Joshua 21:17

And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba,

Study Bible

And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba
And from the tribe of Benjamin
The phrase "from the tribe of Benjamin" refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant position in Israel's history, being the tribe of King Saul, Israel's first king, and later the Apostle Paul. The Hebrew root for Benjamin, "Binyamin," means "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength and favor. This tribe's allocation of cities to the Levites underscores the interconnectedness and mutual support among the tribes of Israel, reflecting God's design for a unified nation under His covenant.

they gave them
The act of giving here is significant, as it reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the obedience of the Israelites to His commands. The Hebrew word "natan" is used, which means to give, bestow, or grant. This act of giving cities to the Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties, highlights the importance of providing for those who serve in spiritual capacities. It also illustrates the principle of stewardship and generosity within the community of God's people.

Gibeon
Gibeon was a significant city in the ancient Near East, known for its strategic location and its inhabitants' cunning treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9). Archaeological findings suggest Gibeon was a well-fortified city with a large water system, indicating its importance and prosperity. The inclusion of Gibeon as a Levitical city underscores the integration of worship and daily life, as the Levites were to be spiritual leaders and teachers among the people. This allocation also serves as a reminder of God's grace, as Gibeonites, once enemies, were now part of the community serving God's purposes.

Geba
Geba, meaning "hill" in Hebrew, was another city given to the Levites. It was located in the territory of Benjamin and played a role in various biblical narratives, including the battles during King Saul's reign (1 Samuel 13-14). The city's name and location suggest a place of elevation, both physically and spiritually, as the Levites were to elevate the spiritual life of Israel. Geba's inclusion as a Levitical city emphasizes the theme of God providing places of refuge and worship throughout the land, ensuring His presence and law were central to the life of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. Known for its warriors and strategic location in Israel.

2. Gibeon
A significant city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its inhabitants' cunning treaty with Israel during Joshua's conquest (Joshua 9).

3. Geba
A Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, often mentioned in the context of Israel's military campaigns and as a boundary marker.

4. Levites
The priestly tribe of Israel, who were given cities and pasturelands instead of a contiguous territory, to serve God and the community.

5. Allocation of Cities
The event of distributing cities to the Levites, as commanded by God, to ensure they had places to live and serve among the other 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 Spiritual Leadership
The Levites were distributed among the tribes to provide spiritual guidance and maintain the worship of God. This underscores the need for spiritual leaders in our communities today.

Integration of Faith in Daily Life
By placing the Levites among all the tribes, God ensured that faith was integrated into the daily life of Israel. We are called to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, influencing our communities positively.

The Role of Community in Faith
The distribution of Levitical cities highlights the importance of community in nurturing faith. We are encouraged to build strong faith communities that support and uplift one another.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in allocating cities to the Levites serves as a model for us to follow God's commands, trusting in His wisdom and provision.

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 our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that spiritual leadership is present and active in our communities today, similar to the role of the Levites in ancient Israel?

3. How can we integrate our faith into our daily lives, following the example of the Levites living among the tribes?

4. What steps can we take to build and strengthen our faith communities, drawing from the model of the Levitical cities?

5. How does the obedience of the Israelites in allocating cities to the Levites inspire us to follow God's commands in our own lives, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
The account of the Gibeonites making a treaty with Israel, which later influenced the allocation of Gibeon as a Levitical city.

1 Chronicles 6
Provides a list of Levitical cities, including Gibeon and Geba, emphasizing their role in Israel's religious life.

Numbers 35
God's command to allocate cities to the Levites, highlighting the importance of their presence among the tribes.