Joshua 21:10 kjv
Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.
Joshua 21:10 nkjv
which were for the children of Aaron, one of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi; for the lot was theirs first.
Joshua 21:10 niv
(these towns were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them):
Joshua 21:10 esv
which went to the descendants of Aaron, one of the clans of the Kohathites who belonged to the people of Levi; since the lot fell to them first.
Joshua 21:10 nlt
to the descendants of Aaron, who were members of the Kohathite clan within the tribe of Levi, since the sacred lot fell to them first:
Joshua 21 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 35:2-3 | "Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities... and the suburbs..." | God's initial command for Levites to receive cities. |
| Lev 25:32-34 | "Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, and the houses... they may redeem... forever: for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel." | Divine stipulation for Levites' permanent ownership of cities. |
| Num 18:20-24 | "I am thy part and thine inheritance... no inheritance among the children of Israel... for the tithe... given I have them for an inheritance." | Levites having no tribal land inheritance, God is their portion. |
| Deut 10:9 | "Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance..." | Reiteration of the Levites' unique landless status. |
| Jos 13:33 | "But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them." | Confirms Moses' command fulfilled by God. |
| Gen 49:7 | "I will scatter them in Jacob, and disperse them in Israel." | Jacob's prophecy of Simeon (and Levi) being dispersed. |
| Jos 19:1, 9 | "The second lot came forth to Simeon... Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon..." | Simeon's inheritance was geographically within Judah. |
| Jos 14:1-5 | Describes the division of the land by lot under Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads. | Overarching context of methodical land distribution. |
| Jos 21:3 | "And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the Lord, these cities and their suburbs." | Direct antecedent confirming compliance with divine order. |
| Jos 21:4 | "And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites..." | Specific group of Levites to whom these cities were allotted. |
| 1 Cor 9:13-14 | "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple... even so hath the Lord ordained..." | Principle of providing for those who minister God's word. |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." | New Testament echo of supporting religious instructors. |
| 1 Tim 5:17-18 | "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine... The labourer is worthy of his reward." | Christian directive to honor and provide for ministers. |
| Matt 10:9-10 | "Provide neither gold, nor silver... for the workman is worthy of his meat." | Christ's instruction on relying on divine provision for workers. |
| Phil 4:19 | "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." | God's overarching promise of provision for His people. |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine... for instruction in righteousness..." | Levites' role involved teaching the divinely inspired Law. |
| Deut 33:8-10 | "And of Levi he said... They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law..." | Moses' blessing affirming Levi's teaching role. |
| Exod 28:1 | "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." | The divine appointment of Aaron's sons to the priesthood. |
| Heb 7:11-12 | Discusses the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood leading to a new priesthood. | The Levitical system points to Christ's superior priesthood. |
| Heb 9:1-2 | Mentions the earthly tabernacle and its services as part of the Levitical role. | Highlighting the context of their service. |
| Josh 23:14 | "Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things..." | Joshua's testimony to God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises. |
Joshua 21 verses
Joshua 21 10 Meaning
Joshua chapter 21, verse 10 declares that the initial allocation of cities designated for the Kohathite Levites (specifically the sons of Aaron, who were priests) originated from the inherited territories of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. These cities were not chosen at random but were precisely named and given in accordance with God's divine command. This verse signifies the meticulous fulfillment of God's instructions for the support and settlement of the priestly tribe.
Joshua 21 10 Context
Joshua chapter 21 records the detailed fulfillment of God's command regarding the provision of forty-eight cities and their surrounding pasturelands for the Levites throughout the twelve tribes of Israel (Numbers 35:1-8). The chapter opens with the Levite families coming before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the heads of the Israelite tribes at Shiloh, petitioning for their allotted cities. The distribution of the cities was carried out by lot, emphasizing divine sovereignty in the process.
Verse 10 specifically begins the section describing the cities given to the Kohathite clan, which included the family of Aaron, who served as priests. It highlights that the first group of these priestly cities came from the territories of Judah and Simeon. Historically, Judah was the preeminent tribe, holding the blessing of leadership and eventually providing the kingly and messianic lineage. Simeon, on the other hand, had a significantly smaller and geographically interspersed inheritance, wholly located within Judah's larger territory (Joshua 19:1, 9). This reflects Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon's dispersion (Genesis 49:7), making their contribution of cities intrinsically linked with Judah's. The meticulous accounting of these cities underscores the divine order and precision in fulfilling God's promises and organizing His people.
Joshua 21 10 Word analysis
- These: (Hebrew: אֵלֶּה, 'elleh) Refers to the cities that are about to be specified. It creates a direct linkage to the upcoming list of places, setting the stage for specific details.
- then were the cities: (Hebrew: הָעָרִים אֵלֶּה הָיוּ, ha-`arim 'elleh hayu) Plural of 'iyr (city, town). Not merely land plots, but established settlements with accompanying pasturelands. The mention of "cities" emphasizes concrete, habitable dwellings provided, reflecting the comprehensive provision God ordained.
- from the tribes: (Hebrew: מִמַּטּוֹת, mimattot) From matteh (staff, rod, tribe). This highlights the source of the allocation. The Levites did not inherit their own tribal territory, but their cities were given from the portions of the other tribes. This underscores the shared responsibility of all Israel to support those dedicated to God's service.
- of the children of Judah: (Hebrew: בְּנֵי יְהוּדָה, B'nei Yehudah) Judah (Hebrew: יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) meaning "praise." Judah was the largest and most prominent tribe, receiving the first and largest portion of land after Joseph. Its selection here for providing cities for the chief priestly line is significant, foreshadowing its central role in Israel's history and its messianic importance.
- and from the tribes: (Hebrew: וּמִמַּטּוֹת, umimmattot) Repeat of "from the tribes," reinforcing the source of the cities.
- of the children of Simeon: (Hebrew: בְּנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן, B'nei Shim'on) Simeon (Hebrew: שִׁמְעוֹן, Shim'on) meaning "one who hears." Simeon's inclusion immediately after Judah is notable because its inheritance was not contiguous but was absorbed into Judah's territory (Joshua 19:1, 9). This unique arrangement directly impacted their ability to contribute cities, hence being linked with Judah. It also subtly alludes to Jacob's prophecy about Simeon's scattering.
- even from them were they given: (Hebrew: מֵהֶם נִתְּנוּ, mehem nittenu) The Hebrew verb nittenu is a Niphal (passive) perfect form of natan (to give). The passive voice emphasizes that the cities were handed over or allotted as a direct consequence of a higher authority and precise command, not by arbitrary choice of Judah and Simeon alone. It points to divine agency and human obedience.
- which are mentioned by name: (Hebrew: הַקְרוּאֹת בְּשֵׁמוֹת, haqqeru'ot b'shemot) Literally "those called by names." This phrase underlines the precision, order, and faithfulness in fulfilling the divine instruction. Each city was specifically designated, reflecting God's meticulous care and the organized structure He established for Israel. This was not a general directive but a precise, divinely orchestrated plan.
Joshua 21 10 Bonus section
The dispersion of the Levitical cities, beginning with those from Judah and Simeon, strategically placed spiritual instructors and legal administrators throughout all twelve tribes. This wasn't merely about subsistence; it was crucial for preventing tribal isolation and deviation from the Law. By embedding Levites (who held no individual land inheritance) among the landed tribes, God ensured access to religious instruction, judicial wisdom, and consistent worship practices across the nation. This unique settlement pattern helped to unify the geographically distinct tribes under the single covenant of God, despite their disparate earthly possessions. It reflects God's wisdom in integrating the spiritual and administrative aspects directly into the daily lives of His people.
Joshua 21 10 Commentary
Joshua 21:10 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating the careful and precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises concerning the land distribution and, specifically, the provision for the Levites. It's not merely a list but a theological statement on God's order, faithfulness, and the intricate design of the Israelite commonwealth. The choice of Judah and Simeon for the initial allocation of cities to the Kohathite priests (sons of Aaron) is particularly significant. Judah, as the dominant and leading tribe, was naturally the first to contribute to the priesthood. Simeon's inclusion, with its integrated territory within Judah, showcases both the fulfillment of ancient prophecies regarding its scattering and its practical contribution, however dependent on Judah.
The phrase "even from them were they given" (Passive voice) strongly indicates that this was not an optional gesture by the tribes but a mandated divine ordinance meticulously carried out by the leadership. The detailed "mention by name" of these cities reflects the meticulousness of God's plan and the faithfulness of Joshua and the tribal leaders in its execution. It ensured that those dedicated entirely to God's service and the maintenance of the Tabernacle and the Law were adequately provided for. This logistical arrangement allowed the Levites to live among the people, functioning as spiritual teachers, judges, and guardians of the Mosaic Law, fostering spiritual health and unity throughout Israel.
Practical usage: Just as the Lord provided specifically for those who ministered His covenant in the Old Testament, Christians are called to ensure adequate provision for those dedicated to full-time gospel ministry (1 Tim 5:17-18). It emphasizes orderly generosity in supporting the spiritual work of the church.