Joshua 21 40

Joshua 21:40 kjv

So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.

Joshua 21:40 nkjv

So all the cities for the children of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.

Joshua 21:40 niv

The total number of towns allotted to the Merarite clans, who were the rest of the Levites, came to twelve.

Joshua 21:40 esv

As for the cities of the several Merarite clans, that is, the remainder of the clans of the Levites, those allotted to them were in all twelve cities.

Joshua 21:40 nlt

So in all, twelve towns were allotted to the clan of Merari.

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 40 Meaning

Joshua 21:40 states that the families descended from Merari, who constituted the remaining lineage of the Levites after the Kohathites and Gershonites had received their portions, were allocated twelve cities through the casting of lots. This verse provides the final sum of cities distributed to the Merarite clan, underscoring the orderly and divinely guided completion of the land allocation for all the Levites as specified in God's law.

Joshua 21 40 Context

Joshua 21:40 concludes a significant section in the Book of Joshua concerning the distribution of the promised land. After the tribal allotments have been largely made, the Levites, who received no territorial inheritance as other tribes did (Num 18:20, Deut 10:9), were granted cities and surrounding pasturelands scattered throughout the territories of the other Israelite tribes (Num 35:1-8). Chapter 21 meticulously lists these 48 cities, broken down by the three main Levitical clans: the Kohathites (including the priestly sons of Aaron), the Gershonites, and finally, the Merarites, addressed in this verse. This process emphasizes the fulfillment of God's command given through Moses, demonstrating divine order and faithfulness in establishing Israel in the land. Historically, the provision of cities for the Levites ensured their livelihood and enabled them to serve the entire nation as spiritual instructors and keepers of God's law, being strategically placed throughout the tribes for their work.

Joshua 21 40 Word analysis

• The children of Merari (בְּנֵי מְרָרִי, b'nê M'rāri): Meaning "sons of Merari." Merari was the third son of Levi, and his descendants, the Merarites, formed one of the three principal branches of the Levitical tribe (Num 3:17, Gen 46:11). They were specifically charged with carrying the heavy components of the Tabernacle—the framework, bars, pillars, and bases (Num 3:36-37; 4:31-32)—highlighting their physical service in the worship of God. Their specific identification here demonstrates the precise and ordered nature of the divine land distribution.
• according to their families (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, l'mish'p'ḥōṯām): Meaning "according to their clans" or "by their families." This highlights that the allocation of cities was not random but based on established genealogical units, ensuring fairness, order, and adherence to their hereditary service roles within the Levitical lineage. It reflects the meticulous and structured approach to land distribution guided by divine will.
• that is, the remaining families of the Levites: This parenthetical phrase serves as a clarification, emphasizing that the Merarites were the final group among the Levitical clans whose city allocations are enumerated in Joshua 21. It signifies the completion of the divine promise and provision for all branches of the tribe of Levi, underscoring the thoroughness of God's faithful provision.
• had by lot (בַּגּוֹרָל, bāg'gōrāl): Meaning "by the lot." Casting lots was a common, biblically sanctioned method in ancient Israel for discerning the divine will or for impartial division (e.g., Lev 16:8, Num 26:55, 1 Sam 14:41-42, Acts 1:26). Its use here signifies that the allocation of cities was not based on human negotiation or preference but was divinely ordained and supervised, assuring God's ultimate sovereignty over the inheritance of His people.
• twelve cities (שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה עָרִים, shtēm ‘esreh ‘ārîm): This specific number is crucial. It represents the designated portion for the Merarites, and when added to the cities allocated to the Kohathites and Gershonites earlier in the chapter, it completes the divinely commanded total of forty-eight cities for all the Levites throughout Israel (Num 35:7). This precise fulfillment emphasizes God's faithfulness to His word and His meticulous planning for the practical needs and sacred duties of His consecrated servants.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The children of Merari...the Levites": This phrase clearly identifies the recipients as a specific, well-defined subset within the tribe of Levi. It differentiates them from other Levites while affirming their overarching Levitical identity and purpose in God's plan for Israel.
• "according to their families...had by lot": This sequence illustrates the intertwining of human societal structure (families) with divine providence (casting lots) in the land allocation. It portrays a system where human orderliness aligns with God's ultimate sovereignty in guiding Israel's settlement.
• "had by lot twelve cities": This succinctly conveys the outcome for the Merarites: a specific number of cities, divinely appointed, confirming the finalization of their portion and their integral role in the dispersed Levitical presence across Israel.

Joshua 21 40 Bonus section

The careful distribution of cities to the Levites, specifically by family (Joshua 21:40), underscores the unique paradox of their inheritance. Though they inherited no tribal territory like the other eleven tribes, God Himself was their inheritance (Num 18:20, Deut 10:9). Their dispersed location among the other tribes (48 cities total) served several crucial purposes beyond mere sustenance. It allowed them to act as spiritual and judicial guides accessible to all Israelites, fulfilling the command to teach God's statutes and laws (Deut 33:10, Lev 10:11). These Levitical cities, including the six Cities of Refuge, served as a perpetual reminder of God's omnipresence among His people, reinforcing the truth that His service permeated every aspect of their national life. This demonstrates God's holistic provision, integrating spiritual guidance and physical needs within His perfect plan for the nation.

Joshua 21 40 Commentary

Joshua 21:40 marks the orderly and divinely ordained completion of the Levitical inheritance within the land of Canaan. While the other tribes received a territorial inheritance for agricultural and personal settlement, the Levites, consecrated to the service of God, were sustained by offerings and received no tribal land portion. Instead, they were allocated specific cities scattered among all the other tribes. This verse highlights the Merarite branch, the last group to be detailed, receiving their final complement of twelve cities by lot. This method underscores that the provision for God's servants was neither arbitrary nor a human arrangement but was precisely guided by divine providence, ensuring equity and establishing strategic locations for the Levites to carry out their duties of teaching, judging, and maintaining the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple) rites throughout Israel. It speaks volumes about God's meticulous care for those who dedicated themselves wholly to Him and His faithfulness in fulfilling His every promise to His people, establishing an ordered society in the Promised Land.