Joshua 21 30

Joshua 21:30 kjv

And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,

Joshua 21:30 nkjv

and from the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its common-land, Abdon with its common-land,

Joshua 21:30 niv

from the tribe of Asher, Mishal, Abdon,

Joshua 21:30 esv

and out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its pasturelands, Abdon with its pasturelands,

Joshua 21:30 nlt

From the tribe of Asher they received the following towns with their pasturelands: Mishal, Abdon,

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 30 Meaning

Joshua 21:30 specifies that from the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad, the cities of Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim, along with their associated pasturelands, were designated as an inheritance for the Merarite clan of the Levites. This verse forms part of a larger list detailing the 48 cities dispersed throughout the tribes of Israel, fulfilling the divine command for the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, to have places of dwelling and means of sustenance across the promised land.

Joshua 21 30 Context

Joshua chapter 21 details the fulfillment of a critical part of the Mosaic Law: the provision of dwelling places for the Levites. Having no tribal land inheritance, the Levites were instead allotted 48 cities dispersed throughout the twelve tribes of Israel (Numbers 35:1-8). This was a divine strategy to ensure the Levites, dedicated to priestly duties, teaching the Law, and judging disputes, would be present and accessible across the entire land. The specific distribution, often determined by lot, reflected God's meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises and establishing an ordered society. Joshua 21:30 is a specific entry within this comprehensive list, noting two cities given from the tribe of Gad to the Merarite branch of the Levites, illustrating this practical provision in action for the post-conquest period of Israel's settlement.

Joshua 21 30 Word analysis

• and out of the tribe of Gad: Indicates the specific territorial source from which these cities were allocated. The tribe of Gad had their inheritance east of the Jordan River.
• Ramoth: (Hebrew: רָמֹת - Ramot). Meaning "heights" or "elevations." This suggests its topographical location. Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically important city, later becoming one of the three Transjordanian Cities of Refuge. Its mention highlights its significance not just as a Levitical dwelling but also as a place of legal recourse and sanctuary.
• in Gilead: (Hebrew: בַּגִּלְעָד - ba-Gil'ad). Gilead is a mountainous region east of the Jordan, renowned for its Balm of Gilead and fertile pastures. Its inclusion precisely locates Ramoth within this prominent eastern territory.
• with its common-land: (Hebrew: וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ - ve'et-migrashehā). The word migrash refers to the pastureland or common land surrounding the Levitical city. This provision, mandated in Numbers 35:3-5, was essential for the sustenance of the Levites and their livestock. It emphasizes a complete grant, providing both residence and means of livelihood.
• and Mahanaim: (Hebrew: מַחֲנַיִם - Maḥanaim). Meaning "two camps" or "two companies." This city holds significant biblical history, being the place where Jacob met the angels of God (Genesis 32:2) and later serving as a royal city, capital of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 2:8) and refuge for David (2 Samuel 17:24). Its strategic location demonstrates its value as a Levitical center.
• with its common-land: (Hebrew: וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ - ve'et-migrashehā). The repetition of this phrase confirms that both Ramoth and Mahanaim were given with their respective surrounding pasturelands, underscoring the completeness of the divine provision for the Levites’ needs, ensuring they had the necessary land for livestock and sustenance in addition to their homes.

Joshua 21 30 Bonus section

• The strategic placement of Levitical cities like Ramoth and Mahanaim (both east of the Jordan) indicates a comprehensive spread of Levitical presence even into the Transjordan region, ensuring all tribal areas had access to their services, including teaching, judgment, and priestly ministry.
• The fact that these cities were "given" by the other tribes implies a shared responsibility among all Israel for the welfare and support of the Levites, who ministered on behalf of the entire nation. This arrangement fostered inter-tribal connection and mutual dependence on God's provision and law.
• The system of Levitical cities also acted as a means of maintaining uniformity of religious practice and legal standards throughout Israel, with Levites serving as custodians of the Law in different regions.

Joshua 21 30 Commentary

Joshua 21:30 serves as a concise yet crucial testament to God's faithful and detailed fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel and Levi. By precisely listing Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim with their essential common-lands, the verse underscores the meticulous divine provision for the landless Levites. This arrangement allowed them to live dispersed among all tribes, effectively decentralizing spiritual guidance and the teaching of God's Law across the land, rather than concentrating it in a single region. The inclusion of migrash highlights God's holistic care, attending not just to their dwelling but also to their economic sustainability, ensuring their capacity to dedicate themselves fully to service without distraction by the need to farm land. This divine pattern demonstrates how God provides for those consecrated to His service, reflecting His desire for His people to be grounded in His statutes and upheld by His servants. The dual identity of Ramoth as both a Levitical city and a city of refuge also illustrates the intricate weave of justice, mercy, and spiritual instruction embedded within God's ordered society.