Cities for Gershon's Families
Gershon's families receive thirteen cities from four tribal portions.
Joshua 21:27-33 (BSB)
27This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands.
28From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath,
29Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
30From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon,
31Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
32And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands.
33In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans.
What is the big idea of Joshua 21:27-33?
Gershon's families receive thirteen cities from four tribal portions.
Understanding the Big Idea
Gershon's families receive cities from half-Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali. The repeated allocation formula shows provision across several northern regions.
How does Joshua 21:27-33 point to Christ?
The Gershonite allotment provides places for an Israelite Levitical family. The gospel instead announces Christ's death for sins and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). By grace through faith, rather than residence at Golan or Kedesh, believers are saved (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Authorial Intent
Gershon's Levitical families receive thirteen cities from the eastern half of Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali.
Questions for Reflection
- Which four tribal sources supply Gershon's cities?
- Which two cities are also refuge cities?
- How do the subtotals reach thirteen?
- Why is this not a single territorial province?
- What changes from Eastern Manasseh's two cities to Naphtali's three and total?
- How does Cities for Gershon's Families relate to the preceding and following units?
- Why should do not assume a levitical city and a refuge city are interchangeable categories.
Literary Context
Joshua 21:20-26 precedes Cities for Gershon's Families; Joshua 21:34-40 follows it. Cities for Gershon's Families serves Joshua’s continuing narrative.
Historical Context
The list crosses both sides of the Jordan: eastern Manasseh supplies Golan and Beeshterah; western tribal portions of Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali supply the remaining towns.
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.