The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, the descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi. As part of the Levitical tribe, the Kohathites were set apart for specific religious duties and responsibilities related to the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territory as an inheritance. Instead, they were allotted cities within the territories of the other tribes, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock.

Biblical Allocation

The allocation of cities to the Kohathites is detailed in the Book of Joshua. The Kohathites were divided into two groups: the descendants of Aaron, who were the priestly line, and the rest of the Kohathite families. The priestly Kohathites received cities primarily in the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, while the non-priestly Kohathites received cities in Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Cities of the Priestly Kohathites

The priestly Kohathites, being descendants of Aaron, were given thirteen cities. These cities were strategically located to ensure that the priests could perform their duties and serve the spiritual needs of the Israelites. The cities included:

1. Hebron (with its surrounding pasturelands) in the hill country of Judah, though the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb (Joshua 21:11-12).
2. Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh in the territory of Judah and Simeon (Joshua 21:13-16).
3. Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 21:17-18).

Cities of the Non-Priestly Kohathites

The non-priestly Kohathites received ten cities. These cities were distributed among the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh:

1. Shechem (a city of refuge) in the hill country of Ephraim, along with Gezer, Kibzaim, and Beth-horon (Joshua 21:21-22).
2. Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon in the territory of Dan (Joshua 21:23-24).
3. Taanach and Gath-rimmon in the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 21:25).

Significance

The distribution of these cities reflects the central role of the Kohathites in the religious life of Israel. The priestly cities were located near the heart of the nation, facilitating the priests' access to the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. The non-priestly Kohathites, while not serving in the temple, were still integral to the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites, providing teaching and guidance throughout the land.

The cities given to the Kohathites underscore the importance of the Levitical priesthood and the provision made for their sustenance and service. This arrangement ensured that the spiritual leadership of Israel was maintained and that the Levites could fulfill their God-given roles without the burden of agricultural labor, as they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people.