Joshua 21 describes the allotment of cities to the Levites. The Levites, being a priestly tribe, were not given a specific territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were scattered throughout the land and given specific cities to live in.
Joshua 21:17, "Out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs," specifically states:
Out of the tribe of Benjamin: These cities were located within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. This is important because it highlights that while the Levites owned and lived in these cities, the underlying land ownership and general governance still remained with the tribe of Benjamin. This demonstrates an intertwined relationship and responsibility.
Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs: The verse names two specific cities, Gibeon and Geba, that were designated for the Levites. The mention of "suburbs" refers to the surrounding pastureland and areas adjacent to the cities that were also given to the Levites. This land was necessary for their livestock and general sustenance.
In Summary:
This verse signifies the practical arrangement for supporting the Levites. They received designated cities and surrounding land (suburbs) within the territory of other tribes (in this case, Benjamin) to live and serve as religious leaders. This system helped ensure the Levites were supported without having a large, centralized land inheritance that could distract them from their primary priestly duties. The arrangement also fostered the religious guidance and presence of the Levites throughout all the Israelite tribes.
Joshua 21 describes the allotment of cities to the Levites. The Levites, being a priestly tribe, were not given a specific territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were scattered throughout the land and given specific cities to live in.
Joshua 21:17, "Out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs," specifically states:
Out of the tribe of Benjamin: These cities were located within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. This is important because it highlights that while the Levites owned and lived in these cities, the underlying land ownership and general governance still remained with the tribe of Benjamin. This demonstrates an intertwined relationship and responsibility.
Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs: The verse names two specific cities, Gibeon and Geba, that were designated for the Levites. The mention of "suburbs" refers to the surrounding pastureland and areas adjacent to the cities that were also given to the Levites. This land was necessary for their livestock and general sustenance.
In Summary:
This verse signifies the practical arrangement for supporting the Levites. They received designated cities and surrounding land (suburbs) within the territory of other tribes (in this case, Benjamin) to live and serve as religious leaders. This system helped ensure the Levites were supported without having a large, centralized land inheritance that could distract them from their primary priestly duties. The arrangement also fostered the religious guidance and presence of the Levites throughout all the Israelite tribes.