“All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.”
Context: The book of Joshua records the conquest and division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. In this particular verse, Joshua 21 describes the allocation of cities and their surrounding pasturelands to the Levites from the tribe of Kohath.
The Levites and the Kohathites: The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, but they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself. They were given cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes where they could live and serve the Lord. The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, along with the Gershonites and Merarites.
Allocation of cities: In obedience to God’s command, Joshua, together with the leaders of Israel, divided the land and assigned cities to the Levites. These cities served as places of refuge, centers for worship, and dwelling places for the Levitical priests and their families. Each Levitical family received specific cities with pasturelands, ensuring their sustenance.
The number ten: Joshua 21:26 mentions that ten cities with their surrounding suburbs (pasturelands) were given to the families of the children of Kohath. This indicates a specific allocation within the overall distribution of cities among the Levites. The number ten here may signify completeness or be a practical division within the tribe of Kohath.
God’s faithfulness: This verse demonstrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. The Levites were given the cities and pasturelands they needed to carry out their priestly duties and sustain themselves. This provision highlights God’s commitment to provide for His people and honor their faithful service.
Application: As believers today, we can draw several lessons from Joshua 21:2We see the importance of faithfully serving God and relying on His provision. God may distribute various roles and responsibilities among His people, but He ensures that everyone receives what they need to fulfill their purpose. It is essential for us to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when we face challenges or uncertainties.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the broader message of the book of Joshua.
