Joshua 21:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 21:20
20 And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
Chapter Context
Joshua 21 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, discipleship, obedience. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-45: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 21:20
20 And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
Analysis
The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath (מִשְׁפְּחוֹת בְּנֵי־קְהָת הַלְוִיִּם הַנּוֹתָרִים מִבְּנֵי קְהָת, mishpechot benei-Kehat haLevi'im hanota'rim mibbenei Kehat)—The phrase hanota'rim ("which remained") distinguishes the non-Aaronic Kohathites from Aaron's priestly descendants already allocated thirteen cities. Kohath was Levi's second son (Exodus 6:16), and his line split into two groups: Aaron's descendants (priests) and the rest (Levites who assisted but did not sacrifice). The Kohathites had the sacred duty of carrying the ark, table, lampstand, and altars during wilderness journeys (Numbers 4:4-15), though only after priests covered them—direct contact meant death.
They had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim (וַיְהִי עָרֵי גוֹרָלָם מִמַּטֵּה אֶפְרָיִם, vayehi arei goralam mimateh Efrayim)—The word goral (lot) emphasizes divine providence, not human choice, in allocation. Ephraim, Joseph's younger son who received the birthright blessing (Genesis 48:17-20), now provided cities for Levitical service.
Historical Context
The Kohathites descended from Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:18-20). While Aaron's line received the priesthood, Moses' sons became ordinary Levites (1 Chronicles 23:14-15), demonstrating that spiritual privilege passes through God's choice, not human lineage. During the wilderness period, Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) arose from Kohathite envy of Aaron's priesthood, resulting in 250 leaders being consumed by fire. This allocation 40 years later shows God's faithfulness despite that community's earlier rebellion.
Reflection
- What does the division between Aaronic priests and other Kohathites teach about God sovereignly distributing spiritual gifts and callings?
- How does Moses' humble acceptance of his sons becoming ordinary Levites model servant leadership?
- Why did God entrust the most sacred objects (ark, altars) to Kohathites who could not directly touch them without dying?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 6:66