‏ Joshua 21

Joshua 21:1 – The Cities of the Levites

This passage explains how the Levites, who were the tribe chosen to serve God, received their cities after the land was divided among the other tribes. The Levites did not get a large piece of land like the other tribes, but instead were given cities spread throughout Israel. This arrangement helped the Levites teach God’s law and serve the people everywhere. The Levites showed humility by waiting until all the other tribes were settled before they asked for their inheritance, just as God had commanded through Moses.

v. 1–2: The Levites came to the leaders at Shiloh and asked for the cities God had promised them through Moses (v. 1, 2 ^a). They did not claim these cities because of their own importance, but because God had ordered it. This teaches us that those who serve God should trust Him to provide for them. Also, they waited until the other tribes had their land, showing patience and humility.

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v. 3: The Israelites gave the cities to the Levites right away, without complaining. Each tribe gave some of its own cities as an offering to God, just as He had commanded (Numbers 35:8 ^b). These cities were usually some of the best in each tribe, and they were placed so that Levite cities could be found throughout the land, making it easy for people to get spiritual help.

v. 4–5: God ordered exactly how many cities the Levites should have, and the Israelites followed His command. The Levites were also given land around the cities, so they could support themselves (Numbers 35:4,5 ^c). This shows that God cares for those who serve Him and that everyone should make sure ministers have what they need.

v. 4–7: The forty-eight cities were divided by lot among the four families of the Levites. The family of Aaron, who were the priests, got thirteen cities near Jerusalem, even though the city of Jerusalem itself was not given at this time (v. 4 ^d). The Kohathites (relatives of Aaron) got cities in Dan, Ephraim, and half of Manasseh. Gershon’s descendants, though the oldest, were given their portion after the Kohathites (v. 6 ^e). The Merarites, the youngest family, received their cities last, and these cities were farthest away (v. 7 ^f). This shows that God carefully directed where His servants would live, so they could serve as spiritual lights throughout the land.

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Joshua 21:9 – The Levites’ Cities Listed

This passage gives detailed information about the cities given to the Levites from each tribe of Israel. The Levites did not just live in these cities as tenants, but owned them as their own property, just as the other tribes did with their land. The law protected the Levites’ right to these cities, making sure their homes could not be sold permanently except until the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:32, 33 ^g). The arrangement also allowed for people from other tribes to rent houses in Levite cities if needed, making it possible for different groups to live together.

v. 9–12: The Levites were spread out among all the tribes of Israel, not allowed to live together in one area. This helped them serve all the people and kept them busy for the good of the nation. God wanted His ministers to be active and to serve others, not just themselves. By mixing the Levites with everyone else, they were encouraged to live in a way that honored their sacred job. If they lived all together, they might ignore each other’s faults, but by being scattered, they had to be careful to keep a good reputation in front of all Israel.

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v. 13–19: Each tribe had some Levite cities, even those far away. This meant every tribe had Levites living among them, so all God’s people could get spiritual help and advice (Deuteronomy 12:19; 14:29 ^h). People could visit a Levite city to learn about God if they could not go to the tabernacle. God wanted His people to always have access to teaching and guidance, like having a “light” in every part of the nation.

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v. 19: Thirteen cities, some of the best, were given to the priests, the sons of Aaron (v. 19 ⁱ). Aaron had only two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, but by this time his family had grown and would keep growing, so there would be enough priests for all these cities. God promised to increase the house of Aaron and provide a “seed to serve him” (Psalm 115:12, 14 ^j).

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v. 21, 38: Some of the Levite cities later became famous for other reasons. David began his reign in Hebron, a Levite city. When he fled from Absalom, he stayed at Mahanaim, another Levite city (v. 38 ^k). Abimelech, the first Israelite called “king,” reigned in Shechem, also a Levite city (v. 21 ^l).

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v. 41–42: There were forty-eight Levite cities in total, which is more than most tribes received, except for Judah. Even though Levi was one of the smallest tribes, they were given many cities. This shows that God is generous to His ministers, and His people should be generous too. Still, the Levites only received cities and their nearby fields, while the other tribes had more land, villages, and country homes.

General Note: God made sure the Levites could live comfortably and be useful to others. Everyone who receives blessings from God should use their resources to serve their generation and do good with what they have.

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Joshua 21:43: The Fulfillment of God′s Promises

This passage marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Israel′s history. It highlights how God′s promises, made long ago to Abraham, were completely fulfilled. God′s actions and His words confirm each other: the fulfillment of His promises demonstrates their truth, and His promises reveal the kindness of His actions. This moment in Israel′s history serves as a testament to God′s faithfulness and reliability.

v. 43: God had promised to give Abraham's descendants the land of Canaan as their inheritance, and this promise was now fulfilled. The Israelites took possession of the land and lived in it, even though they had often been unfaithful and had faced delays. Despite these challenges, God overcame every obstacle, and Canaan became their home. This serves as a reminder that God's promise of an eternal heavenly inheritance for His people is equally certain, as He is a God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2 ^m).

v. 44: God also promised rest for His people in the land, and this promise was fulfilled. The Israelites experienced rest from their long journey through the wilderness and from the battles they fought in Canaan. Their homes became places of peace and security. Although some Canaanites still lived in the land, they were unable to threaten Israel. This rest continued until the Israelites brought trouble upon themselves by sinning, which led to their suffering.

v. 45: God had assured them of victory in their battles, and this promise was also kept. The Israelites won every battle they fought, and wherever they turned, they found success. Although some Canaanites remained in the land, this was not a failure of God's promise. He had already stated that He would drive them out gradually (Exodus 23:30 ⁿ). In fact, the remaining Canaanites served to preserve parts of the land until the Israelites grew numerous enough to occupy it all. Later, when some Canaanites grew strong and challenged Israel again, it was because of Israel's disobedience and failure to follow God's commands. Yet, God's promises were always true and reliable. As Joshua declared, "There failed not any good thing... all came to pass" (v. 45 ^o). This statement, echoed later by Solomon (1 Kings 8:56 ^p), reminds believers throughout time of God's unwavering faithfulness. When promises seem unfulfilled, the blame lies with human failure, not with God.