Joshua 21 6

Joshua 21:6 kjv

And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

Joshua 21:6 nkjv

And the children of Gershon had thirteen cities by lot from the families of the tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.

Joshua 21:6 niv

The descendants of Gershon were allotted thirteen towns from the clans of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.

Joshua 21:6 esv

The Gershonites received by lot from the clans of the tribe of Issachar, from the tribe of Asher, from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

Joshua 21:6 nlt

The clan of Gershon was allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 6 Meaning

Joshua 21:6 details the specific allocation of cities to a segment of the Levite tribe, the Gershonites. They received thirteen cities through the casting of lots, these cities being drawn from the territories of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. This verse emphasizes God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, providing for the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance of their own, according to the divine command given through Moses.

Joshua 21 6 Context

Joshua chapter 21 is a pivotal chapter detailing the precise fulfillment of God's command regarding the provision for the Levites. Having no tribal inheritance of their own (Num 18:20, Josh 13:33), the Levites were instead allotted forty-eight cities throughout Israel, along with pasture lands for their livestock (Num 35:1-8). These cities were to be given by lot from the territories of the other tribes, ensuring the Levites, who served as priests, teachers, and guardians of God's law, were dispersed throughout the land. Verses 4-8 specify the allocations for the three main divisions of Levi: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, with each receiving their portion by lot. Verse 6 focuses specifically on the Gershonite families and their allotment of thirteen cities from four distinct tribal territories, highlighting the exactness and thoroughness of the divine arrangement. This chapter serves as the capstone of the land division, underscoring God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to completion.

Joshua 21 6 Word analysis

• The children of Gershon (בְּנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן, bə-nê ḡêrə-šōwn): "Benei" means "sons of" or "children of." Gershon was the eldest son of Levi (Gen 46:11, Num 3:17), and his descendants (the Gershonites) formed one of the three main divisions of the Levites. They were primarily responsible for carrying the tabernacle's coverings, tents, and cords (Num 3:25-26). Their allocation here reflects their established role and numerical strength within the Levite clan.
• had by lot (בְגֹּרָל, bə-ḡō-rāl): "Goral" refers to a lot or casting lots. This method was commonly used in ancient Israel for dividing land (Num 26:55-56, Josh 14:2) and making significant decisions (Prov 16:33, Acts 1:26). It indicated that the division was not based on human preference, negotiation, or strength, but on divine decision. It removed potential disputes and underscored God's sovereignty over the distribution of the land.
• out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan: This specific enumeration of tribes demonstrates the widespread dispersion of the Gershonites throughout northern Israel, ensuring their accessibility for service and teaching across the entire nation. It highlights the divine wisdom in strategically placing these spiritual leaders. Bashan (east of the Jordan) indicates that their cities spanned both sides of the Jordan River.
• thirteen cities (שְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה עָרִים, šə-lōš ‘eś-rêh ‘ā-rîm): The exact number specifies the divine provision and organization. It contrasts with the number of cities given to other Levite groups (Kohathites, 23; Merarites, 12), reflecting the size and needs of each branch of Levi. The total (48 cities) ensures a unified, orderly provision for the entire Levitical body. This precision testifies to God's exactness in fulfilling His word.

Words-group analysis

• "The children of Gershon had by lot...": This phrase connects a specific Levitical family directly to the divine method of allocation. It emphasizes the communal identity and divine selection of their inheritance.
• "...out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan...": This section showcases the comprehensive and inter-tribal nature of the Levitical allocation. It signifies cooperation among the tribes and the shared responsibility of providing for the Levites. It ensured the Levites could minister effectively to the entire nation, not just one tribal area. This geographical distribution also prevented any single Levite group from forming a separate, potentially competing, land-based power structure, reinforcing their spiritual dependence and role.

Joshua 21 6 Bonus section

The meticulous recording of these cities, not only for the Gershonites but all Levites, signifies the importance of obedience to the Mosaic law regarding the Levites' provision. This detail served as a historical and theological anchor for future generations of Israel, reminding them of God's covenant loyalty and their communal responsibility to uphold His decrees. It contrasts with chaotic or arbitrary distributions, establishing divine order as the foundation for the Israelite society. The location of the Levitical cities, including cities of refuge (as detailed elsewhere in Joshua 21), ensured that divine law and justice were embedded within reach of all tribes, contributing to the nation's spiritual and judicial stability.

Joshua 21 6 Commentary

Joshua 21:6 stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises. It is a precise record of how the Gershonite Levites, despite having no inheritance of their own tribal land, received their allocated cities through the sovereign direction of God, indicated by the casting of lots. This act underscores God's commitment to providing for those set apart for His service. The dispersion of these cities across various tribal territories ensured that the spiritual influence and instruction of the Levites were accessible throughout the nascent nation of Israel. This precise distribution reflects divine wisdom, ensuring both the welfare of the Levites and the spiritual well-being of all twelve tribes. It reinforces the theological truth that God governs all things, even the minutiae of land distribution, demonstrating His order and providence.