Joshua 21 13

Joshua 21:13 kjv

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 21:13 nkjv

Thus to the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), Libnah with its common-land,

Joshua 21:13 niv

So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Libnah,

Joshua 21:13 esv

And to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands,

Joshua 21:13 nlt

The following towns with their pasturelands were given to the descendants of Aaron the priest: Hebron (a city of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone), Libnah,

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 13 Meaning

Joshua 21:13 records a specific act of land distribution within Israel. It states that the descendants of Aaron, who were the priests, were given the city of Hebron along with its surrounding common-lands. Hebron was designated as one of the cities of refuge, providing a safe haven for individuals who had unintentionally killed someone. Additionally, the priests were also allotted the city of Libnah and its common-lands. This verse highlights the practical fulfillment of divine commands regarding the dwelling places for the Levitical priests among the tribes of Israel, ensuring their provision and their ability to fulfill their roles.

Joshua 21 13 Context

Joshua 21 provides a detailed record of the fulfillment of divine promises and instructions regarding the allocation of dwelling places for the Levitical tribes. Unlike the other eleven tribes, the Levites did not receive a continuous territorial inheritance within the land of Canaan because "the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance" (Josh 13:33). Instead, they were allotted forty-eight cities spread throughout the territories of the other tribes (Num 35:6-8; Josh 21:41), along with their pasture lands. These cities were to serve as their homes and centers for their spiritual duties.

Chapter 21 is part of the final sections of the book of Joshua, which recount the successful completion of the land conquest and division under Joshua's leadership, confirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to the patriarchs and to Moses. Verses 9-19 specifically list the cities given to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan of Levi, as these priests had particular duties related to the Tabernacle service. Hebron, with its rich patriarchal history and strategic location in Judah, was initially allotted to Caleb for his faithfulness (Josh 14:13-15). This apparent conflict is resolved by understanding that Caleb received the surrounding land, while the city proper was given to the priests (Josh 21:11-12). Its dual status as a priestly city and a city of refuge underscores its vital role in Israel's civil and religious life.

Historically, this precise division and allotment demonstrated Israel's adherence to the Mosaic Law and the meticulous fulfillment of God's word, emphasizing order, justice, and the integral presence of the priestly ministry among all the tribes. The concept of cities of refuge countered the common practice of blood vengeance prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, instituting a legal system for distinguishing between premeditated murder and unintentional killing, thus embodying divine mercy and justice.

Joshua 21 13 Word analysis

• And to the children: Connects to the preceding list, indicating continuity of distribution. It specifically identifies the recipients as the descendants of Aaron, highlighting their special status.

• of Aaron: הַכֹּהֵן֙ (ha'kohēn). "The priest." This designation refers to Aaron himself, the first high priest, emphasizing the hereditary nature of the priesthood established by God. His lineage held unique responsibilities and privileges. Their role was divinely appointed (Ex 28:1).

• the priest: Reinforces that this specific line of Levi (Kohathites) held the priesthood. This group was responsible for handling the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle/Temple (Num 3:31) and mediating between God and the people.

• they gave: נָתְנ֨וּ (naht-nu). Implies action by the allocating authorities – Joshua and Eleazar (the priest, Aaron's successor) along with the heads of the tribes (Josh 21:1). It signifies a formal, authoritative, and divinely ordained transfer of possession. This wasn't a discovery or taking, but an assignment.

• Hebron: חֶבְרוֹן֙ (Ḥeḇrōwn). A city of immense historical and religious significance. Its name likely relates to "association" or "fellowship." It was anciently called Kiriath-Arba (Josh 14:15). It was a key location in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and later David's capital before Jerusalem. Its allocation to priests, who facilitated fellowship with God, and as a refuge city, ties into its very meaning.

• with its common-lands: וּמִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ (u'migrāšehā). These were the "pasture lands" or "suburbs" surrounding the cities. As stipulated in Num 35:2-3, these lands (specifically, 1000 cubits out from the city wall) were for the Levites' cattle and for their personal dwelling expansion, essential for their livelihood as they did not own agricultural land. This ensured practical sustainability for their lives.

• a city of refuge: עִיר מִקְלָט (ʿîr miqlaṭ). Literally, "city of asylum/reception." This legal institution was critical for Israelite justice. It provided sanctuary for those who had caused an unintentional death (manslaughter), protecting them from the immediate vengeance of the blood avenger (Num 35:9-34; Deut 19:1-13). Its purpose was to temper justice with mercy. Hebron was strategically chosen due to its centrality and known location.

• for the slayer: לָרוֹצֵ֥חַ (lā-rōṣēaḥ). While roṣeaḥ can mean "murderer," in the context of a city of refuge, it specifically refers to one who has killed accidentally, without malice aforethought (Ex 21:13; Num 35:22-23; Deut 19:4-5). This distinction is crucial to Mosaic Law and divine justice. It safeguards against the cycle of retaliatory violence.

• and Libnah: לִבְנָה֙ (Liḇnāh). Means "whiteness" or "purity." Another city allotted to the priests, located in the low country of Judah (Josh 15:42). Its strategic significance is perhaps less emphasized than Hebron's, but its inclusion fulfills the mandate for scattered Levitical settlements.

• with its common-lands: Same as for Hebron, ensuring sustenance.

• "And to the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron... and Libnah...": This phrase signifies the faithful execution of God's detailed command to provide for His ministers. The scattering of priestly cities among the tribes ensures that spiritual guidance and ritual purity would be accessible throughout the land, fulfilling the Levites' purpose to "teach Jacob Your judgments and Israel Your law" (Deut 33:10). This distribution prevents a concentrated, independent power base, emphasizing their service role. The specific mention of Aaron emphasizes the distinct duties and privileges of the high priestly line.

• "Hebron with its common-lands, a city of refuge for the slayer...": This particular allocation speaks volumes about the interwoven nature of divine provision, justice, and mercy in the Israelite system. Hebron, an ancient city laden with significance (patriarchs' tombs, Caleb's portion), becoming a city for the priests and a refuge, symbolically represents that even amidst God's perfect justice, there is a place of sanctuary and mercy for those who transgress unintentionally. This system stood in stark contrast to the often arbitrary and revenge-driven justice systems of surrounding nations. The Levites, including the priests, living in these cities also served as custodians of the law and could, therefore, adjudicate such cases within the refuge system (Num 35:24-25).

Joshua 21 13 Bonus section

The allocation of Hebron, earlier promised to Caleb (Josh 14), highlights a crucial distinction in the distribution. Caleb received the territory around Hebron as his tribal inheritance due to his unwavering faith and faithfulness. However, the city proper of Hebron was then designated for the Kohathite priests. This demonstrates that God's plan is multifaceted and specific, reconciling seemingly conflicting promises through a deeper layer of His intention. The city became a functional hub for the priestly ministry, while its surrounding fields and villages remained under Caleb's tribal domain. This separation was crucial for the theological and practical functioning of Israel.

Furthermore, the scattered nature of the Levitical cities throughout Israel ensured that knowledge of God's law and the proper rituals for worship and atonement were accessible to all tribes. This was a critical element in maintaining national unity under God. The concept of "common-lands" around these cities was a precise legal and practical provision. The law mandated that these be maintained for the Levites for pasture, emphasizing their role as distinct from agricultural laborers. They were to depend on the other tribes' tithes and offerings for their livelihood, ensuring mutual dependence and fostering a collective commitment to the covenant. This design subtly reinforced the divine origin of the Levitical support system, preventing them from becoming self-sufficient landowners and distracting from their dedicated service.

Joshua 21 13 Commentary

Joshua 21:13 underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's directives regarding the land's distribution, particularly for the priestly line of Aaron. This verse details the provision of two significant cities, Hebron and Libnah, for the Kohathite Levites who served as priests. Hebron’s dual identity as both a priestly city and a city of refuge is profound. It demonstrates God's foresight in integrating His justice system with the priestly ministry. The common-lands ensured the physical sustenance of the priests, freeing them to focus on their spiritual duties, which were essential for maintaining the nation's covenant relationship with God. The presence of priests, along with their specialized cities, among the other tribes highlighted the pervasive nature of God's law and grace. The city of refuge mechanism, operated through the Levites, showcased God's heart for justice balanced with mercy, offering sanctuary to those guilty of unintentional wrongdoing and providing a stark alternative to ancient blood feuds.