Joshua 21:40

In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans.

Study Bible

So the total number of cities
This phrase emphasizes the completion and fulfillment of God's promise to the Levites. The allocation of cities was not random but divinely ordained, reflecting God's meticulous care for His people. The Hebrew word for "total" (כָּל, kol) signifies completeness and wholeness, underscoring the idea that God's provision is perfect and lacking nothing.

for the Merarite clans
The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Merari, the son of Levi. Historically, the Levites were set apart for religious duties, and the Merarites had specific responsibilities related to the tabernacle's structure, such as the care of its frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37). This allocation of cities to the Merarites highlights the importance of their role in maintaining the physical aspects of worship, ensuring that the community could gather and worship God properly.

the rest of the Levites
This phrase indicates that the Merarites were the last group of Levites to receive their cities. The Levites, as a whole, were set apart for service to God and His people, and their inheritance was unique compared to the other tribes of Israel. Instead of receiving a large portion of land, they were given cities scattered throughout the tribes, symbolizing their role as spiritual leaders and teachers among the people. This distribution ensured that the presence and teaching of God's law were accessible to all Israelites.

was twelve
The number twelve holds significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing completeness and divine order. In the context of the Levites, the twelve cities for the Merarite clans reflect the organized and purposeful nature of God's provision. Just as there were twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve cities signify a complete and sufficient provision for the Merarites' needs, allowing them to fulfill their God-given duties effectively. This allocation serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of each tribe and clan in His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Merarite Clans
The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descendants of Merari, the son of Levi. They were responsible for the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment.

2. Levites
The Levites were the tribe set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle and later the temple. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were given cities to dwell in.

3. Cities and Pasturelands
The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites was a fulfillment of God's command to provide for those who served Him. These cities were scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes.

4. Allocation of Land
This event is part of the larger account of the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses and executed by Joshua.

5. Joshua
The leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land, overseeing the division of the land among the tribes.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we dedicate our lives to His service.

The Importance of Community Support
Just as the Levites were supported by the other tribes, the church today should support those in ministry, recognizing their vital role in spiritual leadership and service.

Faithfulness in Service
The Levites had specific roles and responsibilities. This teaches us the importance of being faithful in the tasks God has assigned to us, whether they seem significant or not.

Integration into the Community
The scattering of the Levite cities among the tribes symbolizes the integration of spiritual leadership within the community, highlighting the need for spiritual influence in all areas of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of cities to the Levites reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in supporting church leaders today?

2. In what ways does the role of the Levites in Israel's community life parallel the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?

3. How can we ensure that we are faithful in the roles and responsibilities God has given us, as the Levites were with their duties?

4. What lessons can we learn from the integration of the Levites into the community about the importance of spiritual influence in our daily lives?

5. How does the provision for the Levites in Joshua 21:40 connect with the broader biblical theme of God's provision for His people, and how can this encourage us in times of need?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 35
This chapter provides the initial command from God to Moses regarding the allocation of cities to the Levites, including cities of refuge.

1 Chronicles 6
Chronicles provides a genealogical record of the Levites, including the Merarites, and details their assigned duties and cities.

Deuteronomy 18
This passage outlines the provision for the Levites, emphasizing their role and the need for the other tribes to support them since they have no inheritance of land.