Joshua 21:20
And the families of the children of Kohath the Leuites, which remained of the children of Kohath, euen they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua 21:20 (KJV)
In the book of Joshua the Israelites had crossed the Jordan River, entered the Promised Land, and begun to divide the conquered territory among the tribes. A special portion of that division was the allocation of cities to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territorial inheritance; instead they were given specific cities scattered throughout the land of Israel, taken from the allotments of each tribe.
The Kohathites were a distinct family within the Levites, descended from Kohath, one of Levi’s three sons. Their particular duty was the care and transportation of the holy objects used in worship, including the Ark of the Covenant. The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites who remained from the descendants of Kohath, received some of their cities out of the tribe of Ephraim as part of this broader Levite allocation.
According to Joshua 21:20‑26 the Kohathites received cities from three tribal allotments. From Ephraim they were given Shechem, Gezer, Kibzaim, and Beth‑horon. From the tribe of Dan they received Elteke, Gibbethon, Aijalon, and Gath‑rimmon. From the half‑tribe of Manasseh they obtained Taanach and another Gath‑rimmon. In total the Levites were assigned forty‑eight cities throughout Israel, including six cities of refuge.
This distribution fulfilled God’s promise to provide for the Levites, demonstrating His faithfulness and care for His people. It also highlights the interdependence and cooperation among the tribes, each contributing cities for the Levites’ service. While the verse itself does not state explicit spiritual teachings, it reminds believers of God’s provision in both physical and spiritual realms, encourages trust in His faithfulness, and underscores the unity that should characterize the community of believers.
