Joshua 21:34-42 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 21:34-42

What does the total of forty-eight cities establish?

Berean Standard Bible

34 This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 36 From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 38 And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. 40 In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans. 41 For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. 42 Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities.

What is the context?

The Merarites receive twelve cities from Zebulun, Reuben, and Gad, with pasturelands. Bezer and Ramoth in the eastern portions belong within the cities named for the Levites.

The account then totals all the Levitical cities at forty-eight and emphasizes that each has surrounding pasturelands. The four allocations of thirteen, ten, thirteen, and twelve make up that total.

The summary completes the provision promised earlier through Moses. Levi has a distinct form of inheritance, yet its families receive concrete places to live among the rest of Israel.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains that comparing the number with another tribe’s town list does not measure the total value of their possessions, since the other tribes also hold wider territories. The USCCB notes likewise distinguish Levitical rights from exclusive ownership of every city. The total should not be turned into proof that ordinary tribal families were left without adequate provision.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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