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Joshua 21

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‹ Chapter 20 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 22 ›

1 Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel 2 at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock." 3 So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: 4 The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 5 The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 6 The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. 7 And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 8 So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. 9 From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name 10 to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them: 11 They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) 12 But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. 13 So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, 14 Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15 Holon, Debir, 16 Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands. 17 And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, 18 Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 19 In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. 20 The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim 21 they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, 22 Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 23 From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon, 24 Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 25 And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands. 26 In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. 27 This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. 28 From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath, 29 Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 30 From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, 31 Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 32 And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands. 33 In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans. 34 This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 36 From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 38 And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. 40 In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans. 41 For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. 42 Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. 43 Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.

‹ Chapter 20 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 22 ›

Study Notes — Joshua 21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Joshua 21 records the allocation of cities to the Levites, as commanded by God through Moses. The chapter begins with the Levites approaching Eleazar, Joshua, and the leaders of the tribes, reminding them of God's command to give them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock. The Israelites then gave the Levites 48 cities, including their surrounding pasturelands, as instructed by the Lord. The chapter concludes by noting that the Lord gave the Israelites all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of obedience to His commands, as seen in Joshua 21:43-45.

Context for the Chapter

Joshua 21 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, which began in Joshua 1. The chapter follows the allocation of the land to the various tribes, as described in Joshua 13-20. The chapter provides a conclusion to the story of the conquest, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of obedience to His commands. The chapter also looks forward to the period of the judges, which is described in the book of Judges, highlighting the ongoing need for God's people to trust in His faithfulness and provision.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even when they face challenges and uncertainties. It reminds them of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to care for those who are devoted to serving the Lord. As seen in Joshua 21:45, God's faithfulness is a reminder of His love and care for His people, which is fully expressed in Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about how God took care of the Levites, who were the priests and teachers of the Israelites. God gave them cities to live in and land for their animals, showing that He is faithful to His promises. The chapter reminds us that God is always with us and provides for our needs, just like He did for the Levites. As seen in Joshua 21:45, God's faithfulness is a reminder of His love and care for His people.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's promises are like diamonds, they are precious, and they are sure, for every one of them is fulfilled to the uttermost.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Lord's providence is not limited to great and notable events, but extends to the smallest details of our lives, so that even the cities and pasturelands of the Levites were provided for by His sovereign care.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Allocation of Cities (Joshua 21:1-3) — The Levites approach Eleazar, Joshua, and the leaders of the tribes, reminding them of God's command to give them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
  2. The Allocation of Cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:4-40) — The Israelites give the Levites 48 cities, including their surrounding pasturelands, as instructed by the Lord. The cities are allocated to the different clans of Levites, including the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites.
  3. Conclusion: God's Faithfulness to His People (Joshua 21:41-45) — The chapter concludes by noting that the Lord gave the Israelites all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people and the importance of obedience to His commands.
  4. The Significance of the Allocation of Cities (Joshua 21:1-45) — The allocation of cities to the Levites highlights God's provision and care for His people, as well as the importance of obedience to His commands. The chapter reminds us that God is always with us and provides for our needs, just like He did for the Levites.
  5. Application to Believers Today (Joshua 21:1-45) — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even when they face challenges and uncertainties. It reminds them of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need to care for those who are devoted to serving the Lord.

Core Doctrines

God's Providence
This chapter teaches that God's providence extends to every detail of our lives, including our physical needs and the needs of those who serve Him. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, God provided for the Levites, giving them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
God's Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This theme is seen in Joshua 21:45, where it is stated that not one of God's promises failed.
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter teaches that obedience to God's commands is essential for experiencing His provision and faithfulness. As seen in Joshua 21:43-45, the Israelites' obedience to God's commands resulted in their possession of the land and God's faithfulness to His promises.
The Care of the Church for Its Ministers
The chapter highlights the importance of caring for those who are devoted to serving the Lord, providing for their physical needs and well-being. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, the Israelites were commanded to give the Levites cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.

Lessons from Joshua 21

  1. God's Faithfulness is Not Limited to Big Things — The chapter teaches that God's faithfulness extends to every detail of our lives, including our physical needs and the needs of those who serve Him. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, God provided for the Levites, giving them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
  2. Obedience is Essential for Experiencing God's Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the need to trust in God's faithfulness and provision. As seen in Joshua 21:43-45, the Israelites' obedience to God's commands resulted in their possession of the land and God's faithfulness to His promises.
  3. We Should Care for Those Who Serve the Lord — The chapter highlights the importance of caring for those who are devoted to serving the Lord, providing for their physical needs and well-being. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, the Israelites were commanded to give the Levites cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
  4. God's Promises are Sure and Precious — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This theme is seen in Joshua 21:45, where it is stated that not one of God's promises failed.
  5. We Should Trust in God's Faithfulness and Provision — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even when they face challenges and uncertainties. As seen in Joshua 21:45, God's faithfulness is a reminder of His love and care for His people.

Themes from Joshua 21

  1. God's Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This theme is seen in Joshua 21:45, where it is stated that not one of God's promises failed.
  2. Provision and Care — The chapter highlights God's provision and care for His people, including the allocation of cities to the Levites. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, God provided for the Levites, giving them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
  3. Obedience and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and trust in His faithfulness and provision. As seen in Joshua 21:43-45, the Israelites' obedience to God's commands resulted in their possession of the land and God's faithfulness to His promises.
  4. The Importance of Caring for Those Who Serve the Lord — The chapter highlights the importance of caring for those who are devoted to serving the Lord, providing for their physical needs and well-being. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, the Israelites were commanded to give the Levites cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
  5. God's Sovereignty and Providence — The chapter teaches that God's sovereignty and providence extend to every detail of our lives, including our physical needs and the needs of those who serve Him. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, God provided for the Levites, giving them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does this chapter teach us about God's faithfulness to His people?
  2. How does the allocation of cities to the Levites relate to God's provision and care for His people?
  3. What is the significance of the number 48 in relation to the cities allocated to the Levites?
  4. How does this chapter encourage believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision?
  5. What are some ways that believers can care for those who are devoted to serving the Lord?
  6. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Allocation of Cities (Joshua 21:1-3)

21:1 The Levites approach Eleazar, Joshua, and the leaders of the tribes, reminding them of God's command to give them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.
21:2 The Israelites are reminded of God's command to give the Levites cities and pasturelands, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.

2. The Allocation of Cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:4-40)

21:4 The Kohathites are allocated cities, including Hebron, Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh.
21:5 The Gershonites are allocated cities, including Golan, Be-eshterah, and Kibzaim.

3. Conclusion: God's Faithfulness to His People (Joshua 21:41-45)

21:43 The Lord gave the Israelites all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled there.
21:45 Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everything was fulfilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 48 cities allocated to the Levites?

The 48 cities allocated to the Levites represent God's provision and care for His people, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands and trust in His faithfulness and provision. As seen in Joshua 21:1-3, God provided for the Levites, giving them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.

How does the allocation of cities to the Levites relate to God's provision and care for His people?

The allocation of cities to the Levites highlights God's provision and care for His people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and trust in His faithfulness and provision. As seen in Joshua 21:43-45, the Israelites' obedience to God's commands resulted in their possession of the land and God's faithfulness to His promises.

What does the chapter teach us about God's faithfulness to His people?

The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, highlighting His reliability and trustworthiness. This theme is seen in Joshua 21:45, where it is stated that not one of God's promises failed.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Joshua 21:1 → Numbers 35:1-8 The allocation of cities to the Levites is first commanded in Numbers 35:1-8, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.
2 Joshua 21:43 → Genesis 12:7 The Lord's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants is first stated in Genesis 12:7, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.
3 Joshua 21:45 → Hebrews 11:13 The theme of God's faithfulness to His promises is also seen in Hebrews 11:13, which highlights the importance of trust in God's faithfulness and provision.
4 Joshua 21:1-3 → Deuteronomy 12:1-14 The importance of caring for those who serve the Lord is also seen in Deuteronomy 12:1-14, which highlights the need to provide for the physical needs and well-being of those who serve God.
5 Joshua 21:43-45 → Romans 8:28 The theme of God's sovereignty and providence is also seen in Romans 8:28, which highlights the importance of trust in God's faithfulness and provision.
6 Joshua 21:1-3 → Matthew 25:31-46 The importance of caring for those who serve the Lord is also seen in Matthew 25:31-46, which highlights the need to provide for the physical needs and well-being of those who serve God.
7 Joshua 21:43-45 → Psalm 37:3-7 The theme of trust in God's faithfulness and provision is also seen in Psalm 37:3-7, which highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and trust in His faithfulness and provision.
8 Joshua 21:1-3 → 1 Timothy 5:17-18 The importance of caring for those who serve the Lord is also seen in 1 Timothy 5:17-18, which highlights the need to provide for the physical needs and well-being of those who serve God.
9 Joshua 21:43-45 → Isaiah 40:28-31 The theme of God's sovereignty and providence is also seen in Isaiah 40:28-31, which highlights the importance of trust in God's faithfulness and provision.
10 Joshua 21:1-3 → Acts 6:1-7 The importance of caring for those who serve the Lord is also seen in Acts 6:1-7, which highlights the need to provide for the physical needs and well-being of those who serve God.

Sermons on Joshua 21

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen The Lord Can Present Us Perfect (Tamil) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, trusting in His promises, and maintaining unity in the body of Christ. It highlights the need to overcome doubt, grumb
George Verwer Schau Auf Jesus (6) (German) by George Verwer In the sermon, the speaker describes a vision he had of Jesus riding on a white horse with a golden deck and crown, symbolizing his total lordship. The speaker also mentions hearin
Andrew Bonar Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi by Andrew Bonar Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other
David Wilkerson God Is Bound to His Word by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'binding precedent' in prayer, illustrating how understanding God's past mercies can empower believers to pray boldly. He uses the example
A.B. Simpson Joshua Chapter 15 Four Mighty Alls by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the four 'alls' from Joshua 21:43-45: all the land, all the rest, all the victory, and all the promises. He encourages believers to claim their full inherit
A.B. Simpson There Failed Not Ought of Any Good Thing Which the Lord Had Spoken by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the faithfulness of God in his sermon, reminding us that one day we will fully understand the journey of our lives and the divine guidance we received throu
A.B. Simpson Four Mighty Alls by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the four mighty 'alls' that God has provided: all the land, all the rest, all the victory, and all the promises. He encourages believers to claim their full
Charles E. Cowman Devil's Burden by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding rest in God, emphasizing the victory and peace that come from surrendering our burdens to Jesus. He shares a story of a troubled Christian

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 21

In this chapter, we see the Lord's faithfulness to His people, as He provides for the Levites and gives them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and trust in His faithfulness and provision. We are reminded that God's promises are sure and precious, and that He will fulfill all His good promises to those who trust in Him. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord's promises are not limited to great and notable events, but extend to the smallest details of our lives, so that even the cities and pasturelands of the Levites were provided for by His sovereign care.' The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even when they face challenges and uncertainties, and to care for those who are devoted to serving the Lord. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Attention to Detail

The chapter highlights God's attention to detail in the lives of His people, providing for the Levites and ensuring they have everything they need to serve Him. This is seen in Joshua 21:1-3, where the Levites approach Eleazar, Joshua, and the leaders of the tribes, reminding them of God's command to give them cities to live in and pasturelands for their livestock.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the Israelites' allocation of cities to the Levites. This obedience is a key aspect of trusting in God's faithfulness and experiencing His provision, as stated in Joshua 21:43-45.

God's Faithfulness to His People

The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, fulfilling all His promises to them and providing for their needs. This theme is seen in Joshua 21:45, where it is stated that not one of God's promises failed.

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