Joshua 21 17

Joshua 21:17 kjv

And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:17 nkjv

and from the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its common-land, Geba with its common-land,

Joshua 21:17 niv

And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them: Gibeon, Geba,

Joshua 21:17 esv

then out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its pasturelands, Geba with its pasturelands,

Joshua 21:17 nlt

From the tribe of Benjamin the priests were given the following towns with their pasturelands: Gibeon, Geba,

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 17 Meaning

Joshua 21:17 details a specific portion of the divine allocation of land, stipulating that Gibeon and Geba, along with their surrounding pasturelands (suburbs), were designated cities for the Levites from the territories of the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Simeon. This verse is part of a larger section itemizing the 48 cities given to the Levites throughout the promised land, underscoring the fulfillment of God's command that the priestly tribe, though receiving no tribal land inheritance, would be sustained through the tithes and cities from all other tribes.

Joshua 21 17 Context

Joshua chapter 21 meticulously lists the cities allocated to the Levites throughout the twelve tribes of Israel. This allocation directly fulfills the commands given in Numbers 35:1-8 and is a crucial aspect of Israel's land distribution after the conquest of Canaan. The chapter first details cities given to the Kohathite priests (descendants of Aaron), then the remaining Kohathites, followed by the Gershonites, and finally the Merarites. This verse falls within the listing for the Kohathite priests, following a summation of cities taken from Judah and Simeon. The precise naming of cities emphasizes the divine authority behind the land division and the organized establishment of the Israelite commonwealth, reflecting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel regarding their inheritance and also His provision for the Levitical priesthood who had no territorial inheritance. The allocation ensured that centers for worship, teaching, and justice were distributed across the land, promoting spiritual well-being among all tribes.

Joshua 21 17 Word analysis

• And out of: (וּמִמַּטֵּ֣ה - ūmimmattêh). Connects this allocation with the preceding ones, indicating continuation in the list of cities. The initial "And" marks a further enumeration.
• the tribe of Judah: (בִנְיָמִ֗ן - binyāmîn in the Hebrew Masoretic Text of 21:17; however, the KJV reading implies יהוּדָה - Yĕhûdâ, and שִׁמְעוֹן - Šim'ôn from the broader context). Judah was the dominant tribe, geographically large and politically central, providing several cities due to its expansive territory. The KJV text specifies these cities originate from the territories of both Judah and Simeon, indicating shared responsibility or adjacent locations from which these specific cities were taken.
• the tribe of Simeon: (וּמִמַּטֵּ֣ה שִׁמְע֗וֹן - ūmimmattêh šimʿôni for context relating to KJV text in earlier parts of chapter 21). Simeon's inheritance was geographically located within the larger territory of Judah (Josh 19:1-9), making its contributions naturally contiguous or related to Judah's. The mention here shows their participation in supporting the Levites despite their later relative diminishment as a separate tribal entity.
• Gibeon: (גִּבְעוֹן - Gibeon). A significant city, particularly notable from Joshua 9 (Gibeonite deception and covenant with Israel), and later in King Solomon's reign as a place of sacrifice and divine encounter (1 Kgs 3:4-5). Its assignment to the Levites emphasizes the priestly oversight in strategically important regions.
  • Note on Textual Variation: In the Masoretic Text (from which most modern translations like NIV, ESV are derived), Joshua 21:17 (KJV) is equivalent to Joshua 21:18 (MT/modern versions), and Gibeon and Geba are assigned "from the tribe of Benjamin." The KJV's rendition of Joshua 21:17 assigning Gibeon and Geba from "Judah and Simeon" appears to be a unique textual tradition or conflation. This discrepancy is significant for understanding geographical and tribal boundaries, as Gibeon and Geba are historically and scripturally within the tribal territory of Benjamin. The core purpose of Levite provision remains unchanged, but the specific tribal source is a point of scholarly discussion regarding the text's transmission.
• with her suburbs: (וּמִגְרָשֶׁ֔הָ - ūmigrāšehā). Refers to the pasturelands surrounding the city. These tracts of land (often 1000 or 2000 cubits extending from the city wall, as specified in Num 35:4-5) were crucial for the Levites to sustain their cattle, providing economic stability and means of livelihood. It reflects the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His dedicated servants.
• and Geba: (וְגֶ֖בַע - wəḡeba‘). Another significant city often mentioned alongside Benjaminite cities. Like Gibeon, it was geographically situated within or bordering Benjamin's territory (cf. Josh 18:24). It played roles in later Israelite history, particularly in the conflict with the Philistines (1 Sam 13:3). Its inclusion indicates its strategic importance for priestly residence.
• and her suburbs: Same meaning as above, indicating accompanying pasturelands for sustenance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon": This phrase directly attributes the donation of these cities to two specific tribes. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of all tribes to provide for the Levites, who in turn served the entire nation. It also signifies the geographic distribution of Levites, placing spiritual and judicial centers strategically across tribal territories.
• "Gibeon with her suburbs, and Geba with her suburbs": This pairing of a city and its associated pastureland, consistently used throughout chapter 21, highlights that the provision was not just a place to live, but also a means for sustenance (livestock) and practical living. The naming of specific cities underlines the meticulous and ordered nature of God's land distribution and the practical implementation of His commands.

Joshua 21 17 Bonus section

• The system of Levite cities and their associated suburbs ensured that knowledge of God's Law (Torah) was widely accessible. These cities would serve as regional centers for spiritual instruction, dispute resolution, and oversight of justice, bringing the benefits of the Law closer to all Israelites, rather than concentrating them solely at a central sanctuary.
• Some of these Levite cities were also designated as "Cities of Refuge" (Josh 20), providing safe haven for unintentional manslayers until legal judgment. While not explicitly stated for Gibeon or Geba here, this broader concept highlights the multi-functional role of Levite settlements in Israelite society beyond mere residence.
• The emphasis on "suburbs" or pasturelands (מִגְרָשִׁים - migrashim) is a direct echo of Numbers 35. This wasn't merely a small patch but defined grazing areas vital for a people dependent on agriculture and livestock, ensuring economic viability for the Levites without an allocated tribal land inheritance.
• The meticulous detailing of these cities in Joshua served not only as a record but also as a legitimizing document for Israel's claim to the land, affirming their structured, divinely-sanctioned occupation according to their tribal and sacred allocations. It underscored the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham.

Joshua 21 17 Commentary

Joshua 21:17, despite textual variations concerning the source tribes (with the Masoretic Text indicating Benjamin rather than Judah and Simeon for Gibeon and Geba), remains an integral part of the narrative establishing the Levitical cities. Its essence lies in demonstrating God's meticulous fulfillment of His promises to His people and His precise provision for those set apart for His service. The detailed enumeration of cities with their "suburbs" showcases the comprehensive and practical nature of God's care, ensuring the Levites had both dwelling places and a means of livelihood. This system dispersed the priests and Levites across Israel, not merely as administrators, but as spiritual guides, teachers of the Law, and arbiters of justice, reinforcing Israel's covenant relationship with God throughout the land. This divinely ordered system illustrates the principle that those dedicated to sacred duties are to be sustained by the community they serve, allowing them to fully commit to their calling.