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Selected Verse: Joshua 21:4 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Jos 21:4	Strong Concordance	And the lot [01486] came out [03318] for the families [04940] of the Kohathites [06956]: and the children [01121] of Aaron [0175] the priest [03548], which were of the Levites [03881], had by lot [01486] out of the tribe [04294] of Judah [03063], and out of the tribe [04294] of Simeon [08099], and out of the tribe [04294] of Benjamin [01144], thirteen [07969] [06240] cities [05892].
	King James	And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites--The Levites were divided into Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Among the former the family of Aaron were exclusively appointed to the priesthood, and all the rest were ranked in the common order of Levites. The first lot was drawn by the Kohathites; and the first of theirs again by the priests, to whom thirteen cities were granted, and ten to the rest of the Kohathites (Jos 21:5); thirteen to the Gershonites (Jos 21:6), and twelve to the Merarites (Jos 21:7).

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites--The Levites were divided into Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Among the former the family of Aaron were exclusively appointed to the priesthood, and all the rest were ranked in the common order of Levites. The first lot was drawn by the Kohathites; and the first of theirs again by the priests, to whom thirteen cities were granted, and ten to the rest of the Kohathites (Jos 21:5); thirteen to the Gershonites (Jos 21:6), and twelve to the Merarites (Jos 21:7).

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Thirteen cities - This number is said to be too great for the single family of Aaron. But it appears 1 Chr. 24 that the two surviving sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar, had together 24 sons, the heads of the priestly families. Since Aaron was 123 years old when he died Num 33:39, his sons' grandchildren and great grandchildren were no doubt living in the elapsing years of Joshua's course, and had to he provided with dwellings. They might altogether number several thousands. The "cities" of Canaan were for the most part small; as is manifest from the astonishing number of them in proportion to the area of the land, more particularly in the south, where the portion of the priests was situated. The priests or Levites would not occupy the whole of the dwellings in any city, nor all its "fields," nor necessarily and always all its "villages" (compare Jos 21:12). Non-Levites, to whom the cultivation of their land, and other secular concerns, were entrusted, no doubt resided in the Levitical cities or their precincts. It appears, further, that several of the cities here enumerated were only wrested from the Canaanites at a later date.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]
Number of the cities which the different families of Levi received from each tribe. The tribe of Levi was divided into three branches, - The Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites (see Num 3 and Exo 6:16-19). The Kohathites again were divided into the four families of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel (Exo 6:18); and the family of Amram into two lines, consisting of the descendants of Moses and Aaron (Exo 6:20). The priesthood was committed to the line of Aaron (Num 18:1-7); but the other descendants of Amram, i.e., the descendants of Moses, were placed on a par with the other descendants of Levi, and numbered among the simple Levites (Num. 3; Ch1 6:1-7). The towns in which the different families of Levi were to dwell were determined by lot; but in all probability the towns which each tribe was to give up to them were selected first of all, so that the lot merely decided to which branch of the Levites each particular town was to belong. Jos 21:4 The first lot came out for the families of Kohath, and among these again for the sons of Aaron, i.e., the priests. They received thirteen towns from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. "This did not happen by chance; but God, according to His wonderful counsel, placed them just in that situation which He had determined to select for His own temple" (Calvin). Jos 21:5 The rest of the Kohathites, i.e., the descendants of Moses, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, received ten towns from Ephraim, Dan, and half Manasseh. Jos 21:6 The Gershonites received thirteen towns from Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and half Manasseh in Bashan. Jos 21:7-8 The Merarites received twelve towns from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. The number of towns thus assigned to the Levites will not appear too large, if we consider, (1) that judging from the number of towns in so small a land, the greater part of them cannot have been very large; (2) that the Levites were not the sole possessors of these towns, but simply received the number of dwelling-houses which they actually required, with meadow land for their cattle in the suburbs of the towns, whilst the rest of the space still belonged to the different tribes; and (3) that if the 23,000 males, the number of the Levites at the second census which was taken in the steppes of Moab, were distributed among the thirty-five towns, it would give 657 males, or 1300 male and female Levites for every town. On the other hand, offence has been taken at the statement, that thirteen towns were given up to the priests; and under the idea that Aaron could hardly have had descendants enough in Joshua's time from his two sons who remained alive to fill even two towns, to say nothing of thirteen, the list has been set down as a document which was drawn up at a much later date (Maurer, etc.). But any one who takes this ground not only attributes to the distribution commission the enormous shortsightedness of setting apart towns for the priests merely to meet their existing wants, and without any regard to the subsequent increase which would take place in their numbers, but also forms too large an estimate of the size of the towns, and too small an estimate of the number of the priests. Moreover, it was never intended that the towns should be filled with priests' families; and the number of priests alive at that time is not mentioned anywhere. But if we bear in mind that Aaron died in the fortieth year of the journeys of the Israelites, at the age of 123 years (Num 33:38), and therefore was eighty-three years old at the time of the exodus from Egypt, his descendants might have entered upon the fourth generation seven years after his death. Now his two sons had twenty-four male descendants, who were the founders of the twenty-four classes instituted by David (1 Chron 24). And if we only reckon six males to each of the next generations, there would be 144 in the third generation, who would be between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-five when the distribution of the land took place, and who might therefore have had 864 male children living at that time; so that the total number of males in the families of the priests might have amounted to more than 1000, that is to say, might have consisted of at least 200 families.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]

Number of the cities which the different families of Levi received from each tribe. The tribe of Levi was divided into three branches, - The Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites (see Num 3 and Exo 6:16-19). The Kohathites again were divided into the four families of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel (Exo 6:18); and the family of Amram into two lines, consisting of the descendants of Moses and Aaron (Exo 6:20). The priesthood was committed to the line of Aaron (Num 18:1-7); but the other descendants of Amram, i.e., the descendants of Moses, were placed on a par with the other descendants of Levi, and numbered among the simple Levites (Num. 3; Ch1 6:1-7). The towns in which the different families of Levi were to dwell were determined by lot; but in all probability the towns which each tribe was to give up to them were selected first of all, so that the lot merely decided to which branch of the Levites each particular town was to belong.

Jos 21:4

The first lot came out for the families of Kohath, and among these again for the sons of Aaron, i.e., the priests. They received thirteen towns from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. "This did not happen by chance; but God, according to His wonderful counsel, placed them just in that situation which He had determined to select for His own temple" (Calvin).

Jos 21:5

The rest of the Kohathites, i.e., the descendants of Moses, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, received ten towns from Ephraim, Dan, and half Manasseh.

Jos 21:6

The Gershonites received thirteen towns from Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and half Manasseh in Bashan.

Jos 21:7-8

The Merarites received twelve towns from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

The number of towns thus assigned to the Levites will not appear too large, if we consider, (1) that judging from the number of towns in so small a land, the greater part of them cannot have been very large; (2) that the Levites were not the sole possessors of these towns, but simply received the number of dwelling-houses which they actually required, with meadow land for their cattle in the suburbs of the towns, whilst the rest of the space still belonged to the different tribes; and (3) that if the 23,000 males, the number of the Levites at the second census which was taken in the steppes of Moab, were distributed among the thirty-five towns, it would give 657 males, or 1300 male and female Levites for every town. On the other hand, offence has been taken at the statement, that thirteen towns were given up to the priests; and under the idea that Aaron could hardly have had descendants enough in Joshua's time from his two sons who remained alive to fill even two towns, to say nothing of thirteen, the list has been set down as a document which was drawn up at a much later date (Maurer, etc.). But any one who takes this ground not only attributes to the distribution commission the enormous shortsightedness of setting apart towns for the priests merely to meet their existing wants, and without any regard to the subsequent increase which would take place in their numbers, but also forms too large an estimate of the size of the towns, and too small an estimate of the number of the priests. Moreover, it was never intended that the towns should be filled with priests' families; and the number of priests alive at that time is not mentioned anywhere. But if we bear in mind that Aaron died in the fortieth year of the journeys of the Israelites, at the age of 123 years (Num 33:38), and therefore was eighty-three years old at the time of the exodus from Egypt, his descendants might have entered upon the fourth generation seven years after his death. Now his two sons had twenty-four male descendants, who were the founders of the twenty-four classes instituted by David (1 Chron 24). And if we only reckon six males to each of the next generations, there would be 144 in the third generation, who would be between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-five when the distribution of the land took place, and who might therefore have had 864 male children living at that time; so that the total number of males in the families of the priests might have amounted to more than 1000, that is to say, might have consisted of at least 200 families.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin - Which three tribes were nearest the temple, where their business lay. Thirteen cities - For though the priests were now few enough for one city, yet respect was to be had to their succeeding numbers; this division being made for all future generations. And seeing the Levites might sell their houses until the Jubilee, Lev 25:33, much more might they let them; and therefore it is probable their cities were not long uninhabited, many being inclined to dwell with them by virtue of relations contracted with them; or out of respect to the service of God, and the good of their souls.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Out of the tribe of Judah - Simeon, and - Benjamin, thirteen cities - These tribes furnished more habitations to the Levites in proportion than any of the other tribes, because they possessed a more extensive inheritance; and Moses had commanded, Num 35:8, From them that have many, ye shall give many; and from them that have few, ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to his inheritance. It is worthy of remark, that the principal part of this tribe, whose business was to minister at the sanctuary, which sanctuary was afterwards to be established in Jerusalem, had their appointment nearest to that city; so that they were always within reach of the sacred work which God had appointed them.

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⁶ And the children [01121] of Gershon [01648] had by lot [01486] out of the families [04940] of the tribe [04294] of Issachar [03485], and out of the tribe [04294] of Asher [0836], and out of the tribe [04294] of Naphtali [05321], and out of the half [02677] tribe [04294] of Manasseh [04519] in Bashan [01316], thirteen [07969] [06240] cities [05892].

⁵ And the rest [03498] of the children [01121] of Kohath [06955] had by lot [01486] out of the families [04940] of the tribe [04294] of Ephraim [0669], and out of the tribe [04294] of Dan [01835], and out of the half [02677] tribe [04294] of Manasseh [04519], ten [06235] cities [05892].

¹² But the fields [07704] of the city [05892], and the villages [02691] thereof, gave [05414] they to Caleb [03612] the son [01121] of Jephunneh [03312] for his possession [0272].

³⁹ And Aaron [0175] was an hundred [03967] and twenty [06242] and three [07969] years [08141] old [01121] when he died [04194] in mount [02022] Hor [02023].

³⁸ And Aaron [0175] the priest [03548] went up [05927] into mount [02022] Hor [02023] at the commandment [06310] of the LORD [03068], and died [04191] there, in the fortieth [0705] year [08141] after the children [01121] of Israel [03478] were come out [03318] of the land [0776] of Egypt [04714], in the first [0259] day of the fifth [02549] month [02320].

⁷ The children [01121] of Merari [04847] by their families [04940] had out of the tribe [04294] of Reuben [07205], and out of the tribe [04294] of Gad [01410], and out of the tribe [04294] of Zebulun [02074], twelve [08147] [06240] cities [05892].
⁸ And the children [01121] of Israel [03478] gave [05414] by lot [01486] unto the Levites [03881] these cities [05892] with their suburbs [04054], as the LORD [03068] commanded [06680] by the hand [03027] of Moses [04872].

⁴ And the lot [01486] came out [03318] for the families [04940] of the Kohathites [06956]: and the children [01121] of Aaron [0175] the priest [03548], which were of the Levites [03881], had by lot [01486] out of the tribe [04294] of Judah [03063], and out of the tribe [04294] of Simeon [08099], and out of the tribe [04294] of Benjamin [01144], thirteen [07969] [06240] cities [05892].

¹ The sons [01121] of Levi [03878]; Gershon [01648], Kohath [06955], and Merari [04847].
² And the sons [01121] of Kohath [06955]; Amram [06019], Izhar [03324], and Hebron [02275], and Uzziel [05816].
³ And the children [01121] of Amram [06019]; Aaron [0175], and Moses [04872], and Miriam [04813]. The sons [01121] also of Aaron [0175]; Nadab [05070], and Abihu [030], Eleazar [0499], and Ithamar [0385].
⁴ Eleazar [0499] begat [03205] Phinehas [06372], Phinehas [06372] begat [03205] Abishua [050],
⁵ And Abishua [050] begat [03205] Bukki [01231], and Bukki [01231] begat [03205] Uzzi [05813],
⁶ And Uzzi [05813] begat [03205] Zerahiah [02228], and Zerahiah [02228] begat [03205] Meraioth [04812],
⁷ Meraioth [04812] begat [03205] Amariah [0568], and Amariah [0568] begat [03205] Ahitub [0285],

¹ And the LORD [03068] said [0559] unto Aaron [0175], Thou and thy sons [01121] and thy father's [01] house [01004] with thee shall bear [05375] the iniquity [05771] of the sanctuary [04720]: and thou and thy sons [01121] with thee shall bear [05375] the iniquity [05771] of your priesthood [03550].
² And thy brethren [0251] also of the tribe [04294] of Levi [03878], the tribe [07626] of thy father [01], bring [07126] thou with thee, that they may be joined [03867] unto thee, and minister [08334] unto thee: but thou and thy sons [01121] with thee shall minister before [06440] the tabernacle [0168] of witness [05715].
³ And they shall keep [08104] thy charge [04931], and the charge [04931] of all the tabernacle [0168]: only they shall not come nigh [07126] the vessels [03627] of the sanctuary [06944] and the altar [04196], that neither they, nor ye also, die [04191].
⁴ And they shall be joined [03867] unto thee, and keep [08104] the charge [04931] of the tabernacle [0168] of the congregation [04150], for all the service [05656] of the tabernacle [0168]: and a stranger [02114] shall not come nigh [07126] unto you.
⁵ And ye shall keep [08104] the charge [04931] of the sanctuary [06944], and the charge [04931] of the altar [04196]: that there be no wrath [07110] any more upon the children [01121] of Israel [03478].
⁶ And I, behold, I have taken [03947] your brethren [0251] the Levites [03881] from among [08432] the children [01121] of Israel [03478]: to you they are given [05414] as a gift [04979] for the LORD [03068], to do [05647] the service [05656] of the tabernacle [0168] of the congregation [04150].
⁷ Therefore thou and thy sons [01121] with thee shall keep [08104] your priest's office [03550] for every thing [01697] of the altar [04196], and within [01004] the vail [06532]; and ye shall serve [05647]: I have given [05414] your priest's office [03550] unto you as a service [05656] of gift [04979]: and the stranger [02114] that cometh nigh [07131] shall be put to death [04191].

²⁰ And Amram [06019] took [03947] him Jochebed [03115] his father's sister [01733] to wife [0802]; and she bare [03205] him Aaron [0175] and Moses [04872]: and the years [08141] of the life [02416] of Amram [06019] were an hundred [03967] and thirty [07970] and seven [07651] years [08141].

¹⁸ And the sons [01121] of Kohath [06955]; Amram [06019], and Izhar [03324], and Hebron [02275], and Uzziel [05816]: and the years [08141] of the life [02416] of Kohath [06955] were an hundred [03967] thirty [07970] and three [07969] years [08141].

¹⁶ And these are the names [08034] of the sons [01121] of Levi [03878] according to their generations [08435]; Gershon [01648], and Kohath [06955], and Merari [04847]: and the years [08141] of the life [02416] of Levi [03878] were an hundred [03967] thirty [07970] and seven [07651] years [08141].
¹⁷ The sons [01121] of Gershon [01648]; Libni [03845], and Shimi [08096], according to their families [04940].
¹⁸ And the sons [01121] of Kohath [06955]; Amram [06019], and Izhar [03324], and Hebron [02275], and Uzziel [05816]: and the years [08141] of the life [02416] of Kohath [06955] were an hundred [03967] thirty [07970] and three [07969] years [08141].
¹⁹ And the sons [01121] of Merari [04847]; Mahali [04249] and Mushi [04187]: these are the families [04940] of Levi [03878] according to their generations [08435].

³³ And if a man purchase [01350] of the Levites [03881], then the house [01004] that was sold [04465], and the city [05892] of his possession [0272], shall go out [03318] in the year of jubile [03104]: for the houses [01004] of the cities [05892] of the Levites [03881] are their possession [0272] among [08432] the children [01121] of Israel [03478].

⁸ And the cities [05892] which ye shall give [05414] shall be of the possession [0272] of the children [01121] of Israel [03478]: from them that have many [07227] ye shall give many [07235]; but from them that have few [04592] ye shall give few [04591]: every one [0376] shall give [05414] of his cities [05892] unto the Levites [03881] according [06310] to his inheritance [05159] which he inheriteth [05157].