So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.

JOSHUA 21:40KJV
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Joshua 21:40 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:40 mean?

Joshua 21:40 states that the families of Merari, one of the Levite clans, received twelve cities as their allotted portion among the Levites. This verse summarizes the distribution of these cities to the Merarite Levites, marking the completion of assigning towns to all Levite families.

In the context of the book of Joshua, this verse comes near the end of a detailed listing of cities given to the Levites, who did not receive a tribal territory like the other Israelites. The verse highlights that the Merarites, as the last group mentioned, received their share by lot, just as the other Levite families did, ensuring every Levite clan had a place to live among the tribes of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:40

  • מְרָרִי (Merari): This is the name of the Levite family group being discussed. The verse singles them out as the last group to receive their cities, emphasizing the careful order and fairness in the distribution.
  • גּוֹרָל (goral, "lot"): This word refers to the method used to assign the cities. The use of "lot" shows that the distribution was seen as directed by God, not by human choice or favoritism.
  • שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה (shteim esreh, "twelve"): The specific number of cities given to the Merarites is highlighted, showing attention to detail and completeness in the allotment process.

Why Joshua 21:40 matters

  • Joshua 21:40 clarifies that all Levite families, including the Merarites, were provided for, ensuring none were left out of the land distribution.
  • The verse emphasizes the fairness and orderliness of the process, with each group receiving their portion by lot, reflecting trust in divine guidance.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme in Joshua of fulfilling God's instructions about the Levites' role and place among the tribes, showing the care taken to honor those responsibilities.

Where else these words appear

“Merari” Hebrew H4847 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 7:8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

“remaining” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: