Joshua 21:3
And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
gave
H5414
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מִנַּֽחֲלָתָ֖ם
out of their inheritance
H5159
מִנַּֽחֲלָתָ֖ם
out of their inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
פִּ֣י
at the commandment
H6310
פִּ֣י
at the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 13
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
these cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֥ים
these cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
10 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
The forty-eight Levitical cities (Joshua 21:41) represented significant sacrifice from each tribe. Some cities were strategic locations (like Hebron and Shechem), yet tribes surrendered them for priestly service. This distribution occurred after the main conquest but before Joshua's death, during the period when tribes were settling their territories. The system functioned throughout Israel's monarchy, with Levitical cities serving as teaching centers, judicial hubs, and cities of refuge.
Questions for Reflection
- What portions of your 'inheritance' (time, resources, gifts) is God calling you to give for gospel ministry and kingdom work?
- How does Israel's willing sacrifice from their own possessions challenge consumer Christianity that gives only from surplus?
- What does obedience 'at the commandment of the LORD' teach about doing what God commands because He commands it, not only when it's convenient?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.
Israel's obedience is emphasized: they "gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance" (vayitnu veney-Yisrael laLeviim menachalatam, וַיִּתְּנוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לַלְוִיִּם מִנַּחֲלָתָם). The verb natan (נָתַן, "gave") indicates voluntary transfer—the tribes willingly surrendered portions of their hard-won territories to support the Levites' ministry. The phrase menachalatam (מִנַּחֲלָתָם, "from their inheritance") shows this was costly obedience—giving from what they possessed, not from surplus. Each tribe sacrificed cities they could have used for their own expansion.
The motivation "at the commandment of the LORD" (al-pi Yahweh, עַל־פִּי יְהוָה) literally means "according to the mouth of Yahweh." The phrase al-pi (עַל־פִּי) indicates direct divine command requiring compliance. Israel's obedience demonstrates covenant faithfulness—they recognized that supporting Levitical ministry was not optional philanthropy but commanded stewardship. This prefigures New Testament teaching on supporting gospel ministers (Galatians 6:6, Philippians 4:15-18).
The comprehensive phrase "these cities and their suburbs" (et-hearim haeleh veet-migresheyhen, אֶת־הֶעָרִים הָאֵלֶּה וְאֶת־מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶן) shows complete provision—not just cities but surrounding pasture lands. This wasn't token compliance but full obedience to God's specific instructions. Reformed theology emphasizes that true obedience extends to details, not just general principles—Israel gave exactly what God commanded, in the manner He prescribed.