Joshua 21 23

Joshua 21:23 kjv

And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:23 nkjv

and from the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with its common-land, Gibbethon with its common-land,

Joshua 21:23 niv

Also from the tribe of Dan they received: Eltekeh, Gibbethon,

Joshua 21:23 esv

and out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasturelands, Gibbethon with its pasturelands,

Joshua 21:23 nlt

The following towns and pasturelands were allotted to the priests from the tribe of Dan: Eltekeh, Gibbethon,

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 23 Meaning

Joshua 21:23 lists two cities, Hebron and Debir, along with their common-lands, as being allocated to the Aaronite priests from the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of the comprehensive record of cities distributed to the Levites throughout Israel, fulfilling God's promise to provide for those dedicated to His service despite their lack of a traditional tribal land inheritance. It specifically highlights the surrounding pastures necessary for their sustenance and the keeping of their livestock.

Joshua 21 23 Context

Joshua chapter 21 details the fulfillment of the divine command concerning the allocation of cities to the tribe of Levi. Having no direct tribal land inheritance, the Levites, comprising the Aaronic priests and the other Levite families, were to receive cities scattered among all the other tribes, along with pasturelands for their livestock. This strategic dispersion ensured their accessibility to all Israel for priestly duties, teaching, and judicial matters. The overall chapter serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel concerning the land and the establishment of their societal structure, particularly in providing for His designated spiritual leadership. This verse specifically lists two cities from Judah's territory designated for the Kohathite branch, the direct descendants of Aaron, who performed priestly functions.

Joshua 21 23 Word analysis

• And: Connects this specific allocation to the ongoing list of cities assigned to the Aaronites, underscoring continuity and methodical distribution.
• Hebron: (Hebrew: חֶבְרוֹן, Hevron), meaning "association" or "confederacy." A city of profound biblical significance, often associated with Abraham's dwelling, the burial place of the patriarchs and matriarchs in the Cave of Machpelah (Gen 23), and later, King David's capital before Jerusalem (2 Sam 2). It was designated a City of Refuge (Josh 20:7). Its assignment to the priests from the large territory of Judah highlights its importance and centrality.
• with its common-lands: (Hebrew: מִגְרָשֶׁיהָ, migrasheha), referring to the pasturelands or open grounds surrounding the cities. These were distinct from agricultural fields (sadeh) and vineyards (kerem), intended specifically for the Levites' cattle and livestock (Num 35:2-3). This provision was crucial for their livelihood, as they did not have vast agricultural territories. It also ensured clear boundaries and maintenance for their sustenance, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties. This signifies God's detailed and practical provision for His ministers.
• and Debir: (Hebrew: דְּבִיר, Devir), meaning "sanctuary" or "back part" (perhaps referring to the inner sanctuary of the temple or a place set apart). Formerly called Kiriath-sepher ("city of book/scribe") or Kiriath-sannah ("city of palm branch/hedge"). Located in the hill country of Judah, its capture by Othniel (Caleb's nephew) is a notable event in the early conquest period (Josh 15:15-17; Judg 1:11-13). Its name potentially foreshadows the spiritual duties of the priests living there.
• with its common-lands: Reiterates the provision of vital pastureland for Debir, just as for Hebron. This phrase emphasizes the uniformity and completeness of the provision for each Levitical city. The combination "city with its common-lands" indicates a comprehensive gift that allowed for full functionality and sustainability for the priestly families.

Joshua 21 23 Bonus section

The systematic distribution of these cities and their common-lands served as a physical manifestation of God's covenant order. Unlike pagan societies where priests often accumulated vast land holdings for personal power, the Levitical cities ensured the priests were geographically dispersed and provided for but not overly enriched by land ownership, maintaining their spiritual focus. The cities for the priests (Aaronites) included cities of refuge, reinforcing their role in administering justice and mediating holiness. The "common-lands" (migrashim) are specifically demarcated boundaries (often 1000 cubits in each direction from the city wall), indicating a divinely mandated, precise, and equitable provision for the needs of the Levites and their indispensable cattle. This ordered provision stands in contrast to chaotic, self-serving acquisition of land often characteristic of ungodly nations, pointing to God's desire for an orderly and just society under His law.

Joshua 21 23 Commentary

Joshua 21:23, while a mere listing of locations, profoundly showcases God's faithfulness and meticulous care for His covenant people, particularly for those consecrated to His service. The precise designation of Hebron and Debir with their common-lands to the sons of Aaron within the tribe of Judah demonstrates the fulfillment of ancient divine promises, dating back to Moses' commands in Numbers and Deuteronomy. It underlines the divine principle of providing ample and specific support for His ministers, allowing them to carry out their spiritual functions without economic burden. This ordered provision for the Levites, spread across the tribal territories, was essential for the spiritual well-being of the entire nation, signifying that true worship and national identity were intrinsically linked to God's direct guidance and support of His priesthood. It highlights that God is not only the Giver of the entire land but also the precise Administrator of its division.