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 21:7KJVWhat 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.