TRV
Translation
King James Version
The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
Complete Jewish Bible
The descendants of M'rari according to their families received twelve cities from the tribes of Re'uven, Gad and Z'vulun.
Berean Standard Bible
And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.
American Standard Version
The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
World English Bible Messianic
The children of Merari according to their families had twelve cities out of the tribe of Reuben, out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelue cities.
Young's Literal Translation
For the sons of Merari, for their families, are , out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
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In the KJVVerse 6,389 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 21 verses 1–8
1 ¶ Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;
2 And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.
3 And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.
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.
5 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.
6 And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
7 The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
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.
Here is, I. The Levites' petition presented to this general convention of the states, now sitting at Shiloh, Jos 21:1, Jos 21:2. Observe, 1. They had not their lot assigned them till they made their claim. There is an inheritance provided for all the saints, that royal priesthood, but then they must petition for it. Ask, and it shall be given you. Joshua had quickened the rest of the tribes who were slack to put in their claims, but the Levites, it may be supposed, knew their duty and interest better than the rest, and were therefore forward in this matter, when it came to their turn, without being called upon. They build their claim upon a very good foundation, not their own merits nor services, but the divine precept: "The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities, commanded you to grant them, which implied a command to us to ask them." Note, The maintenance of ministers is not an arbitrary thing, left purely to the good-will of the people, who may let them starve if they please; no, as the God of Israel commanded that the Levites should be well provided for, so has the Lord Jesus, the King of the Christian church, ordained, and a perpetual ordinance it is that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel (Co1 9:14), and should live comfortably. 2. They did not make their claim till all the rest of the tribes were provided for, and then they did it immediately. There was some reason for it; every tribe must first know their own, else they would not know what they gave the Levites, and so it could not be such a reasonable service as it ought to be. But it is also an instance of their humility, modesty, and patience (and Levites should be examples of these and other virtues), that they were willing to be served last, and they fared never the worse for it. Let not God's ministers complain if at any time they find themselves postponed in men's thoughts and cares, but let them make sure of the favour of God and the honour that comes from him, and then they may well enough afford to bear the slights and neglects of men.
II. The Levites' petition granted immediately, without any dispute, the princes of Israel being perhaps ashamed that they needed to be called upon in this matter, and that the motion had not been made among themselves for the settling of the Levites. 1. The children of Israel are said to give the cities for the Levites. God had appointed how many they should be in all, forty-eight. It is probable that Joshua and the princes, upon consideration of the extent and value of the lot of each tribe as it was laid before them, had appointed how many cities should be taken out of each; and then the fathers of the several tribes themselves agreed which they should be, and therefore are said to give them, as an offering, to the Lord; so God had appointed. Num 35:8, Every one shall give of his cities to the Levites. Here God tried their generosity, and it was found to praise and honour, for it appears by the following catalogue that the cities they gave to the Levites were generally some of the best and most considerable in each tribe. And it is probable that they had an eye to the situation of them, taking care they should be so dispersed as that no part of the country should be too far distant from a Levites' city. 2. They gave them at the commandment of the Lord, that is, with an eye to the command and in obedience to it, which was it that sanctified the grant. They gave the number that God commanded, and it was well this matter was settled that the Levites might not ask more nor the Israelites offer less. They gave them also with their suburbs, or glebe-lands, belonging to them, so many cubits by measure from the walls of the city, as God had commanded (Num 35:4, Num 35:5), and did not go about to cut them short. 3. When the forty-eight cities were pitched upon, they were divided into four lots, as they lay next together, and then by lot were determined to the four several families of the tribe of Levi. When the Israelites had surrendered the cities into the hand of God, he would himself have the distributing of them among his servants. (1.) The family of Aaron, who were the only priests, had for their share the thirteen cities that were given by the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, Jos 21:4. God in wisdom ordered it thus, that though Jerusalem itself was not one of their cities, it being as yet in the possession of the Jebusites (and those generous tribes would not mock the Levites, who had another warfare to mind, with a city that must be recovered by the sword before it could be enjoyed), yet the cities that fell to their lot were those which lay next to Jerusalem, because that was to be, in process of time, the holy city, where their business would chiefly lie. (2.) The Kohathite-Levites (among whom were the posterity of Moses, though never distinguished from them) had the cities that lay in the lot of Dan, which lay next to Judah, and in that of Ephraim, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, which lay next to Benjamin. So those who descended from Aaron's father joined nearest to Aaron's sons. (3.) Gershon was the eldest son of Levi, and therefore, though the younger house of the Kohathites was preferred before his, yet his children had the precedency of the other family of Merari, Jos 21:6. (4.) The Merarites, the youngest house, had their lot last, and it lay furthest off, Jos 21:7. The rest of the sons of Jacob had a lot for every tribe only, but Levi, God's tribe, had a lot for each of its families; for there is a particular providence directing and attending the removals and settlements of ministers, and appointing where those shall fix who are to be the lights of the world.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 25.4
Who will explain the diverse sites of the encampments, how this distribution must be retained in the resurrection for each priestly or levitical order of the saints, so that, just as the apostle says, nothing is done haphazardly in the resurrection, but everyone comes "in his own order, Christ first, then those who belong to Christ who have believed in his coming, when he will hand the kingdom over to our God and Father, when he will subject to him every principality and power"?On that occasion, without doubt, there will be some such observances of encampments and priestly distributions and ranks and signals of trumpets.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 25.1
It was fitting that there be a drawing of lots even regarding the suburbs and cities so that perhaps the renowned division among the Levites might not seem perhaps indiscriminate and accidental. Therefore, the distribution by lot that took place among the sons of Israel was characterized by reason, by which someone was considered worthy of the first lot, and someone else the second, as we have already previously examined to the extent we were able. This was true in regard to both those who receive through Moses beyond the Jordan and those who receive from Jesus [Joshua] in the land of promise, where the first lot fell to Benjamin and afterwards to the rest, among whom Dan was the last. Even so it is necessary that there be some reason also in the order of priestly and levitical lots. Thus the first is drawn for someone, the second for someone else, and the third for another, through which these or those places are determined for each one.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 21:7 meticulously records a significant aspect of Israel's post-conquest settlement: the allocation of twelve cities to the children of Merari, one of the three major Levitical families. These cities, along with their pasturelands, were drawn from the tribal territories of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. This verse, part of the broader account of Levitical city distribution in Joshua 21, underscores God's faithfulness in providing for His consecrated servants, the Levites, who received no territorial inheritance of their own but were strategically dispersed throughout the land to serve as spiritual guides and upholders of God's law.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 21:7, along with the entire chapter, prominently employs Enumeration, systematically listing the cities allocated to each Levitical family from specific tribes. This detailed accounting serves to underscore the thoroughness, precision, and divine order with which God's commands were fulfilled. The passage also functions as a Fulfillment Narrative, demonstrating the completion of divine promises regarding the land and the provision for the Levites, as previously outlined in the Pentateuch. This reinforces the overarching theme of God's faithfulness and the absolute reliability of His word. Furthermore, the repetitive structure across the chapter, detailing the cities for each Levitical branch, creates a powerful Divine Command/Obedience Motif, highlighting Israel's meticulous adherence to the instructions given through Moses, thereby affirming their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their commitment to His established order.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:7, as an integral part of the Levitical city distribution, profoundly speaks to God's meticulous faithfulness and His sovereign ordering of His people. The Levites, set apart for divine service, were not left to fend for themselves but were meticulously provided for through the contributions of the other tribes. This arrangement underscores the enduring biblical principle that those who dedicate their lives to spiritual ministry are worthy of support from the community they serve, reflecting God's commitment to sustaining those who prioritize His kingdom. It also highlights the essential interconnectedness of God's people, where each part contributes to the flourishing of the whole, ensuring that spiritual truth and divine law were accessible throughout the entire nation. This divinely orchestrated system fostered unity and spiritual health.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:7 serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, provision, and meticulous faithfulness. Just as He ensured the Levites, dedicated to His service, were cared for through the generosity and obedience of the other tribes, so too does He orchestrate provision for those who serve Him today. This passage challenges us to consider our role in supporting spiritual ministry, recognizing that the health and vitality of the church often depend on the willingness of its members to contribute resources, time, and talent to those called to full-time service. Furthermore, the dispersion of the Levites teaches us the importance of spiritual presence in every corner of society. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, dispersed throughout the world, bringing the influence of God's truth and grace into our families, workplaces, and communities. It encourages us to trust in God's detailed plan for our lives and His unwavering promise to provide for those who seek His kingdom first and foremost.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why didn't the Levites receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes?
Answer: The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance because the Lord God of Israel Himself was declared to be their inheritance (Joshua 13:33). This unique status set them apart for full-time, consecrated service to God in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). Instead of a contiguous land portion, they were allotted 48 cities with surrounding pasturelands scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes. This arrangement ensured their sustenance through the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, enabling them to fulfill their crucial duties as priests, teachers of the Law, and administrators of justice across all of Israel. It highlighted their spiritual focus and their dependence on God's provision mediated through His people.
What was the significance of dispersing the Levites among all the tribes?
Answer: The dispersion of the Levites, as seen in the allocation to the Merarites from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun in Joshua 21:7, was a profoundly strategic divine plan. It ensured that spiritual instruction, the administration of justice, and the knowledge of God's Law were readily accessible to all Israelites, regardless of their specific tribal location. This prevented any one tribe from becoming spiritually isolated or drifting from God's covenant. Furthermore, it fostered national unity under Yahweh, as every tribe participated in supporting the Levitical ministry, reinforcing their interdependence and shared commitment to God's covenant. This distribution served to keep the entire nation spiritually vibrant and accountable to the Mosaic Law, promoting a cohesive national identity centered on their shared faith.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:7, detailing the meticulous provision for the Levitical family of Merari, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levites, particularly the priests among them, served as essential mediators between God and humanity, offering sacrifices and diligently teaching the Law. This entire system, including their unique inheritance and strategic dispersion, pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all mediation of Christ. He is the true and ultimate High Priest, not of the lineage of Levi, but of the eternal order of Melchizedek, whose priesthood is superior and everlasting (Hebrews 7:11-17). Whereas the Levites received cities as their earthly inheritance, Christ is our true and eternal inheritance, offering us not merely land but eternal life, reconciliation, and a direct, unhindered relationship with God Himself (Ephesians 1:11-14). Furthermore, the strategic dispersion of the Levites throughout ancient Israel foreshadows the New Testament reality of the church. Believers, as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), are now dispersed throughout the world, not confined to specific cities or territories, but called to be witnesses and ministers of reconciliation in every nation (Acts 1:8). Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites, He provides for His church, empowering us by His Spirit to fulfill our priestly calling in the world, until Christ, our ultimate inheritance and the head of His body, returns.