Joshua 21:6
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it might seem like a simple list of names, notice how the Gershonites received their cities from tribes located in the northern part of the land, with one tribe (half of Manasseh) even being east of the Jordan River. This scattering reflects their Levitical duty—to serve in the Tabernacle, which meant they were meant to be spread out across the land, not concentrated in one place.
The Levites, who were set apart for God's service and received no land inheritance, are now claiming their appointed cities across the tribes of Israel. This verse specifically details the cities designated for the Gershonite families, a division of the Levites, drawn from the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This allotment follows the command God gave through Moses for the Levites to be dispersed among the other tribes, ensuring their spiritual role throughout the land.
Ever wonder why the Levites, who didn't get land like other tribes, were still provided for? This passage reveals it wasn't an afterthought, but a direct command from God.
A Promised Portion
The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for a special purpose: to serve God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the other tribes, they were not given a territory to farm or conquer. This could seem like a disadvantage, but it was actually part of God's design.
God's Faithful Provision
In Joshua chapter 21, we see the fulfillment of a promise made generations earlier. The Levites, including the family of Gershon mentioned in this verse, received their cities and surrounding pasturelands by lot. This wasn't a matter of chance or favoritism; it was the Lord's direct command, given through Moses, to ensure the Levites had a place to live and minister throughout the land.
From Promise to Reality
This process took time. The other tribes had to settle and establish themselves before the Levites' inheritance could be formally assigned. But even though it took a while, God's promise was ultimately fulfilled through Joshua and the elders, ensuring the Levites were cared for.
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The Gershonites received their portion from four different tribes. What does this scattering tell us about God's plan for His servants?
A Scattered Presence
The Gershonites, descendants of Levi's eldest son, were assigned thirteen cities. What's striking is that these cities were spread across the territories of four distinct tribes: Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. This wasn't a compact block of land, but a dispersed network.
Ministry Among All People
This wide distribution meant the Gershonites, and by extension the Levites, were strategically placed throughout the land. Their presence wasn't confined to one region; they were integrated into the lives of various communities. This arrangement facilitated their ministry, allowing them to serve and teach God's law across different parts of Israel.
A Foundation for Service
Their specific role involved caring for the Tabernacle's furnishings, curtains, and hangings. Having cities in diverse tribal areas likely helped manage and maintain these sacred items as the nation settled and the Tabernacle's function evolved. It ensured that God's people, no matter where they lived, had access to those who ministered in His presence.
Understand the original words
geresoni · Hebrew Noun
A member of the tribe of Levi, specifically a descendant of Gershon, son of Levi. They were set apart for service in the tabernacle, particularly the care of the curtains and hangings.
goral · Hebrew Noun
A method used in the Old Testament to determine the will of God or to allocate portions and responsibilities in a way that acknowledged divine sovereignty, removing human partiality.
This verse details the specific allocation of cities to the Gershonite branch of the Levites, occurring after the general division of the land. It highlights God's meticulous plan for His chosen people, ensuring that even the priestly tribe had a place to dwell within the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Conquer Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquered the land of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Division of the Land of Canaan
After the conquest, the land was divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, establishing their territories.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Levitical Cities Assigned
As commanded by God through Moses, cities were designated for the Levites from the territories of the other tribes, along with pasture lands.
c. 1400 BC
Establishment of Cities of Refuge
Specific Levitical cities were also designated as cities of refuge, providing sanctuary for those who committed accidental manslaughter.
This passage describes the Gershonites' specific duties with the Tabernacle's coverings, showing their role within the Levitical tribe that is being assigned these cities.
Numbers 35:1-8This is the foundational command from God for the Levites to be given cities throughout the tribes, providing the divine mandate for the action described in Joshua 21.
1 Chronicles 6:61This passage recounts the same event, confirming the distribution of cities to the Gershonites from the specified tribes and reinforcing the historical record.
Deuteronomy 18:1-8This passage outlines the rights and provisions for the Levites, highlighting their unique status as a tribe without a land inheritance, which is why they received these cities.
calvinJoshua 21:1-19: "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;"
And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.
Egressa est autem sors per familias Caethita…
gillJoshua 21:6: "And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities."
And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar,.... These were Levites who descended from Gershon, the eldest son of Levi, and had their cities by lot assigned them in tribes at a greater distance, not only out of Issachar, but out…
While it might seem like a simple list of names, notice how the Gershonites received their cities from tribes located in the northern part of the land, with one tribe (half of Manasseh) even being east of the Jordan River. This scattering reflects their Levitical duty—to serve in the Tabernacle, which meant they were meant to be spread out across the land, not concentrated in one place.
The Levites, who were set apart for God's service and received no land inheritance, are now claiming their appointed cities across the tribes of Israel. This verse specifically details the cities designated for the Gershonite families, a division of the Levites, drawn from the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This allotment follows the command God gave through Moses for the Levites to be dispersed among the other tribes, ensuring their spiritual role throughout the land.
The Levites, who were set apart for God's service and received no land inheritance, are now claiming their appointed cities across the tribes of Israel. This verse specifically details the cities designated for the Gershonite families, a division of the Levites, drawn from the territories of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This allotment follows the command God gave through Moses for the Levites to be dispersed among the other tribes, ensuring their spiritual role throughout the land.
"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." — While it might seem like a simple list of names, notice how the Gershonites received their cities from tribes located in the northern part of the land, with one tribe (half of Manasseh) even being ea…
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