Joshua 21 20

Joshua 21:20 kjv

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:20 nkjv

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, the rest of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot from the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:20 niv

The rest of the Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted towns from the tribe of Ephraim:

Joshua 21:20 esv

As to the rest of the Kohathites belonging to the Kohathite clans of the Levites, the cities allotted to them were out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:20 nlt

The rest of the Kohathite clan from the tribe of Levi was allotted the following towns and pasturelands from the tribe of Ephraim:

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 20 Meaning

Joshua 21:20 details the allocation of specific cities from the territory of the tribe of Ephraim to a particular segment of the Levites: the remaining families of the Kohathite clan. It signifies God's faithfulness in providing for those consecrated to His service, ensuring the Levitical ministry was distributed throughout the promised land, thereby facilitating the teaching of God's law and the proper conduct of worship for all of Israel. This verse is part of a comprehensive list that underscores divine order and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land and the sustenance of His appointed ministers.

Joshua 21 20 Context

Joshua chapter 21 provides a detailed account of the fulfillment of God’s command regarding the inheritance of the Levites, as stipulated in Numbers 35:1-8. Unlike the other eleven tribes of Israel who received contiguous land portions, the Levites were not allotted a unified tribal territory because "the Lord was their inheritance" (Deut 10:9). Instead, they were given 48 cities, scattered among the other tribes, along with pasturelands surrounding each city for their livestock. These cities also included the six Cities of Refuge (Joshua 20), three on each side of the Jordan.

Verse 20 specifically falls within the section listing cities for the Kohathite Levites who were not direct descendants of Aaron (the priestly line, whose cities were listed in verses 9-19). This division of the Levites—Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—reflects their distinct responsibilities in the Tabernacle service, as outlined in the book of Numbers. The verse states that the specified cities were taken from the families within the tribal territory of Ephraim. This systematic distribution ensured that Levitical presence, responsible for teaching God's law, performing Tabernacle duties, and upholding justice, was accessible throughout the newly settled land, fostering national unity and spiritual adherence to the covenant. This careful and meticulous allotment highlights God's sovereignty over the land and His covenant faithfulness in providing for all His people, including those dedicated solely to His service.

Joshua 21 20 Word analysis

• And: (Hebrew: וְ - wĕ) This conjunction smoothly connects this verse to the preceding lists of cities, continuing the meticulous enumeration of Levitical settlements. It implies a continuation of the same theme and the unfolding of God's precise plan for His people.
• the children of Kohath: (Hebrew: בְנֵי קְהָת - bəné qehāṯ) "Kohath" (קְהָת - Qehath) means 'assembly' or 'bond'. Kohath was one of the three sons of Levi (Exod 6:16, Num 3:17). The Kohathites had specific duties related to carrying the holy articles of the Tabernacle (e.g., Ark, Table, Lampstand) during the wilderness journey (Num 4:4-15). In the settled land, their priestly functions and teachings would have extended into these cities. This specificity highlights the highly organized structure God ordained for Israel's worship and governance.
• the Levites: (Hebrew: הַלְוִיִּם - ha-Ləwiyyîm) This designates the tribe set apart by God for religious service (Num 3:6-13). They had no territorial inheritance like the other tribes (Deut 10:9), as the Lord Himself was their portion (Num 18:20). Their dispersion among all the tribes served the theological purpose of decentralizing the religious instruction and judicial interpretation of God's law, making it accessible to all Israelites. This counteracted any potential for a consolidated priestly power base, emphasizing spiritual service over earthly dominion, and was an indirect polemic against nations where a powerful, independent priestly caste might usurp political authority.
• who were left: This phrase distinguishes this group of Kohathites from the priestly Kohathites (the direct descendants of Aaron, listed in Josh 21:10-19) who had already received their cities. It specifies that the distribution is for the other, non-Aaronic families within the Kohathite clan, emphasizing precision in the land allocation.
• of the families: This term signifies specific ancestral units within the clan, reinforcing the structured and organized nature of the distribution according to tribal and familial lineage. It points to an orderly transfer of possession rather than arbitrary assignments.
• of the tribe of Ephraim: (Hebrew: אֶפְרָיִם - ’Ep̄rayim) Meaning 'doubly fruitful', Ephraim was a prominent tribe descended from Joseph, allotted a central and fertile region in Canaan (Josh 16). The designation that cities were taken from Ephraim's inheritance underscores the communal obligation of all tribes to provide for the Levites' sustenance, highlighting tribal cooperation and obedience to God's command. This demonstrated Israel's unity and their shared responsibility for supporting the sacred service.
• even to them was the cities: This explicitly states the beneficiaries and the nature of the allocation (cities). It clarifies that these specific urban centers, not merely open land, were designated for their residence and function.
• of their lot: (Hebrew: גּוֹרָל - gôrā́l) The term "lot" signifies a method of determining division or outcome by casting stones or other objects. This process was believed to reflect God's divine will, removing human bias and affirming divine sovereignty over the distribution of land and destinies (Prov 16:33). This detail emphasizes that the Levitical cities, like the tribal inheritances, were not determined by human negotiation or preference, but by divine decree and provision. It underscored that God orchestrated every detail of Israel's life in the land.

Joshua 21 20 Bonus section

• Significance of Dispersion: The dispersion of Levitical cities throughout Israel, rather than concentrating them in one region, allowed for the pervasive influence of God's law and worship across the entire nation. It meant that every Israelite community had access to the spiritual guidance, instruction, and legal arbitration that the Levites provided, thereby fostering national spiritual unity and adherence to the covenant.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: The provision of the Levitical cities directly fulfilled prophecies and commands given to Moses (Num 35), demonstrating God's consistent faithfulness in upholding His word through generations. This complete fulfillment serves as a bedrock for trusting in God's promises in other contexts, including the future fulfillment of prophecies regarding Christ.
• Model for Support of Ministry: The concept of the tribes providing for the Levites, who had no land, established a pattern of congregational support for those in full-time ministry. This principle finds echo in the New Testament's teachings regarding believers providing for those who teach the Word (e.g., 1 Cor 9:13-14, Gal 6:6).
• Theocratic Order: This verse, like the rest of Joshua 21, is a practical demonstration of God's perfect order and justice in governing His chosen people. Every tribe had its inheritance, and even the tribe dedicated to service, lacking a material inheritance of land, was fully provided for according to a divine plan.

Joshua 21 20 Commentary

Joshua 21:20 is a verse embedded within the crucial culmination of Israel's conquest and settlement of the promised land, showcasing God's meticulous fulfillment of His promises. It highlights the divine wisdom in providing for the Levites, ensuring they had scattered residences across Israel rather than a centralized territory. This strategic placement enabled them to carry out their essential duties – teaching the Mosaic Law, facilitating sacrificial worship, and adjudicating disputes – making divine instruction and covenant practice accessible to all tribes. The method of allocation by "lot" emphasizes God's sovereign hand in every detail, reassuring Israel that their land and life were precisely as God intended, providing stability and order. The verse illustrates a core biblical principle: God faithfully provides for those dedicated to His service, and He calls His people to share in that provision. It stands as a testament to the divine covenant faithfulness and the orderly structure of the theocracy.