Question 1

What does Joshua 21:17 mean?

Accepted Answer

Joshua 21:17 lists two towns, Gibeon and Geba, along with their surrounding lands, as being given from the tribe of Benjamin. These towns were set aside with their “suburbs” for the Levites, the priestly tribe, as part of the division of land among Israel’s tribes. This verse is part of a larger section where Joshua, as Israel’s leader, is assigning specific towns to the Levites so they can live among the other tribes. The “suburbs” refer to the pasturelands around each town, meant to provide for the Levites’ livestock and daily needs. The verse highlights the practical arrangements made for the Levites’ support and presence throughout Israel.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:17

Accepted Answer

tribe (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word means a tribe or a branch, emphasizing the division of Israel into distinct family groups. Here, it specifies that the towns are coming from the portion belonging to Benjamin. Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, binyamin): The name means “son of the right hand.” This identifies which tribe is providing these towns. Gibeon (גִּבְעוֹן, giv'on): This is the name of a significant city in Benjamin’s territory, known elsewhere in the Bible for its history and alliances. Geba (גֶּבַע, geva’): Another town in Benjamin, its name means “hill.” Its mention shows the specific locations assigned to the Levites. suburbs (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash): This word refers to the open land or pastureland around a city, set aside for the Levites’ use, not just the city itself. This detail shows that the Levites were provided with resources, not just housing.

Question 3

Why Joshua 21:17 matters

Accepted Answer

Joshua 21:17 clarifies that the Levites were intentionally placed throughout Israel, not isolated in one area, so they could serve all the tribes. The verse shows the careful, organized way the land was divided, fulfilling earlier instructions from God about supporting the Levites. By naming specific towns and their “suburbs,” Joshua 21:17 highlights the practical needs of the Levites and the community’s responsibility to meet them.

Joshua 21:17 (KJV)