The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

JOSHUA 21:7KJV
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Joshua 21:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:7 mean?

Joshua 21:7 states that the descendants of Merari, one of the Levitical families, received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. This verse records how the land was divided among the Levites, who did not receive a single territory but were given towns within other tribes’ lands.

In the context of the book of Joshua, the leaders of Israel are distributing the land among the tribes after entering Canaan. The Levites, who served special roles in religious duties, are being assigned their places to live. This verse specifically notes which tribes provided cities for the Merari clan, showing the careful organization and fulfillment of earlier instructions about the Levites’ inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:7

  • מְרָרִי (Merari, H4847): This is the name of one of the three main Levitical families. Mentioning Merari here highlights the specific division among the Levites, showing that each family had its own allocation.
  • מִשְׁפָּחוֹת (mishpachot, H4940): Meaning "families" or "clans," this word emphasizes that the distribution was not just to individuals but to extended family groups, reflecting the communal nature of Israelite society.
  • שֵׁבֶט (shevet, H4294): Translated "tribe," this word is used repeatedly to show the source of the cities. It underscores that the Levites’ cities were spread out among several tribes, not concentrated in one area.
  • עָרִים (arim, H5892): Meaning "cities," this word clarifies that the Levites were given actual towns to live in, not just land, which was important for their role in the community.

Why Joshua 21:7 matters

  • Joshua 21:7 clarifies that the Levites, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a single territory but were integrated throughout Israel, which helped maintain their role as spiritual leaders among all the people.
  • The verse shows the careful fulfillment of God’s earlier instructions about the Levites’ inheritance, demonstrating the Israelites’ commitment to following divine commands in organizing their new land.
  • By specifying the tribes involved, Joshua 21:7 connects to the broader passage detailing the distribution of cities, helping readers track how each Levitical family was provided for.

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:

“Zebulun” Hebrew H2074 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 30:20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

“Gad” Hebrew H1410 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 24:5 And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the river of Gad, and toward Jazer:

“Reuben” Hebrew H7205 · used in 68 verses

  • Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
  • Numbers 13:4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
  • Joshua 22:9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.