Joshua 21:30

From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon,

Study Bible

And from the tribe of Asher
The phrase "And from the tribe of Asher" refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher was known for its rich land and abundance, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:20, "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king." This tribe's territory was located in the fertile region of northern Canaan, which aligns with the blessings of prosperity and abundance. The mention of Asher here signifies the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, as they receive their inheritance in the Promised Land.

they gave
The phrase "they gave" indicates the act of allotment or distribution of land. In the context of Joshua 21, the Levites, who were set apart for priestly duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, were given specific cities to dwell in. This act of giving reflects the communal responsibility and obedience to God's command to provide for the Levites, as outlined in Numbers 35:2-8. It underscores the importance of supporting those dedicated to spiritual service and maintaining the worship and religious practices of Israel.

Mishal
"Mishal" is one of the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Asher. The name Mishal may derive from a root meaning "to draw out" or "to extract," possibly indicating a place of drawing water or resources. The allocation of cities like Mishal to the Levites highlights the integration of spiritual service within the daily life of the Israelites, as the Levites were dispersed among the tribes to teach and uphold the law of God. This distribution ensured that the presence and influence of the Levites permeated throughout the nation, fostering a society centered on God's commandments.

Abdon
"Abdon" is another city given to the Levites from the tribe of Asher. The name Abdon means "servile" or "service," which is fitting given the Levitical role of serving God and the community. The inclusion of Abdon in the list of Levitical cities emphasizes the theme of service and dedication to God. It serves as a reminder of the Levites' unique calling to minister before the Lord and to the people, acting as intermediaries and teachers of the law. The provision of cities like Abdon reflects God's care for those who serve Him and the importance of sustaining spiritual leadership within the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Asher
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah. Known for its rich land and abundance of resources.

2. Mishal
A Levitical city given to the descendants of Levi, located in the territory of the tribe of Asher. It served as a place for the Levites to live and perform their priestly duties.

3. Abdon
Another Levitical city within the territory of Asher. Like Mishal, it was designated for the Levites, who were responsible for religious and priestly functions in Israel.

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.

Community and Worship
The establishment of Levitical cities within each tribe's territory ensured that worship and religious instruction were accessible to all Israelites. This highlights the importance of integrating faith into community life.

Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises
The distribution of land to the tribes, including the Levites, is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.

Interdependence Among God's People
The Levites depended on the other tribes for their sustenance, while the tribes depended on the Levites for spiritual guidance. This interdependence reflects the body of Christ, where each member has a role and relies on others.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways does the integration of Levitical cities within the tribal territories encourage us to incorporate faith into our daily lives and communities?

3. How does the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, including the Levites, strengthen your faith in His promises to you?

4. What can we learn from the interdependence between the Levites and the other tribes about the importance of community and collaboration in the church?

5. How can we ensure that spiritual guidance and worship remain central in our communities, similar to the role of the Levitical cities in ancient Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Levitical Cities
Numbers 35 outlines the provision of cities for the Levites, emphasizing their role and the importance of having designated places for them to live and serve.

Inheritance of the Tribes
Joshua 19 details the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, including Asher, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham.

Role of the Levites
Deuteronomy 18 discusses the role and inheritance of the Levites, underscoring their unique position among the tribes of Israel.