Joshua 21:19

In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

Study Bible

In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands,
The allocation of thirteen cities to the priests highlights the importance of providing for those who serve in the religious and spiritual leadership of Israel. These cities were scattered throughout the tribal territories, ensuring that the priests could minister to the people across the nation. The inclusion of pasturelands indicates the practical needs of the priests, allowing them to sustain livestock and support their families. This provision reflects the broader biblical principle of supporting those who dedicate their lives to God's service, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 9:13-14.

were given to the priests,
The priests were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and were set apart for specific religious duties, including offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctuary. Their role was crucial in mediating between God and the people, and their presence in these cities ensured that the spiritual needs of the Israelites were met. This allocation underscores the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

the descendants of Aaron.
Aaron's lineage was chosen by God to serve as priests, a role that was both a privilege and a responsibility. This priestly line is significant in biblical history, as it points to the continuity of God's covenant promises. The priesthood of Aaron is also a type of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates a new covenant between God and humanity, as explained in Hebrews 4:14-16. The faithfulness of the Aaronic priesthood in the Old Testament foreshadows the perfect priesthood of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Kohathite Clans
A division of the Levites, descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects.

2. Cities with Pasturelands
These were specific cities allocated to the Levites, including the Kohathites, as their inheritance. The pasturelands were essential for their livestock and sustenance.

3. Levitical Inheritance
Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a contiguous territory. Instead, they were given cities scattered throughout the other tribes' lands, emphasizing their role as spiritual leaders and servants.

Teaching Points

God's Provision and Faithfulness
God fulfills His promises to His people, as seen in the allocation of cities to the Levites. This reminds us of His faithfulness and provision in our lives.

Role of Spiritual Leadership
The Levites' scattered cities symbolize their role as spiritual leaders among the tribes. This calls us to recognize and support spiritual leadership within our communities.

Inheritance Beyond Material Possessions
The Levites' inheritance was not land but a spiritual role and relationship with God. This challenges us to value spiritual inheritance over material wealth.

Community and Interdependence
The distribution of Levitical cities among the tribes illustrates the importance of community and interdependence within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the allocation of cities to the Kohathite clans teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. How can we support and honor spiritual leaders in our communities, similar to how the Israelites provided for the Levites?

3. In what ways does the concept of a spiritual inheritance challenge our views on material wealth and possessions?

4. How does the scattering of Levitical cities among the tribes illustrate the importance of community and interdependence in the church today?

5. How can the role of the Levites as spiritual leaders inform our understanding of the priesthood of all believers as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 35
This chapter outlines the command from God to give the Levites cities to dwell in, along with pasturelands. It provides the foundational instruction for what is being fulfilled in Joshua 21.

1 Chronicles 6
This passage provides a genealogical record of the Levites, including the Kohathites, and details their assigned cities, reinforcing the historical and spiritual significance of their role.

Hebrews 7
This New Testament passage discusses the priesthood, drawing connections between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Christ, highlighting the temporary nature of the former and the eternal nature of the latter.