Joshua 21 26

Joshua 21:26 kjv

All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

Joshua 21:26 nkjv

All the ten cities with their common-lands were for the rest of the families of the children of Kohath.

Joshua 21:26 niv

All these ten towns and their pasturelands were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans.

Joshua 21:26 esv

The cities of the clans of the rest of the Kohathites were ten in all with their pasturelands.

Joshua 21:26 nlt

So in all, ten towns with their pasturelands were given to the rest of the Kohathite clan.

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 26 Meaning

Joshua 21:26 succinctly states that all ten allocated cities, along with their crucial pasturelands, were specifically assigned to the families of the "rest of the children of Kohath." This verse serves as a summary, confirming the precise fulfillment of God's command regarding the provision for a particular segment of the Levites, who, unlike other tribes, received no territorial inheritance but were sustained by these dispersed cities within the other tribal lands.

Joshua 21 26 Context

Verse Context: Joshua 21:26 functions as a summarizing statement following the specific enumeration of cities allotted to the non-Aaronic families of Kohath (Josh 21:20-25). After detailing that four cities came from the tribe of Ephraim (Shechem, Gezer, Kibzaim, Beth Horon), four from Dan (Elteke, Gibbethon, Aijalon, Gath Rimmon), and two from the half-tribe of Manasseh (Taanach, Ibleam/Gath Rimmon), this verse consolidates the count, reaffirming that "all" of these particular Kohathite families received exactly ten cities with their pasturelands. It confirms the complete fulfillment of this specific part of the divine land distribution.

Chapter Context (Joshua 21): The entire chapter of Joshua 21 meticulously records the fulfillment of God's command in Numbers 35 for Israel to provide 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, to the tribe of Levi. This extensive process highlights God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises, not only in granting the land of Canaan but also in precisely establishing the provisions for the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance. The chapter systematically details the cities given to the sons of Aaron (priestly Kohathites), the other Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites, emphasizing the orderly and divinely ordained structure of Israelite society. The chapter culminates in Joshua 21:43-45, declaring that every promise God made to Israel concerning the land was precisely fulfilled.

Historical Context: This period immediately followed Israel's conquest of Canaan, signifying a transition from military campaigns to territorial settlement and the establishment of Israel as a structured nation under God's covenant. The precise allocation of the Levitical cities, strategically dispersed throughout all tribal territories, underscored the central role of the Levites in the spiritual and judicial life of the nation. These cities served as centers for instruction in the Law, places of worship, and administration of justice, ensuring the spiritual well-being of the nation. It emphasized the divine meticulousness in land division and the foundational importance of supporting those dedicated to serving the Lord, a key tenet of the theocratic order. This systematic provision demonstrated that the covenant with Israel included comprehensive care for every segment of the chosen people, including the landless priestly tribe.

Word Analysis

• All (כָּל – kol):
  • Meaning: Signifies "the whole of, every, complete, entirely."
  • Significance: Emphasizes comprehensiveness and totality. Not some, but all the cities designated for this group were given. This speaks to God's precise fulfillment and meticulous planning, leaving no city unaccounted for in His promise and provision. It indicates divine thoroughness.
• The cities (הֶעָרִים – ha-'arim):
  • Meaning: "The cities," from עִיר (‘ir), meaning "city, town." The definite article points to specific, known cities just enumerated.
  • Significance: Refers to the physical locations provided for residence and function. These were not merely theoretical allocations but concrete, identifiable urban centers, demonstrating the tangibility of God's provision and the secure establishment of the Levites within the Israelite framework.
• Were ten (עֶשֶׂר – 'eser):
  • Meaning: The numeral "ten."
  • Significance: The specific number "ten" provides confirmation of the exact count from the preceding verses (21:20-25). It underscores the precise nature of God's covenant fulfillment. In biblical context, ten can symbolize completeness or divine order (e.g., Ten Commandments), here primarily denoting exact numerical compliance. This refutes any notion of vague or partial fulfillment.
• With their suburbs (וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶם – u-migrashehem):
  • Meaning: "And their pasturelands/common lands," from מִגְרָשׁ (migrash). These were the areas surrounding the cities specifically set aside for the Levites' livestock and other necessities (Num 35:2).
  • Significance: Crucial detail illustrating complete and holistic provision. It was not merely shelter, but the means for livelihood (livestock, open space) for the Levites, who received no agricultural land like other tribes. This demonstrates God's full care and attention to the practical needs of His servants, ensuring their self-sufficiency while devoted to ministry. This detail highlights God's comprehensive, all-encompassing care.
• For the families (לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹת – lĕmishpechoth):
  • Meaning: "For the families of," from מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah), meaning "family, clan."
  • Significance: Reinforces that the allocation was not arbitrary or for individuals alone, but for enduring familial units. This signifies the continuation of their service across generations and the perpetuation of the Levitical role within Israel. It emphasizes the deep, rooted social and communal aspect of God's provision.
• Of the rest (הַנּוֹתָרִים – hannotarim):
  • Meaning: "The remaining ones," or "the rest of."
  • Significance: Distinguishes this specific group of Kohathites from the sons of Aaron (the priests), who were also Kohathites but received a separate set of cities due to their unique priestly function. This highlights the distinct yet complementary roles within the Levitical tribe as established by God, affirming a divinely structured hierarchy for ministry. It suggests careful categorization and organization within God's divine order.
• Of the children of Kohath (בְּנֵי קְהָת – bene qehath):
  • Meaning: "Sons of Kohath." Kohath was one of the three sons of Levi (Ex 6:16-19), whose descendants formed a major division of the Levites.
  • Significance: Identifies the specific Levitical clan being addressed. The Kohathites were uniquely responsible for carrying the sacred furnishings of the tabernacle (Ark of the Covenant, table, lampstand, altars) during wilderness wanderings (Num 3:31; 4:15). Their placement among various tribes ensured that critical components of sacred service could be maintained and their instruction dispersed throughout Israel. It underscores their continued vital role even in settled Canaan. This reflects a polemic against disorganized or arbitrary religious service; instead, God's system is highly structured and lineage-specific for carrying out sacred duties.

Words-Group Analysis

• "All the cities were ten with their suburbs": This phrase underlines God's unwavering precision and the completeness of His provision. It emphatically declares that the promised numerical quota of cities, accompanied by essential sustenance lands, was met in full. This reflects God's faithfulness (e.g., Deut 7:9) and the meticulous nature of His covenant dealings with Israel, a testimony that nothing in His word fails (Josh 21:45).
• "for the families of the rest of the children of Kohath": This precise identification of the recipients emphasizes the intentional, lineage-based allocation system designed by God. It affirms that the provision was specifically tailored to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of this distinct Levitical service (not the Aaronic priesthood), reinforcing the divinely established order and care for all those consecrated for ministry. This highlights God's attentiveness to familial and communal structure as part of His national blueprint.

Joshua 21 26 Commentary

Joshua 21:26 functions as a definitive conclusion to the record of cities assigned to the non-Aaronic Kohathites, summarizing God's perfect fidelity in fulfilling His intricate plans. It's a statement of resolved promise: exactly "ten" cities, along with their vital "suburbs" (pasturelands), were given to these particular Levitical "families." This isn't merely a census record but a theological declaration, attesting to God's precise and comprehensive provision for His dedicated servants, demonstrating that His faithfulness extends to even the most detailed aspects of His covenant. It emphasizes order over chaos, precision over generality, and the meticulous care of God for His people and the functionaries of His sanctuary, ensuring their sustenance and pervasive presence throughout the land for instruction and spiritual oversight.

Bonus Section

• The placement of Levitical cities "with their suburbs" throughout Israel allowed for the diffusion of God's law and the Levites' role as teachers and judges across all tribes. They served as spiritual anchors and points of access for worship and instruction.
• While other tribes received large territorial inheritances for their agricultural pursuits, the Levites received dispersed cities. This arrangement underscored their distinct identity: they were "the Lord's inheritance" (Deut 10:9; Num 18:20-21), dependent directly on God and the tithes and offerings of the people. This arrangement kept them spiritually focused, serving as a reminder to the entire nation of divine provision and their reliance on Him.
• The precision of the numbers—exactly 48 cities in total (summarized in Josh 21:41), with specific allocations for each Levitical branch, like the "ten" for this Kohathite group—highlights divine accuracy. It counters any perception that God's promises are vague; instead, they are executed with perfect order and fulfillment down to the smallest detail.