Joshua 21:17

And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba,

Study Bible

And from the tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. This tribe held a significant position in Israel's history, being located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim. The territory allotted to Benjamin was strategically important, including parts of Jerusalem. Benjamin's land was a buffer zone between the northern and southern kingdoms, which later played a role in the political and military history of Israel.

they gave them
This phrase refers to the allocation of cities to the Levites, the priestly tribe, who did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given specific cities within the territories of other tribes. This distribution allowed the Levites to perform their religious duties and teach the Law throughout Israel. The giving of cities to the Levites fulfilled God's command to provide for the tribe that served in the temple and facilitated worship.

Gibeon
Gibeon was a significant city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its strategic location and historical events. It was the site of the famous battle where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14). The Gibeonites, who inhabited the city, had previously deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty with them (Joshua 9). Gibeon later became a Levitical city, emphasizing its importance in religious and cultural contexts. Archaeological findings suggest Gibeon was a well-fortified city with a large water system, indicating its significance in the region.

Geba
Geba was another city within the territory of Benjamin, located near Gibeah and Michmash. It served as a Levitical city, providing a place for the Levites to live and minister. Geba is mentioned in several biblical accounts, including the narrative of Jonathan's victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:5). Its location on the border of Benjamin's territory made it a strategic military site. The city's inclusion as a Levitical city highlights the integration of religious and military aspects in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. Known for its warriors and strategic location in Israel.

2. Gibeon
A significant city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its inhabitants' cunning treaty with Israel during Joshua's conquest (Joshua 9).

3. Geba
A Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, often mentioned in the context of Israel's military campaigns and as a boundary marker.

4. Levites
The priestly tribe of Israel, who were given cities and pasturelands instead of a contiguous territory, to serve God and the community.

5. Allocation of Cities
The event of distributing cities to the Levites, as commanded by God, to ensure they had places to live and serve among the other tribes.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we dedicate our lives to His service.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The Levites were distributed among the tribes to provide spiritual guidance and maintain the worship of God. This underscores the need for spiritual leaders in our communities today.

Integration of Faith in Daily Life
By placing the Levites among all the tribes, God ensured that faith was integrated into the daily life of Israel. We are called to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, influencing our communities positively.

The Role of Community in Faith
The distribution of Levitical cities highlights the importance of community in nurturing faith. We are encouraged to build strong faith communities that support and uplift one another.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in allocating cities to the Levites serves as a model for us to follow God's commands, trusting in His wisdom and provision.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of cities to the Levites reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that spiritual leadership is present and active in our communities today, similar to the role of the Levites in ancient Israel?

3. How can we integrate our faith into our daily lives, following the example of the Levites living among the tribes?

4. What steps can we take to build and strengthen our faith communities, drawing from the model of the Levitical cities?

5. How does the obedience of the Israelites in allocating cities to the Levites inspire us to follow God's commands in our own lives, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 9
The account of the Gibeonites making a treaty with Israel, which later influenced the allocation of Gibeon as a Levitical city.

1 Chronicles 6
Provides a list of Levitical cities, including Gibeon and Geba, emphasizing their role in Israel's religious life.

Numbers 35
God's command to allocate cities to the Levites, highlighting the importance of their presence among the tribes.