Cities for the Other Kohathites
The other Kohathites receive ten cities across Ephraim, Dan, and Manasseh.
Joshua 21:20-26 (BSB)
20The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim
21they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer,
22Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
23From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon,
24Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
25And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands.
26In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans.
What is the big idea of Joshua 21:20-26?
The other Kohathites receive ten cities across Ephraim, Dan, and Manasseh.
Understanding the Big Idea
The remaining Kohathite families receive cities from Ephraim, Dan, and half-Manasseh. Their distributed settlement continues the Levites' provision without confusing them with Aaron's priestly line.
How does Joshua 21:20-26 point to Christ?
A city grant for Kohathite service is a historical provision. The Christian message is Christ crucified for sins and raised (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); saving grace is received through faith rather than membership in this Levitical family (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Authorial Intent
The non-Aaronite Kohathite families receive ten cities from Ephraim, Dan, and the western half of Manasseh.
Questions for Reflection
- How are these Kohathites distinguished from Aaron's descendants?
- Which tribes supply their cities?
- What is special about Shechem?
- How do the group totals add to ten?
- What changes from Ephraim's four cities to Manasseh's two and total?
- How does Cities for the Other Kohathites relate to the preceding and following units?
- Why should do not merge the ten cities of other kohathites into aaron's thirteen-city priestly group.
Literary Context
Joshua 21:9-19 precedes Cities for the Other Kohathites; Joshua 21:27-33 follows it. Cities for the Other Kohathites serves Joshua’s continuing narrative.
Historical Context
Shechem lies in Ephraim's hill country and is identified as a refuge city. The list then draws from Dan and the western half of Manasseh.
Chapter: Joshua 21
Levitical Cities and the LORD’s Faithfulness to Every Promise
The LORD faithfully provides for worship, instruction, justice, and rest among His people, and not one word of His good promise fails.