Dividing the Land for the Levites
Joshua 21 presents us with a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, where the land that had been conquered under Joshua’s leadership is distributed among the Levites, the priestly tribe. This chapter not only serves as a practical record of land allocation but also reveals deep theological and historical significance, particularly in how the Levites, unlike the other tribes, received no inheritance of land, but were given cities and pasturelands within the territories of the other tribes. Let’s explore the major thought ideas in this chapter, breaking down each section of scripture.
Verses 1-3:
“Now the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites came to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers’ houses of the tribes of the people of Israel. And they said to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, ‘The Lord commanded through Moses that we be given cities to dwell in, along with their pasturelands for our livestock.’ So by command of the Lord the people of Israel gave to the Levites the following cities and pasturelands out of their inheritance.”
This section records the Levites’ petition to Joshua and Eleazar the priest for the cities promised to them. Historically, this event occurred after the conquest of Canaan, during the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The significance here lies in the fact that the Levites had been set apart by God to serve in religious functions, and they were not to receive an inheritance of land like the other tribes (Numbers 18:20). Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were given cities to dwell in and fields for their livestock. The cities were scattered among the other tribes, ensuring that the priesthood would be interspersed among the people.
The motivation of the Levites here is clear—they are claiming the promise that God made through Moses. Their role as spiritual leaders of Israel placed them in a position where they had to rely on the obedience of the other tribes to fulfill this promise. This teaches us about God’s provision and the importance of relying on His promises, even when those promises require the cooperation of others. The location of this event, in Shiloh, also holds significance, as Shiloh was the central place of worship at the time, marking this land distribution as a religious as well as a political act.
Question:
Why were the Levites not given their own tribal land like the other tribes of Israel?
Possible Answer:
The Levites were not given land because their inheritance was God Himself, as stated in Numbers 18:20. Their role as spiritual leaders meant that they were to depend on the offerings and tithes of the people, symbolizing their total reliance on God for provision. By living among the other tribes, they were able to serve the people and remind them of their covenant relationship with God. This also ensured that the worship of God and the teaching of the law would be present throughout Israel.
Verses 4-8:
“The lot came out for the clans of the Kohathites. So those Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, thirteen cities. And the rest of the Kohathites received by lot from the clans of the tribe of Ephraim, from the tribe of Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities. 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. The Merarites according to their clans received from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.”
Here, we see the division of the cities among the three families of the Levites: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Each family was allocated cities by lot, which underscores that this division was guided by God’s sovereignty, not by human planning. The descendants of Aaron, the high priests, received cities in Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin—tribes located near the center of Israel. This ensured that the priestly family would be close to the religious and political heart of the nation. The other Levite families were distributed among the more distant tribes.
The historical context here points to the importance of maintaining the priesthood’s presence throughout the land. By scattering the Levites among the tribes, God ensured that no part of Israel would be without spiritual guidance. The cities themselves were not simply places of residence for the Levites but served as centers of worship, teaching, and justice. In Hebrew, the word for inheritance (nachalah) refers not only to land but also to the covenant blessings that God had promised His people. For the Levites, their inheritance was more spiritual than physical.
Question:
What was the significance of casting lots to determine the allocation of cities for the Levites?
Possible Answer:
Casting lots in biblical times was seen as a way of discerning God’s will. The use of lots to determine the Levites’ cities signifies that the distribution of the land was not a random act, but one guided by divine wisdom. Each Levite family received their inheritance in the exact location that God had ordained, ensuring that their presence among the tribes fulfilled His plan for the spiritual care of Israel.
Verses 9-42:
This long passage lists the specific cities given to each family of Levites. The meticulous detail emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises. Every city, from Hebron to Golan in Bashan, was accounted for, highlighting God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. Among these cities were six cities of refuge, which served as safe havens for those who had accidentally committed manslaughter. The inclusion of these cities within the Levite territories reminds us that God’s justice and mercy are always intertwined. The Levites, as spiritual leaders, were entrusted with upholding the law and providing refuge to those in need.
Historically, this allotment of cities occurred after the major conquests had ended, signaling a new phase in Israel’s history—the establishment of the nation within the Promised Land. The Levites’ role in these cities was not just to perform sacrifices but to teach the law, provide guidance, and uphold justice. Their scattered presence among the tribes ensured that Israel would remain united in its worship of God.
The Meaning of Joshua 21 for Contemporary Christians:
Joshua 21 is a powerful reminder that God’s faithfulness endures through every season of life. Just as the Levites received their inheritance after waiting patiently, we too can trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled in our lives. This chapter also teaches us that our inheritance, like that of the Levites, is found not in earthly possessions but in our relationship with God. As believers, we are called to be a holy priesthood, interceding for the world and reflecting God’s character in everything we do (1 Peter 2:9). We are scattered throughout the world, just as the Levites were scattered throughout Israel, to be a light in dark places.
Moreover, the concept of cities of refuge speaks to the heart of the gospel message—God provides a way for us to find safety and forgiveness in Him. In Christ, we find our ultimate refuge, and through Him, we are restored and redeemed.
Relevant Article Link:
For a deeper exploration of the role of the Levites and their inheritance, see this informative article: The Role of the Levites in Ancient Israel.
FEEL FREE TO COMMENT AND SHARE