Joshua 21:18
Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲנָתוֹת֙
Anathoth
H6068
עֲנָתוֹת֙
Anathoth
Strong's:
H6068
Word #:
2 of 10
anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ
with her suburbs
H4054
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ
with her suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
4 of 10
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ
with her suburbs
H4054
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ
with her suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
8 of 10
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
Historical Context
Anathoth (Ras el-Kharrubeh) lies 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem in Benjamin's territory. Archaeological surveys identify it with confidence due to the preservation of the name in the modern Arab village Anata. Its proximity to Jerusalem made it accessible for priests serving in the temple on rotation. Almon (probably identical with Alemeth in 1 Chronicles 6:60) is likely Khirbet Almit, northeast of Jerusalem. These Benjamite cities formed a priestly cluster near the future temple site.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah's emergence from the priestly city of Anathoth demonstrate that spiritual heritage must be personally appropriated?
- What does the attempted murder of Jeremiah by his Anathoth relatives warn about religious privilege without genuine faith?
- Why did God place multiple priestly cities so close to Jerusalem before the temple even existed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities (עֲנָתוֹת וְאֶת־עַלְמוֹן אַרְבַּע עָרִים, Anatot ve'et-Almon arba arim)—Anathoth gains profound significance as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1), himself a member of the Aaronic priesthood. That this Levitical city produced Israel's weeping prophet demonstrates how priestly cities served as seedbeds for prophetic ministry. Jeremiah's own relatives from Anathoth later plotted to kill him (Jeremiah 11:21-23), illustrating that familiarity with holy things does not guarantee faith. Abiathar the priest was banished to Anathoth by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27), fulfilling Eli's curse.
The summary four cities from Benjamin parallels the nine from Judah/Simeon, completing the thirteen Aaronic cities enumerated in verse 19. The number thirteen, while associated with rebellion elsewhere, here represents complete provision for the priestly tribe.