Joshua 21:28 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:28 mean?

Joshua 21:28 lists two towns, Kishon and Dabareh, along with their surrounding lands ("suburbs"), that were given from the tribe of Issachar to the Levites. This verse is part of a record showing how the land was divided among the Levite families for their use and service.

In the book of Joshua, the leaders are distributing land after Israel entered Canaan. Here, the focus is on the tribe of Issachar, who are assigning specific towns and their surrounding areas to the Levites, the priestly tribe who did not receive a large territory of their own. The verse is part of a detailed listing, showing the practical arrangements for supporting the Levites throughout Israel.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:28

• מַטֶּה (matteh, "tribe"): This word refers to a tribal division within Israel, highlighting that the land is being divided according to ancestral lines.
• יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissaskar, "Issachar"): The name of one of the twelve tribes, reminding the reader which group is providing these towns.
• קִישׁוֹן (Qishon, "Kishon") and דָּבָרַת (Dabareh, "Dabareh"): These are the specific towns being given, showing the concrete, historical nature of the record.
• מִגְרָשׁ (migrash, "suburbs"): This word means the open land around a city, not a modern suburb, but pastureland for the Levites’ animals and daily needs. This detail shows the Levites received not just towns but also the means to support themselves.

Why Joshua 21:28 matters

• Joshua 21:28 clarifies that the Levites were provided for by all the tribes, not left to fend for themselves, which was important for their role in Israel’s worship and teaching.
• The verse shows the careful, organized way the land was divided, emphasizing fairness and the fulfillment of God’s instructions through Moses.
• By naming specific towns and their lands, Joshua 21:28 connects the spiritual responsibilities of the Levites to real places and everyday life in ancient Israel.