Joshua 21:9

¶ 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,

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},

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;

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

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

Joshua 21:9 marks a specific point in the allocation of cities to the priestly tribe of Levi within the land of Canaan. This verse details the cities given to the Levites from the territories originally assigned to the tribes of Judah and Simeon, emphasizing a meticulous and divinely guided distribution.

Context

Following the successful conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the book of Joshua dedicates significant chapters to the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Unlike the other tribes who received contiguous territories, the Levites, who were set apart for priestly and temple service, did not receive a land inheritance in the same manner. Instead, God commanded that they be given specific cities with surrounding pasturelands scattered throughout all the tribal territories. This arrangement is rooted in earlier divine instructions, such as those found in Numbers 35:2, which stipulated that the Levites would receive 48 cities in total. Joshua 14:4 also reiterates that the Levites received no portion of the land itself. Joshua 21 systematically lists these cities, ensuring that God's plan for their provision and spiritual function was fulfilled.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Faithfulness: This verse, along with the entire chapter, highlights God's meticulous care and faithfulness in providing for His chosen servants, the Levites. He ensured their sustenance and living arrangements were secured, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises.
  • Order and Precision: The detailed naming of cities, "mentioned by name," underscores the highly organized and precise nature of God's plan. Nothing was left to chance; every allocation was deliberate and purposeful, reflecting divine order in the new nation.
  • The Nature of Levitical Service: By receiving cities scattered among all the tribes, the Levites were positioned to serve as spiritual instructors and judges across the entire nation, rather than being concentrated in one area. This facilitated access for all Israelites to priestly functions and religious guidance, fostering national unity and spiritual instruction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mentioned by name" (Hebrew: bišmôt) emphasizes the specificity and exactitude of the record. It's not a general allocation but a precise listing of each city, affirming the meticulous nature of the divine command and its execution. This detail reinforces the reliability and authority of the historical account, showing that the division was not arbitrary but carefully documented.

Practical Application

Joshua 21:9 reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to those who serve Him. Just as He provided for the Levites, He promises to care for His people today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision, understanding that He has a specific place and purpose for each of us in His kingdom, whether in a central role or "scattered" among others for service. It also speaks to the importance of order and intentionality in fulfilling God's will, ensuring that spiritual needs are met throughout the community. Ultimately, it points to the principle that our greatest inheritance is not earthly possessions, but the Lord Himself, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:1.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 6:65 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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