Joshua 21:7
The Merarites according to their clans received from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While this verse lists the cities assigned to the Merarites, it subtly highlights that their portion came from tribes located both east and west of the Jordan River. This distribution, drawing from Reuben and Gad (east) and Zebulun (west), demonstrates a deliberate arrangement to ensure the Levites were scattered throughout the land, fulfilling their unique role among all the tribes.
Following the distribution of land to the other tribes, the heads of the Levites present their claim for cities, reminding Joshua and Eleazar of God's command. The text then details how the cities were assigned by lot to the three main Levite families, with this verse specifically noting the portion given to the descendants of Merari. This process fulfills the final requirement of settling the tribes in the Promised Land, ensuring the Levites, who had no land inheritance, were properly provided for.
Ever wonder how God ensures those who serve Him have a place to live? This passage reveals a promise kept across generations.
Joshua 21 details how the Levites, who had no land inheritance of their own in Canaan, were given cities within the other tribes' territories. This wasn't an afterthought; it was a direct fulfillment of God's command given through Moses.
A Promise Made
God explicitly told Moses that the Levites would be given cities throughout the land. This ensured they could minister to the people wherever they lived and still have their own dwelling places and pastures for their flocks.
A Promise Kept
Here in Joshua, the division of these cities is carried out by lot, under the leadership of Joshua and Eleazar. The Merarites, a specific Levitical family, received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. This act demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word and His provision for His dedicated servants.
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Each Levitical family had a specific role. What was unique about the Merarites, and how did that connect to their assigned cities?
The Levites were divided into three main families: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites. Each family had distinct responsibilities related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
Carrying the Weight
The Merarites were responsible for the heavier, structural components of the Tabernacle – the boards, pillars, sockets, bars, and even the cords. Because of the sheer weight and bulk of these items, they were permitted to use wagons for transport, unlike the Kohathites who had to carry the most sacred vessels on their shoulders.
Cities Reflecting Role
Their assignment of cities from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun reflects this burden. These tribes were located in areas that would have been strategic for moving through and ministering to large populations, fitting for those who carried the very framework of Israel's worship.
This passage lays out the divine command for the Levites to be given cities within the other tribes' territories, directly preceding and providing the basis for the distribution described in Joshua 21.
Deuteronomy 18:1-2This text explains the theological reason for the Levites not inheriting land: the Lord is their inheritance, which underscores why they needed cities scattered among the tribes for their sustenance and ministry.
1 Chronicles 6:63This passage provides a parallel account of the Levites receiving their cities, confirming the distribution and highlighting the purpose of these cities for their service and worship.
Nehemiah 13:10This later historical account shows the importance of ensuring the Levites received their proper cities and provisions, indicating that the system established in Joshua 21 was meant to be ongoing.
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 21:7: "The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities."
The children of Merari by their families,.... The descendants of Merari, the third son of Levi: had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad; which were both on the other side Jordan: and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities; in all forty eight, as the Lord commanded, Numbers 35:7.
While this verse lists the cities assigned to the Merarites, it subtly highlights that their portion came from tribes located both east and west of the Jordan River. This distribution, drawing from Reuben and Gad (east) and Zebulun (west), demonstrates a deliberate arrangement to ensure the Levites were scattered throughout the land, fulfilling their unique role among all the tribes.
Following the distribution of land to the other tribes, the heads of the Levites present their claim for cities, reminding Joshua and Eleazar of God's command. The text then details how the cities were assigned by lot to the three main Levite families, with this verse specifically noting the portion given to the descendants of Merari. This process fulfills the final requirement of settling the tribes in the Promised Land, ensuring the Levites, who had no land inheritance, were properly provided for.
Following the distribution of land to the other tribes, the heads of the Levites present their claim for cities, reminding Joshua and Eleazar of God's command. The text then details how the cities were assigned by lot to the three main Levite families, with this verse specifically noting the portion given to the descendants of Merari. This process fulfills the final requirement of settling the tribes in the Promised Land, ensuring the Levites, who had no land inheritance, were properly provided for.
"The Merarites according to their clans received from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities." — While this verse lists the cities assigned to the Merarites, it subtly highlights that their portion came from tribes located both east and west of the Jordan River. This distribution, drawing from…
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