For Moses had given an inheritance to the two and one-half tribes beyond the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that Moses assigned land beyond the Jordan to two and a half tribes. What's easy to miss is that by stating the Levites received no inheritance among them, it implicitly points to their unique status: they were set apart for God's service and were to be provided for by the other tribes, a foreshadowing of how all of God's people are sustained by His provision.
For Moses had given an inheritance to the two and one-half tribes beyond the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Joshua and the elders begin dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes, they're working with a reality established by Moses: two and a half tribes already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River. This verse highlights a crucial detail in that division: the Levites, as God's special tribe, were intentionally left out of this land inheritance.
Why did the Levites not receive land like the other tribes? It might seem unfair at first glance, but it points to something incredibly significant about God's plan.
The tribe of Levi held a unique position among the Israelites. Unlike the other tribes, who were assigned specific territories for farming and inheritance, the Levites were set apart for dedicated service to God.
Two and a half tribes received their inheritance before the land of Canaan was even divided. What's the story behind this special arrangement?
The verse mentions that Moses had already given an inheritance to two and a half tribes beyond the Jordan River. This refers to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
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Understand the original words
Levi · Hebrew Proper Noun/Noun
The priestly tribe of Israel set apart for service to God at the Tabernacle; they were denied a territorial tribal inheritance to signify that the Lord Himself was their portion and inheritance.
The foundational decision by Moses to grant land east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, while setting the Levites apart without land, directly shapes the inheritance distribution process Joshua undertakes in Canaan, as seen in this verse.
c. 1406 BC
Division of Transjordan Inheritance
Moses granted land east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh as their inheritance.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Levites Set Apart as Priestly Tribe
The tribe of Levi was not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, as God intended them to serve Him directly.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Assumes Leadership
Following Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land and began the conquest.
c. 1400-1390 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's command, the Israelites fought to dispossess the Canaanite nations and claim the land west of the Jordan.
c. 1390 BC
Distribution of Canaan by Lot
Joshua and Eleazar divided the land of Canaan by lot among the remaining nine and a half tribes.
This passage describes the cities and pasturelands set aside for the Levites, reinforcing the idea that while they didn't receive a territorial inheritance like other tribes, they were provided for in a unique and essential way.
Deuteronomy 18:1-8This passage details the Levites' priestly role and their support from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, highlighting the spiritual inheritance that compensated for their lack of land.
Joshua 13:14This verse states that the 'tribe of Levi was not given an inheritance,' directly supporting Joshua 14:3 and emphasizing the consistent policy regarding the Levites' portion.
Genesis 49:5-7This prophetic passage from Jacob's blessing on his sons reveals the divine decree that scattered Levi and Simeon for their actions, explaining the reason for Levi's lack of a separate territorial inheritance.
calvinJoshua 14:1-15: "And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them."
- And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for…
gillJoshua 14:3: "For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them."
And Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes, and an half tribe, on the other side Jordan,.... The two tribes of Gad and Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh, whose inheritance is described in Joshua 13:8 , but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them; this is frequently observed, that it might be taken notice o…
The text highlights that Moses assigned land beyond the Jordan to two and a half tribes. What's easy to miss is that by stating the Levites received no inheritance among them, it implicitly points to their unique status: they were set apart for God's service and were to be provided for by the other tribes, a foreshadowing of how all of God's people are sustained by His provision.
As Joshua and the elders begin dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes, they're working with a reality established by Moses: two and a half tribes already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River. This verse highlights a crucial detail in that division: the Levites, as God's special tribe, were intentionally left out of this land inheritance.
As Joshua and the elders begin dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes, they're working with a reality established by Moses: two and a half tribes already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River. This verse highlights a crucial detail in that division: the Levites, as God's special tribe, were intentionally left out of this land inheritance.
"For Moses had given an inheritance to the two and one-half tribes beyond the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them." — The text highlights that Moses assigned land beyond the Jordan to two and a half tribes. What's easy to miss is that by stating the Levites received no inheritance among them, it implicitly points…
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Last reviewed October 2026