Joshua 21:7

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.

The children {H1121} of Merari {H4847} by their families {H4940} had out of the tribe {H4294} of Reuben {H7205}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Gad {H1410}, and out of the tribe {H4294} of Zebulun {H2074}, twelve {H8147}{H6240} cities {H5892}.

The descendants of M'rari according to their families received twelve cities from the tribes of Re'uven, Gad and Z'vulun.

And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

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.

Commentary

Joshua 21:7 is part of a crucial chapter detailing the fulfillment of God's command to provide cities for the Levites throughout the land of Israel. While the other tribes received a territorial inheritance, the Levites, consecrated to the service of the Lord, did not receive a land portion of their own, as noted in Joshua 13:33. Instead, they were allotted cities and pasturelands within the territories of the other tribes.

Context

Chapter 21 of Joshua meticulously records the distribution of these Levitical cities, an act of obedience to the divine instructions given through Moses in Numbers 35:1-8. This verse specifically addresses the allocation for the children of Merari, one of the three principal families of the Levites, descended from Levi’s son, Merari. They received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad (both east of the Jordan), and Zebulun (in the north).

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Provision: This verse, along with the entire chapter, highlights God's meticulous care for His servants, the Levites. He ensures that those dedicated to His service are well-provided for, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises.
  • Order and Obedience: The detailed list of cities and tribes underscores the meticulous planning and execution of God's commands. It showcases the Israelites' obedience in carrying out the precise instructions for land distribution and the support of the Levitical priesthood.
  • Inter-Tribal Connection: By dispersing the Levites among all the tribes, God ensured their presence as spiritual teachers and judges throughout Israel, fostering unity and adherence to the law. This also meant each tribe participated in supporting the Levitical ministry, reinforcing their interdependence.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned—Merari (Hebrew: מְרָרִי, Merari), Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun—are tribal names and do not carry significant hidden linguistic nuances beyond their literal meaning in this context. The emphasis is on the factual allocation of cities according to tribal lineage, fulfilling the divine decree.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:7 reminds us of the importance of fulfilling divine instructions and the principle of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. Just as the Levites were provided for through the other tribes, there is a biblical precedent for the community to support those who serve in spiritual leadership. It also speaks to the orderly nature of God's plan and His commitment to providing for His people, especially those who serve Him wholeheartedly. This passage reflects God's attention to detail and His desire for an organized, well-functioning community that upholds His laws and honors His servants.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 21:34 (3 votes)

    And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,

  • Joshua 21:40 (3 votes)

    So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were [by] their lot twelve cities.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:63 (2 votes)

    Unto the sons of Merari [were given] by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

  • Exodus 6:19 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these [are] the families of Levi according to their generations.

  • Numbers 3:20 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These [are] the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 (2 votes)

    Unto the rest of the children of Merari [were given] out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

  • 1 Chronicles 6:81 (2 votes)

    And Heshbon with her suburbs, and Jazer with her suburbs.