Question 1

What does Joshua 21:40 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:40

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why Joshua 21:40 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Joshua 21:40 (KJV)