Joshua 21 28

Joshua 21:28 kjv

And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:28 nkjv

and from the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its common-land, Daberath with its common-land,

Joshua 21:28 niv

from the tribe of Issachar, Kishion, Daberath,

Joshua 21:28 esv

and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its pasturelands, Daberath with its pasturelands,

Joshua 21:28 nlt

From the tribe of Issachar they received the following towns with their pasturelands: Kishion, Daberath,

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 28 Meaning

This verse details a portion of the distribution of the Promised Land, specifically two cities, Kishion and Daberath, from the tribal territory of Issachar, along with their surrounding pasturelands. These cities were allotted to the Gershonite clan of the Levites, in accordance with God's command to provide for the Levites, who received no tribal inheritance of land themselves but were instead to minister to all Israel.

Joshua 21 28 Context

Joshua chapter 21 concludes the detailed account of the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Having successfully conquered the Promised Land, Israel, led by Joshua, meticulously distributes the territorial inheritances. Following the tribal allotments, the focus shifts to the special provision for the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for priestly and temple service and therefore did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes (Num 18:20-21; Deut 10:9). Moses had commanded that cities and their pasturelands be given to them from all tribal territories. Joshua 21 systematically lists these 48 Levitical cities, divided among the three major Levitical families: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Joshua 21:28 specifically lists two cities (Kishion and Daberath) and their accompanying pasturelands from the tribe of Issachar, allocated to the Gershonite clan of Levites. This administrative detail underscores God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises, not only to grant Israel the land but also to provide for those dedicated to His service in an organized and equitable manner, ensuring the spiritual well-being of the entire nation by distributing the Levites among all the tribes.

Joshua 21 28 Word analysis

• and from the tribe of Issachar,

  • and: The conjunction connects this verse to the preceding lists, emphasizing the continuing systematic allocation. It implies continuation and completeness of the distribution.
  • from the tribe: Signifies the source of these cities. They are not new, separate territories, but cities taken from within the allotted lands of a particular tribe. This highlights inter-tribal cooperation in fulfilling God's commands.
  • Issachar: יִשָׂשׂכָר (Yissaśkar). The ninth son of Jacob, and the fifth born to Leah. His tribe inherited a fertile plain in the north of Israel, a significant agricultural region. The giving of cities from their land shows their participation in supporting the Levites.

• Kishion with its pasturelands,

  • Kishion: קִישׁוֹן (Qishôn or Kishyon). A city mentioned as part of Issachar's inheritance in Joshua 19:20. While the name "Kishon" is commonly associated with a prominent river, here it refers to a specific city. Its exact location is debated but typically placed within the Issachar territory. Its inclusion here indicates it was a notable city assigned to the Levites.
  • with its pasturelands: וּמִגְרָשֶׁהָ (u·migrās̆eha).
    • pasturelands: מִגְרָשׁ (migraash). This crucial term refers to the open lands surrounding the city, extending up to a fixed distance (usually 1,000 cubits or about 1,500 feet from the city wall, up to a total of 2,000 cubits with outer boundaries, according to Num 35:4-5). These areas were vital for grazing livestock and for basic community needs, but specifically for the Levites' cattle.
    • Significance: This provision highlights God's practical care for the Levites' sustenance. Unlike other tribes who relied on agricultural land, the Levites needed space for their animals, which constituted a significant part of their livelihood and possibly provided food (e.g., from tithes, Num 18:31-32) and sacrifice. It also means the cities were not just urban dwellings but self-sufficient units for the Levitical families. This specific provision was a clear commandment from God (Num 35:2-3).

• and Daberath with its pasturelands;

  • and Daberath: וְדָבְרַת (wə·ḏāvrath). Another city within Issachar, specifically mentioned in Joshua 19:12 as a border point for Zebulun's inheritance, placing it strategically. It is often identified with modern Daburiyeh, at the foot of Mount Tabor.
  • with its pasturelands: Reiterates the identical provision made for Daberath as for Kishion, reinforcing the systematic and complete nature of the allocation for all Levitical cities. This uniform provision ensures equity and practical support for the Levites wherever they resided.

Joshua 21 28 Bonus section

The systematic distribution of Levitical cities across all tribes meant that every Israelite had access to spiritual guidance and the teaching of the Law, emphasizing decentralization of religious authority to ensure nationwide spiritual health. This was vital given that the tabernacle, and later the Temple, was in a single location. The specific number of 48 cities, as prescribed, highlights God's meticulousness and His desire for an ordered society, providing a structured network for worship and justice throughout the land. This contrasts with chaotic land distributions seen in pagan societies and underlines YHWH as the source of perfect order and justice.

Joshua 21 28 Commentary

Joshua 21:28, though seemingly a mere administrative listing, is rich in theological significance. It represents a micro-fulfillment within a macro-fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. This verse, like the rest of chapter 21, demonstrates God's perfect order, faithfulness, and detailed provision for His people and especially for those dedicated to His service. The specific allocation of "cities with their pasturelands" underscores God's practicality, ensuring the Levites were fully equipped to carry out their duties of teaching, judging, and maintaining the Mosaic Law throughout Israel. By distributing the Levites across all tribal lands, God established spiritual and judicial centers accessible to everyone, preventing a single priestly power center and ensuring the continuous spread of His law. The completion of this intricate land division, including the careful provision for the Levites, serves as a powerful testament to the truth that "not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass" (Josh 21:45). It is a divine blueprint of perfect order and enduring faithfulness.