Joshua 21:9

KJV

¶ And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are [here] mentioned by name,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they gave {H5414} out of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}, these cities {H5892} which are here mentioned {H7121} by name {H8034},

Complete Jewish Bible

They gave from the tribe of the descendants of Y'hudah and from the tribe of the descendants of Shim'on these cities here mentioned by name;

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name

American Standard Version

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:9 meticulously records the specific allocation of cities from the tribal territories of Judah and Simeon to the Levites. This verse is an integral part of the detailed account of God's faithful provision for the priestly tribe, ensuring their sustenance and strategic positioning throughout the land of Canaan. It highlights the divine ordering of the nascent nation, enabling the Levites to fulfill their spiritual service among all the tribes of Israel, thereby demonstrating the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21 serves as the climactic conclusion to the detailed land distribution narrative in the book of Joshua, which began in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of Jordan"). Following the conquest of Canaan and the division of territory among the other eleven tribes (described in [Joshua 14-19](/joshua/14-19 "Joshua 14-19 - Land Distribution to the Tribes")), this chapter addresses the unique inheritance of the Levites. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites, consecrated for priestly and tabernacle/temple service, did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance. Instead, God commanded that they be given specific cities with surrounding pasturelands, scattered throughout all the tribal territories. Joshua 21 systematically lists these 48 cities, organized by the three Levitical families (Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites), ensuring that God's meticulous plan for their provision and spiritual function was fulfilled. Joshua 21:9 specifically initiates the listing of cities from the southern tribes, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this divine provision across the entire land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of cities to the Levites was a direct fulfillment of earlier Mosaic law, particularly the detailed instructions found in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities and Pasturelands"). This unique arrangement reflected a fundamental aspect of Israelite society: the Levites' primary role was spiritual, not agricultural or military. By not receiving a land inheritance like the other tribes (a principle reiterated in [Joshua 14:4](/joshua/14-4 "Joshua 14:4 - Levites Receive No Land Inheritance")), their sustenance was to come from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, and their dwelling places were strategically distributed. This dispersion allowed them to serve as spiritual instructors, judges, and guardians of the Law across the entire nation. It prevented the centralization of religious authority in one geographic area, fostered national unity through shared access to priestly services, and ensured that every tribe had ready access to those who could teach and apply God's commandments.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 21:9, within the broader context of the chapter and the book of Joshua, powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in providing for His chosen servants, the Levites, and fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The detailed naming of cities, "mentioned by name," emphasizes **Order and Precision** in God's plan; nothing was left to chance, reflecting divine order in the nascent nation. This meticulousness ensures the reliability and authority of the historical account. Secondly, the strategic scattering of the Levites throughout the tribes underscores the **Nature of Levitical Service**, positioning them to serve as accessible spiritual guides and teachers, thereby fostering national unity and spiritual instruction, as foreshadowed in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Role of Levi in Teaching God's Laws"). Finally, the entire narrative of land distribution, culminating in this chapter, functions as a **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word, as explicitly stated in [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word Failed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb (H5414) is a primitive root with a vast semantic range, meaning "to give," but also "to put," "to make," "to appoint," or "to assign." In the context of Joshua 21:9, it signifies the act of formally assigning or allocating the cities. This is not a mere transfer of property but a divinely ordained act of bestowing a portion, emphasizing the authority and intentionality behind the distribution. It highlights that the cities were not seized by the Levites but were graciously provided by God through the cooperation of the other tribes.
* **tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** The term (H4294) literally means "branch" or "rod," and figuratively, "tribe." This metaphor of a "branch" extending from a common root aptly describes the familial and organizational structure of the Israelite tribes, each stemming from one of Jacob's sons. In this verse, it refers to the distinct administrative and territorial units of Judah and Simeon. The use of "tribe" here underscores the organized and systematic nature of the land distribution, reflecting a divinely ordered national structure where each segment played a role in supporting the whole.
* **mentioned by name (Hebrew, _qârâʼ bišmôt'_):** This phrase combines the verb `qârâʼ` (H7121), meaning "to call out to," "to name," or "to proclaim," with the preposition `bə` ("in" or "by") and the plural of `šêm` (H8034), "name." The full expression emphasizes the specificity, exactitude, and detailed, itemized listing of the cities. It is not a general allocation but a precise, recorded designation of each city. This linguistic detail reinforces the meticulous nature of the divine command and its execution, affirming the reliability of the historical record and the divine oversight of the land distribution process. It underscores that God's promises are fulfilled with precise and verifiable detail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah,"**: This opening clause establishes the first source tribe from which cities were allocated to the Levites. The "they" refers collectively to the leadership of Israel—Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the heads of the tribal families (as introduced in [Joshua 21:1](/joshua/21-1 "Joshua 21:1 - Leaders Distribute Cities to Levites"))—acting in obedience to God's command. Judah, being the largest and most prominent tribe, received a significant portion of the land, thus possessing the capacity to contribute cities for the Levites. This highlights the inter-tribal cooperation and the collective responsibility in fulfilling God's directives.
* **"and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon,"**: This clause identifies the second source tribe for cities mentioned in this specific verse. The tribe of Simeon had its inheritance located within the territory of Judah ([Joshua 19:1](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1 - Simeon's Inheritance Within Judah")), indicating a close geographical and administrative relationship between the two. The inclusion of Simeon further demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the Levitical provision, drawing from all available tribal lands as mandated by God, ensuring that no tribe was exempt from contributing to the support of the Levites.
* **"these cities which are [here] mentioned by name,"**: This concluding phrase emphatically underscores the precision and specificity of the allocation. The cities were not generally assigned but were individually identified and recorded, indicating a deliberate and exact fulfillment of the divine command. The bracketed "here" in the KJV is an interpretive addition, but the Hebrew clearly conveys the idea of a named, itemized list that either immediately follows or is implied by the context of the chapter. This detail emphasizes the divine order and the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises, leaving no ambiguity about the Levites' provision and the historical accuracy of the account.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Joshua 21:9, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Enumeration**. The verse explicitly states that cities were "mentioned by name," which directly sets the stage for the detailed lists that follow in the subsequent verses. This methodical cataloging of cities serves to emphasize the precision, thoroughness, and divine order of God's plan for the Levites' settlement. It highlights that the division of the land and the provision for the Levites were not arbitrary but meticulously executed according to divine command. Furthermore, the entire narrative of land distribution, culminating in this chapter, functions as a **Fulfillment Narrative**. It meticulously demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing Israel into the promised land and establishing them according to His exact specifications, thereby validating the divine authority behind the entire enterprise and reassuring the reader of God's trustworthiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:9 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and comprehensive provision for His people, particularly those consecrated for His service. The precise allocation of cities to the Levites, "mentioned by name," underscores the divine order that governs creation and covenant. It reveals a God who is not vague in His promises but exact in their fulfillment, ensuring that His chosen ministers are sustained and strategically positioned to serve the entire nation. This arrangement reflects the theological principle that those who dedicate their lives to God's work will be cared for by His divine hand, often through the generosity and support of the community. It also highlights the importance of spiritual leadership being accessible and integrated within the community, rather than isolated, fostering a holistic spiritual life for all of Israel. This divine blueprint for support and dispersion ensures the spiritual health and unity of the nation.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1-8 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Instructions for Levitical Cities and Pasturelands")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1-2 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - The Levites' Portion is the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:9, while detailing an ancient land distribution, offers profound contemporary insights into God's character and our role within His kingdom. It assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to provide for those who serve Him, reminding us that His promises are not vague but precise and meticulously fulfilled. Just as He ensured the Levites had a place and provision, so too does He care for His people today, often through the community of faith and the mutual support of believers. This verse challenges us to consider our own "inheritance" – not primarily in terms of earthly possessions, but in our relationship with the Lord Himself, recognizing that our ultimate security, purpose, and provision are found in Him. It also encourages us to embrace our unique calling, understanding that God has a specific place and purpose for each of us, whether in a central role or "scattered" among others for service, always with the aim of fostering spiritual growth and unity within the broader body of Christ and extending His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:9 speak to His character and faithfulness in your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "scatter" your gifts, talents, and service, rather than concentrating them, for the benefit of the wider community of faith or the world?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to consider the Lord as your "inheritance," rather than earthly possessions, achievements, or even a specific geographic location?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Levites not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a contiguous tribal land inheritance because their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their primary role was spiritual service to God and the nation of Israel. As outlined in [Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance is the Lord"), God declared, "I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites." Instead of land, they were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, ensuring their sustenance without requiring them to engage in agricultural or military pursuits. This unique arrangement allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to their priestly duties, teaching God's law, maintaining the tabernacle/temple worship, and serving as judges. Their scattered cities, as described in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), strategically positioned them throughout the land to serve all the tribes, fostering spiritual instruction and unity across the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:9, with its meticulous detailing of the Levites' scattered cities, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's provision and presence. While the Levites were strategically dispersed throughout Israel to serve as spiritual guides and maintain the worship of God among the tribes, Jesus Christ is the ultimate High Priest, whose ministry is not confined to specific cities or tribes but extends universally to all humanity. He is the true "inheritance" for all believers, far surpassing any earthly portion or tribal allocation, as [Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The Lord is My Portion") beautifully declares, "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup." Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ has inaugurated a new covenant where all believers are made a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister wherever they are. Just as the Levites were sustained by the offerings of Israel, Christ's work provides the spiritual sustenance for His Church, enabling His followers to live lives of worship and service, demonstrating God's faithful provision not just for a select tribe, but for all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). His presence, through the Holy Spirit, is not limited to a central sanctuary but dwells within each believer ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), making every location where a believer resides a potential point of spiritual influence, witness, and testimony, fulfilling the ultimate vision of a scattered, yet unified, people of God.

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

1 Chronicles 6:65

And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by [their] names.

Joshua 21:13

Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:18

Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.