For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their substance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a crucial point: the Levites, set apart for God's service, didn't receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities within the other tribes' lands, emphasizing their distinct calling and dependence on God and their brothers. This wasn't a disadvantage, but a sacred trust, setting them apart for a unique role in Israel's spiritual life.
For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their substance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua is now in the process of distributing the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a task initiated by Moses. This passage clarifies how the tribes were accounted for, explaining that Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were each considered a full tribe, and reiterating that the Levites, who served God, received cities within the other tribes' territories instead of land inheritance. This sets the stage for specific tribal claims and divisions to follow.
Why did Joseph's descendants get two tribes, while Levi got none? This wasn't an accident, but a deliberate part of God's plan for His people.
Joseph's Unique Inheritance
Joshua 14:4 highlights a crucial aspect of the land distribution: the people of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) comprised two tribes. This is rooted in Jacob's (Israel's) prophetic blessing in Genesis 48, where he adopted Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own. By doing this, Joseph received the double portion of the firstborn, which had been forfeited by Reuben.
The Levites' Special Calling
Because Joseph's lineage was counted as two tribes, it maintained the total of twelve tribes even after the Levites were set aside. The Levites, dedicated to the service of the sanctuary, were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were provided with cities scattered throughout the land, along with pasturelands for their livestock. This unique arrangement ensured that the spiritual service of the Levites could be supported by the entire nation.
The Levites didn't get land to farm, but their needs for living and for their animals were still met. What does this tell us about God's care?
A Different Kind of Inheritance
The Levites' inheritance was distinct from the other tribes. While they received no landed territory to cultivate or own in the same way, they were given cities to dwell in. This was not a mere handful of houses, but substantial provision.
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Supporting God's Servants
Crucially, these cities came with 'suburbs' or pasturelands for their cattle and substance. This provision was essential for their livelihood and the support of their families and flocks. It underscores the principle that those who serve God fully should be provided for by the community they serve. God's order ensured that His dedicated servants could focus on their sacred duties without the burden of acquiring and maintaining their own ancestral lands.
Understand the original words
migrash · Hebrew Noun
An area of land assigned to a specific group, distinct from a tribal territory, intended for residence, grazing, and local sustenance.
This verse highlights a crucial aspect of the land distribution: the special status of the Levites and the dual inheritance of Joseph's descendants. It underscores that the division wasn't just about territory, but about fulfilling specific divine instructions regarding priestly service and tribal lineage.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, marking their official entry into the land of Canaan after 40 years of wandering.
c. 1406-1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
A period of intense military campaigns led by Joshua to subdue the Canaanite peoples and establish an Israelite presence in the land.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Division of the Land Begins
The land of Canaan was systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel through the casting of lots, a process overseen by Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and tribal leaders.
c. 1400 BC
Caleb Receives Hebron
As part of the land division, Caleb is granted the mountainous region of Hebron, a significant victory due to his faithfulness and courage.
c. 1400 BC
Levitical Cities Assigned
In accordance with God's command, the Levites, who received no tribal inheritance, were given 48 cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, along with pasturelands.
This passage directly outlines the divine instruction for the Levites to receive cities and pasturelands within the territories of the other tribes, rather than a contiguous land inheritance, just as is described in Joshua.
Genesis 48:1-22Here, Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, adopting them as his own and effectively giving them the status of separate tribes, which explains why Joseph's line accounts for two tribes in the land division.
Deuteronomy 18:1-8This passage reiterates that the Levites would have no inheritance in the land, but would be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, highlighting their unique, service-oriented role.
1 Chronicles 6:54-81This passage lists the cities and pasturelands actually assigned to the Levites, further detailing the practical outworking of the principle mentioned in Joshua 14:4.
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…
bensonJoshua 14:4: "For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance."
Joshua 14:4-5 . The children of Joseph were two tribes — That is, had the portion of two tribes, and therefore, though Levi was excluded, there remained nine tribes and a half to be provided for in Canaan. They divided, &c. — That is, the persons named, ( Joshua 14:1 ,) who…
The verse highlights a crucial point: the Levites, set apart for God's service, didn't receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities within the other tribes' lands, emphasizing their distinct calling and dependence on God and their brothers. This wasn't a disadvantage, but a sacred trust, setting them apart for a unique role in Israel's spiritual life.
Joshua is now in the process of distributing the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a task initiated by Moses. This passage clarifies how the tribes were accounted for, explaining that Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were each considered a full tribe, and reiterating that the Levites, who served God, received cities within the other tribes' territories instead of land inheritance. This sets the stage for specific tribal claims and divisions to follow.
Joshua is now in the process of distributing the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, a task initiated by Moses. This passage clarifies how the tribes were accounted for, explaining that Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were each considered a full tribe, and reiterating that the Levites, who served God, received cities within the other tribes' territories instead of land inheritance. This sets the stage for specific tribal claims and divisions to follow.
"For the people of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion was given to the Levites in the land, but only cities to dwell in, with their pasturelands for their livestock and their substance." — The verse highlights a crucial point: the Levites, set apart for God's service, didn't receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities within the other tribes…
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Last reviewed October 2026