Joshua 21:8

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.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} gave {H5414} by lot {H1486} unto the Levites {H3881} these cities {H5892} with their suburbs {H4054}, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

The people of Isra'el gave by lot to the L'vi'im these cities with the surrounding open land, as ADONAI had ordered through Moshe.

So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as Jehovah commanded by Moses.

Commentary

Context

Joshua 21:8 is part of a larger section (Joshua 21:1-45) detailing the fulfillment of God's promise to provide cities for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a territorial inheritance of land for agriculture. Their unique role was to serve the Lord in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, acting as priests, teachers, and guardians of God's law. This verse specifically highlights the method of distribution for these cities and pasturelands for their livestock, emphasizing that it was done precisely "as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses." This distribution was crucial for establishing the spiritual infrastructure of the nation of Israel after the conquest of Canaan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command and Obedience: The phrase "as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses" is central, underscoring the meticulous adherence of the Israelites to God's specific instructions concerning the Levites' provision. This highlights the importance of God's command for the Levite cities found in Numbers 35:2-8.
  • Unique Provision for the Levites: The Levites were set apart for sacred service and were not to be burdened with agricultural labor. Their inheritance of cities scattered among all the tribes ensured their accessibility to the entire nation for teaching and spiritual guidance, fulfilling their unique calling. This arrangement is consistent with Deuteronomy 18:1-2, which states they would have no inheritance among their brethren.
  • God's Faithfulness: This act marks another significant step in God fulfilling His promises to Israel, not only in giving them the land but also in establishing the structure for their spiritual life within it. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service and the overall order of His covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "by lot" translates the Hebrew word goral (ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ), referring to a method of casting lots, often stones or objects, believed to reveal God's will in decisions. This method underscored the divine oversight in the land distribution, removing human bias and affirming that the allocation was ultimately from God.
  • "Suburbs" comes from the Hebrew migrash (ืžึดื’ึฐืจึธืฉื), which refers to the open land or pasture surrounding the cities. These were specifically designated for the Levites' cattle and other animals, not for cultivation, providing essential support for their livelihood while freeing them for their priestly duties.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:8 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Divine Provision for Service: Just as God meticulously provided for the Levites who served Him, He continues to care for those who dedicate their lives to His kingdom. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to meet their needs, even if His provision looks different from worldly expectations.
  • The Importance of Obedience: The detailed obedience of the Israelites to God's command, even in the complex distribution of cities, highlights the necessity of following God's revealed will. This encourages believers to diligently study and obey God's Word in all areas of life.
  • Order and Purpose in God's Plan: God's plan is characterized by divine order and purpose. The strategic placement of the Levites' cities ensured that spiritual leadership and teaching were accessible throughout Israel, demonstrating God's desire for the spiritual well-being of His people. This reminds us that God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us within His larger design.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 21:3 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

  • Numbers 33:54 (2 votes)

    And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

  • Proverbs 16:33 (2 votes)

    ยถ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

  • Joshua 18:6 (2 votes)

    Ye shall therefore describe the land [into] seven parts, and bring [the description] hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

  • Proverbs 18:18 (2 votes)

    ยถ The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

  • Numbers 35:3 (2 votes)

    And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.

  • Numbers 32:2 (2 votes)

    The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,