And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

JOSHUA 21:8KJV
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Joshua 21:8 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:8 mean?

Joshua 21:8 states that the Israelites gave certain cities and their surrounding lands to the Levites by casting lots, following the LORD’s command given through Moses. This verse shows the Levites receiving their assigned places to live among the other tribes, as part of God’s instructions for organizing Israel’s land.

In this setting, Joshua and the leaders are distributing land after the conquest of Canaan. The Levites, who served in religious duties, did not receive a large territory like the other tribes but were given specific cities with pasturelands. The process was done “by lot,” meaning it was left to chance or divine choice, to ensure fairness and obedience to God’s earlier command through Moses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:8

  • “By lot” (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word means a marked object used for making decisions, often understood as casting lots. Using lots here emphasizes that the distribution was impartial and seen as directed by God, not by human preference.
  • “Suburbs” (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash): This term refers to the open land or pastureland around a city. The Levites were given not just the cities but also the surrounding land for their livestock, which was important for their livelihood since they had no tribal territory.
  • “Commanded” (צָוָה, tsavah): This word means to order or instruct. The verse highlights that the giving of these cities was not a human idea but a direct command from the LORD, reinforcing the importance of following God’s instructions precisely.

Why Joshua 21:8 matters

  • Joshua 21:8 clarifies that the Levites’ cities were not chosen by negotiation or favoritism but were assigned by lot, showing trust in God’s guidance for fair distribution.
  • The verse connects back to earlier instructions given through Moses, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises and commands across generations.
  • By mentioning both the cities and their suburbs, Joshua 21:8 shows attention to the practical needs of the Levites, not just their housing but also their means of support.