Joshua 14:4

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

For the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} were two {H8147} tribes {H4294}, Manasseh {H4519} and Ephraim {H669}: therefore they gave {H5414} no part {H2506} unto the Levites {H3881} in the land {H776}, save cities {H5892} to dwell {H3427} in, with their suburbs {H4054} for their cattle {H4735} and for their substance {H7075}.

The descendants of Yosef constituted two tribes, M'nasheh and Efrayim; and they gave no portion of the land to the L'vi'im except cities to live in, with the open land surrounding them for their livestock and crops.

The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for their cattle and for their substance.

Commentary

Joshua 14:4 provides a crucial detail regarding the tribal inheritance in the land of Canaan, explaining how the twelve tribal portions were allocated despite the unique status of Joseph's descendants and the Levites.

Context

This verse comes amidst the detailed account of the land division in the book of Joshua. After the conquest, Joshua began to distribute the land by lot to the various tribes of Israel. The traditional twelve tribes of Israel were descended from Jacob’s (Israel’s) twelve sons. However, a unique situation arose with the tribe of Joseph. Before his death, Jacob had adopted Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, elevating them to the status of full tribes. This meant that Joseph effectively received a double portion of the inheritance, reflecting his prominence and blessing within the family of Israel.

Simultaneously, the tribe of Levi had a distinct role. They were consecrated for service to God, specifically for the tabernacle (and later, the temple) duties. Because the Lord Himself was their inheritance, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:9, they were not given a territorial land inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Inheritance: The verse highlights God's faithfulness in providing for all the tribes according to His plan, even those with unique circumstances like Joseph's descendants and the Levites. Each tribe received their allotted portion, ensuring their sustenance and future in the Promised Land.
  • Tribal Structure and Identity: It reinforces the distinct tribal identities within Israel, particularly emphasizing the two branches of Joseph's family. The division of land was fundamental to the social, economic, and religious life of the Israelites.
  • The Levites' Unique Role: This verse underscores the special status of the Levites, whose inheritance was spiritual service rather than territorial possession. This system ensured they could focus on their priestly and teaching duties, scattered among all the tribes to minister to them.

Linguistic Insights

The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: migrash) does not refer to residential areas outside a city as we understand it today, but rather to the common pasturelands and open areas surrounding the Levitical cities. These areas were designated for their cattle and other possessions, providing a means of livelihood for the Levites who did not farm their own land. This provision is detailed in Numbers 35:2-5, ensuring they had sufficient resources despite their lack of a tribal territory.

Practical Application

Joshua 14:4 reminds us that God's plan often involves diverse roles and provisions for His people. Just as the Levites had a unique calling to serve God directly, and Joseph's sons received a double portion, each believer has a distinct purpose and is uniquely provided for by God. It encourages us to:

  • Embrace our unique calling: We are not all called to the same tasks, but each role is valuable in God's kingdom.
  • Trust in God's provision: Whether our "inheritance" is material or spiritual, God faithfully provides for those who serve Him.
  • Recognize interconnectedness: The Levites' support relied on the other tribes, illustrating the interdependence within the body of believers, where each part contributes to the whole.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 48:5 (5 votes)

    And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he [was] the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:2 (3 votes)

    For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

  • Joshua 21:2 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 21:42 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 35:2 (2 votes)

    Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

  • Numbers 35:8 (2 votes)

    And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.