Joshua 21 7

Joshua 21:7 kjv

The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Joshua 21:7 nkjv

The children of Merari according to their families had twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun.

Joshua 21:7 niv

The descendants of Merari, according to their clans, received twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.

Joshua 21:7 esv

The Merarites according to their clans received from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Joshua 21:7 nlt

The clan of Merari was allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 7 Meaning

Joshua 21:7 details a specific aspect of the allocation of cities to the Levite tribe following the conquest of Canaan. It records that the descendants of Merari, one of Levi's three sons, received twelve cities. These cities were provided from the land portions of three distinct Israelite tribes: Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun, to serve as residences for the Merarite families. This verse highlights the precise and systematic fulfillment of God's instructions for supporting the Levites who had no tribal land inheritance but were devoted to priestly and temple service.

Joshua 21 7 Context

Joshua 21:7 is embedded within the climactic section of the book of Joshua, following the conquest of Canaan and the initial division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The primary context for this verse is chapter 21, which systematically details the fulfillment of God's command regarding the provision of forty-eight cities, with their surrounding pasturelands, for the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a continuous territorial inheritance because the LORD Himself was their inheritance and they were consecrated for service to God in the tabernacle, and later the Temple (Num 18:20-24).

The historical context reflects the successful culmination of the Israelites' wilderness journey and their initial settlement in the promised land under Joshua's leadership. This systematic distribution underscores God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises (Gen 15:18, Deut 7:12-16) to Israel. The process involves precise allocation by lot, reflecting divine guidance in human affairs, ensuring fairness and preventing tribal disputes. The tribes willingly, or under command, yielded cities from their portions, demonstrating their participation in the divinely ordained support system for the priestly tribe. The distribution also highlighted the unity of the tribes, as they collectively contributed to the maintenance of the religious order, essential for the spiritual well-being of the nation.

Joshua 21 7 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew "waw" (וְ), functioning as a conjunctive, linking this verse to the preceding verses (Josh 21:4-6) which describe the allocations for the Kohathites and Gershonites. It indicates a continuation of the same process of assigning cities to the Levite clans.

• to the sons of Merari: Hebrew v'livney M'rari (וְלִבְנֵי מְרָרִי). Merari was the youngest of Levi's three sons (Gen 46:11, Exo 6:16, Num 3:17). The Merarites were specifically tasked with carrying the heavier parts of the Tabernacle during Israel's journeys – the frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Num 3:36-37, Num 4:29-32). Their distinct function and familial line within the Levite tribe underscore the organized and differentiated roles within divine service.

• according to their families: Hebrew l'mishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם). This phrase emphasizes that the allocation was not random but followed a clear, established genealogical structure. It ensured equity and order among the descendants of Merari, preserving their identity and role. This pattern is consistent throughout the allocation of land and cities, reinforcing the divine precision in managing the details of the covenant people.

• out of the tribe of Reuben: Hebrew mimatteh R'uven (מִמַּטֵּה רְאוּבֵן). Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. This tribe, along with Gad and half of Manasseh, chose their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan (Num 32; Josh 13:8). The inclusion of cities from Reuben's territory highlights the widespread nature of the Levites' presence, demonstrating that no part of the land was without God's representatives.

• and out of the tribe of Gad: Hebrew u'mimatteh Gad (וּמִמַּטֵּה גָּד). Gad's territory was also on the east side of the Jordan (Josh 13:24-28). The participation of these Transjordanian tribes underscores that all Israel was bound by the Law to support the Levites, irrespective of their geographical location.

• and out of the tribe of Zebulun: Hebrew u'mimatteh Z'vulun (וּמִמַּטֵּה זְבוּלֻן). Zebulun was a northern tribe, located in Galilee (Josh 19:10-16). Its inclusion alongside Reuben and Gad demonstrates that the responsibility for the Levites transcended regional boundaries, unifying the diverse tribes in a common commitment to divine order and service.

• twelve cities: Hebrew arim shteim esreh (עָרִים שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה). This specific number, twelve, is significant. The total number of Levite cities was forty-eight (Num 35:7), distributed among the three major Levite clans. The Merarites received twelve, the Gershonites thirteen (Josh 21:6), and the Kohathites twenty-three (Josh 21:4-5), demonstrating a balanced, numerical order. The sum represents God's detailed planning and provision. The distribution of a round, complete number of cities signifies a full and proper provision, ensuring that their needs were met for their divine tasks.

• words-group: "to the sons of Merari according to their families": This phrase emphasizes the highly organized and systematic nature of the divine command and its execution. It points to a deep respect for kinship structures and a methodical approach to land distribution, ensuring every Levite family had its designated place of residence, critical for their identity and duties.

• words-group: "out of the tribe of Reuben and out of the tribe of Gad and out of the tribe of Zebulun": This grouping illustrates the comprehensive, nation-wide sharing of responsibility for supporting the Levites. Tribes from both sides of the Jordan (Reuben, Gad) and from a distinct northern region (Zebulun) contribute, highlighting Israel's unity under the covenant and their collective responsibility in maintaining the worship of the Lord.

Joshua 21 7 Bonus section

The careful listing of tribes contributing cities to the Merarites, along with the specific number of cities, reveals the high level of detail and precision that characterizes God's operations within the covenant community. It demonstrates that God's plan encompassed not just the grand vision of a promised land, but also the practical arrangements for daily life, ensuring every aspect of His people's welfare, including their spiritual and physical needs. The fact that the Merarites, responsible for the heavy framework of the Tabernacle, were provided for reflects the truth that all who labor in God's service, regardless of their specific role (from the weighty tasks of leadership to seemingly menial duties), are equally valued and sustained by divine provision mediated through the community. This divinely ordered system was crucial for Israel's identity and worship life, illustrating a communal responsibility for maintaining the theological heart of the nation.

Joshua 21 7 Commentary

Joshua 21:7 presents a factual record of the careful execution of God's directive regarding the Levite cities. It signifies more than a simple geographical allocation; it is a profound testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His wise provision for those set apart for His service. The assignment of twelve cities to the Merarites, derived from specific tribes, underscores several key truths: the orderly nature of divine arrangement, the interdependence of the tribes of Israel, and the national commitment to supporting the sacred ministry. While the other tribes received land for cultivation and inheritance, the Levites received cities for residence and pasture, reflecting their unique inheritance in the Lord Himself. This divine structure ensured that even in the settled land, Israel's focus remained on worship and adherence to God's law, as the Levites, scattered among them, served as teachers and ministers. This model prefigures the New Testament principle that those who preach the gospel should be supported by the gospel, emphasizing the community's role in sustaining spiritual leadership for the edification of God's people.