And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

JOSHUA 21:2KJV
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Joshua 21:2 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:2 mean?

Joshua 21:2 describes how the leaders of the Levites approached the other Israelite leaders at Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, to remind them that the LORD had commanded through Moses that the Levites should be given cities to live in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This verse shows the Levites asking for what God had promised them through Moses’ instructions.

The setting is after Israel has entered and settled much of Canaan. The Levites, who did not receive a large territory like the other tribes, are speaking to the leaders gathered at Shiloh, which was the main place of worship at the time. They are requesting the towns and pasturelands (suburbs) that God, through Moses, had said they should receive, making sure the community follows God’s earlier command.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:2

  • שִׁלֹה (Shiloh, H7887): This is the location where the Israelites had set up the tabernacle, making it the religious center at this time. Mentioning Shiloh highlights that this request happened in a significant, central place for Israel’s worship and leadership.
  • יָד (yad, H3027): Translated as "hand," this word is used in the phrase "by the hand of Moses." In Hebrew, this often means "through the agency or leadership of," emphasizing that Moses was the instrument God used to give this command.
  • מִגְרָשׁ (migrash, H4054): This word is translated as "suburbs," but it refers to the open pastureland around the cities. This detail matters because it shows the Levites needed not just homes, but also land for their animals, reflecting their practical needs as a tribe without their own territory.

Why Joshua 21:2 matters

  • Joshua 21:2 clarifies that the Levites’ request for cities was not a personal demand but was based on a command from the LORD, given through Moses, showing the importance of following God’s instructions.
  • The verse highlights the special role of the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a tribal territory like the other Israelites, but were instead provided for in a different way.
  • This verse connects the events in Joshua to earlier commands in the Torah, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises as the Israelites settle in the land.

Where else these words appear

“Shiloh” Hebrew H7887 · used in 30 verses

  • Joshua 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
  • Judges 21:19 Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.
  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

“suburbs” Hebrew H4054 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 25:34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
  • Joshua 21:26 All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
  • Numbers 35:10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;