Joshua 21 14

Joshua 21:14 kjv

And Jattir with her suburbs, and Eshtemoa with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:14 nkjv

Jattir with its common-land, Eshtemoa with its common-land,

Joshua 21:14 niv

Jattir, Eshtemoa,

Joshua 21:14 esv

Jattir with its pasturelands, Eshtemoa with its pasturelands,

Joshua 21:14 nlt

Jattir, Eshtemoa,

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 14 Meaning

Joshua 21:14 details two specific cities, Jattir and Eshtemoa, along with their surrounding pasture lands, which were allotted to the Kohathite clan of the Levites. This verse is part of a larger record demonstrating the precise fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' inheritance within the tribal territories of Israel, ensuring their provision despite not receiving a territorial allotment.

Joshua 21 14 Context

Joshua chapter 21 is a detailed record of the fulfillment of God's explicit command given in Numbers 35 concerning the provision of cities and pasture lands for the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other Israelite tribes, the Levites received no contiguous territorial inheritance because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" (Josh 13:33). Instead, they were allotted 48 cities, strategically distributed among the territories of the other tribes, ensuring their presence across Israel. These cities were to sustain them and facilitate their religious duties, which included teaching God's law, serving in the Tabernacle/Temple, and officiating in legal matters. Verse 14, specifically, lists Jattir and Eshtemoa with their accompanying common-lands as cities allocated to the Kohathite clan, highlighting the precise and meticulous fulfillment of this divine provision. The allocation by lot ensured impartiality and reinforced divine oversight in the division of the land.

Joshua 21 14 Word analysis

• and (וְ - ve): A simple conjunctive particle. It serves to link this detail directly to the preceding list of cities, indicating continuation and completeness of the record.
• Jattir (יַתִּיר - Yattir): This is a proper noun, referring to a specific city located in the hill country of Judah (Josh 15:48). Its inclusion here signifies its designation as a Levitical city for the Kohathites. Its historical existence is further attested in 1 Samuel 30:27-28, where it's mentioned as a place David sent spoil to.
• with its common-land (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ - u-migrasheyha):
  • common-land (מִגְרָשֶׁיהָ - migrasheyha): This Hebrew term specifically refers to the pasture lands, usually stretching for about a thousand cubits (approximately 1500 feet or 450 meters) around the city walls. These were crucial for the Levites' economic sustenance, providing space for their livestock (Num 35:2, Lev 25:34). It highlights God's practical provision for their livelihood.
  • its: The possessive suffix on "common-land" ("-הָ" - ha) clearly associates the pasture land directly and intrinsically with the specific city mentioned, emphasizing a unified grant.
• and (וְ - ve): Another simple conjunction, continuing the itemized list of cities allotted to the Levites, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the record.
• Eshtemoa (אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ - Eshtemoa): This is another proper noun, denoting a particular city also located in the hill country of Judah (Josh 15:50). Like Jattir, it's mentioned in 1 Samuel 30:28 as a city receiving gifts from David, confirming its historical existence and relevance within Israel. Its specific inclusion here shows its planned role as a Levitical center.
• with its common-land (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ - u-migrasheyha): This phrase is an exact repetition of what follows "Jattir." Its reiteration for Eshtemoa underscores the consistent and complete nature of the provision given to all Levitical cities – a dwelling place along with indispensable agricultural/pastoral support.

• "and Jattir with its common-land, and Eshtemoa with its common-land": This entire phrase constitutes a specific grant of territory. The structured repetition highlights the methodical and complete nature of the allocation to the Kohathite Levites. It underscores that the provision for the Levites was not just housing but also the necessary resources (pasture land) for their practical living, reflecting God's comprehensive care for those consecrated to His service. This detailed record reinforces the fulfillment of God's word and the ordered establishment of Israel as a divinely governed nation.

Joshua 21 14 Bonus section

• The detailed listing of cities like Jattir and Eshtemoa for the Levites illustrates how God transformed Jacob's prophetic scattering of Levi (Gen 49:7) into a strategic blessing. Instead of dispersion implying disinheritance, it meant that the Levites, as religious and judicial educators, would be present across the nation, ministering to all tribes.
• The emphasis on "common-land" ensures that while the Levites didn't farm vast territories, they still had the means to raise essential livestock. This was crucial for their physical needs, allowing them to remain dedicated to spiritual duties without destitution, reflecting a comprehensive divine economy.
• The administrative rigor implied by such precise historical and geographical listings within Joshua reflects a meticulous obedience to the Mosaic law and a robust national structure overseen by God's providence, not just arbitrary land grabbing.

Joshua 21 14 Commentary

Joshua 21:14 serves as a precise accounting within the grand narrative of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land. It signifies the meticulous fulfillment of God's directive regarding the Levitical cities, specifically for the Kohathite clan. These two cities, Jattir and Eshtemoa, were strategically situated in Judah's hill country, enabling the Levites to disperse among the tribes, ensuring religious instruction and tabernacle service were accessible throughout Israel. The explicit inclusion of "common-land" is vital, emphasizing God's detailed provision not only for dwelling but also for the Levites' livelihood through their livestock. This demonstrated divine faithfulness and ensured that those dedicated entirely to the Lord's service would be sustained, highlighting God's order and care for His covenant people.