throughout Israel to be spiritual guides prefigures the New Testament church. Believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are now called to be a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1_peter/2-9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) scattered throughout the world, acting as salt and light ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")) to proclaim the gospel and embody God's truth. The precise fulfillment of God's promises to the Kohathites in [Joshua 21:5](/joshua/21-5 "Joshua 21:5 - Allocation to Non-Priestly Kohathites") ultimately points to the even greater faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ultimate promise of salvation and eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ, in whom "all the promises of God find their 'Yes'" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), securing for us an imperishable inheritance in heaven ([1_peter/1-4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")).

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

Joshua 21:20

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:26

All the cities [were] ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

Exodus 6:16

And these [are] the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi [were] an hundred thirty and seven years.

Exodus 6:25

And Eleazar Aaron's son took him [one] of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these [are] the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.

1 Chronicles 6:61

And unto the sons of Kohath, [which were] left of the family of that tribe, [were cities given] out of the half tribe, [namely, out of] the half [tribe] of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.

Genesis 46:11

And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:66

And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.