Joshua 21:3
Joshua 21:3 in Multiple Translations
So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.
And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of Jehovah, these cities with their suburbs.
And the children of Israel out of their heritage gave to the Levites these towns with their grass-lands, by the order of the Lord.
So, following the Lord's instructions, the Israelites gave towns and pastures to the Levites from their own allocations.
So the children of Israel gaue vnto the Leuites, out of their inheritance at the commandement of the Lord these cities with their suburbes.
And the sons of Israel give to the Levites, out of their inheritance, at the command of Jehovah, these cities and their suburbs:
The children of Israel gave to the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of the LORD, these cities with their pasture lands.
And the children of Israel gave to the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.
And the children of Israel gave out of their possessions according to the commandment of the Lord, cities and their suburbs.
So the Israeli leaders obeyed this command from Yahweh. They agreed to give towns and pasturelands to the tribe of Levi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:3
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Joshua 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:3
Study Notes — Joshua 21:3
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 21:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 21:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 21:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 21:3
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:3
- Sermons on Joshua 21:3
Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
3So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
4The 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. 5The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 49:7 | Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 33:8–10 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 6:54–81 | Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Hilen, Debir, Ashan, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families. To the rest of the Kohathites, ten cities were allotted from the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Gershomites , according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan. The Merarites, according to their families, were allotted twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands. They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory: They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer, Jokmeam, Beth-horon, Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon, together with their pasturelands. And from the half-tribe of Manasseh the remaining clans of the Kohathites were given Aner and Bileam, together with their pasturelands. The Gershomites received the following: From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kedesh, Daberath, Ramoth, and Anem, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Asher they were given Mashal, Abdon, Hukok, and Rehob, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands. The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands. From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah, Kedemoth, and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, Heshbon, and Jazer, together with their pasturelands. |
Joshua 21:3 Summary
[This verse shows how the Israelites obeyed God's command to give the Levites cities and pasturelands out of their own inheritance. This act of obedience demonstrated their faith and trust in God's plan, just as we are called to trust in God's plan for our lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. The Israelites' willingness to give up something precious for the sake of the Levites is a powerful example of unity and cooperation among believers. By following God's commands, we can demonstrate our love and trust in Him, just as the Israelites did in Joshua 21:3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites give the Levites cities and pasturelands out of their own inheritance?
The Israelites gave the Levites cities and pasturelands because the Lord commanded them to do so through Moses, as seen in Joshua 21:2 and Numbers 35:1-8. This act of obedience demonstrated their faith and trust in God's plan.
What is the significance of the Levites receiving cities and pasturelands from the other tribes?
The Levites receiving cities and pasturelands from the other tribes signifies the unity and cooperation among the Israelites, as they worked together to fulfill God's commands, as seen in Joshua 21:4-5 and Leviticus 25:32-34.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's provision for the Levites?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's provision for the Levites, who were not given a specific inheritance like the other tribes, but instead relied on the Lord for their provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:1-2 and Numbers 18:21-24.
What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's command in this verse?
We can learn the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it requires sacrifice or giving up something precious, as seen in Joshua 21:3 and Matthew 19:21, where Jesus teaches about the value of giving up earthly possessions to follow Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate obedience to God's commands in my own life, even when it's difficult or requires sacrifice?
- How can I trust in God's plan for my life, just as the Israelites trusted in His plan for the Levites?
- What are some areas where I can show unity and cooperation with my fellow believers, just as the Israelites worked together to give the Levites cities and pasturelands?
- How can I rely on God's provision for my needs, just as the Levites relied on the Lord for their provision?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 21:3
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 21:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 21:3
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:3
Sermons on Joshua 21:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Homily 8 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the divine foreknowledge and prophetic order behind every detail, from the humble circumstances o |
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A Farewell Sermon by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards delivers a farewell sermon at the First Church in Northampton, MA, emphasizing the accountability of ministers and their congregations before Christ's tribunal on |
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Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u |




