Joshua 21:26

Authorized King James Version

All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרִ֥ים

H5892

All the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עֶ֖שֶׂר

H6235

were ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֑ן

H4054

with their suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

לְמִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת

H4940

for the families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קְהָ֖ת

H6955

of Kohath

kehath, an israelite

הַנּֽוֹתָרִֽים׃

H3498

that remained

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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