Josué 21
Matthew Henry · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 21
Henry - By mixing the Levites with the other tribes, they were made to see that the eyes of all Israel were upon them, and therefore it was their concern to walk so that their ministry might not be blamed. Every tribe had its share of Levites' cities. Thus did God graciously provide for keeping up religion among them, and that they might have the word in all parts of the land. Yet, blessed be God, we have the Gospel more diffused amongst us. Joshua 21:10 and they were for the sons of Aaron, one of the families of the Kohathites, of the sons of Levi, for the lot was theirs first. Jos 21:4 Ex 6:18,20-26 Nu 3:2-4,19,27 4:2 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AARONIC KOHATHITES GET FIRST LOT and they were for the sons of Aaron, one of the families of the Kohathites, of the sons of Levi, for the lot (goral) was theirs first - NET = "They were assigned to the Kohathite clans of the Levites who were descendants of Aaron, for the first lot belonged to them." The phrase the sons of Aaron refers to the family from the tribe of Levi from which the High Priests and other Priests would come (cf Ex 28:1 - see chart above). Gershon was actually Levi's firstborn son and theoretically should have received the first lot. The reason this honor is given to the Kohathites is not stated, but surely has something to do with the fact that they handled the utensils of the Tabernacle including the Ark of the Covenant. Joshua 21:11 Thus they gave them Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasture lands. they: 1Ch 6:55 the city of Arba: or, Kirjath-arba, Jos 15:13,14,54 Ge 23:2 35:27 Jdg 1:10 is Hebron: 2Sa 2:1-3 5:1-5 15:7 in the hill: Jos 20:7-9 Lu 1:39 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize cities of refuge - UNDERLINED Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) SPECIFIC CITIES TO KOHATHITES Thus they gave them Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasture lands. See green triangles on the map. (in territory of Judah) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Hebron - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name and personal name meaning “association” or “league.” A major city in the hill country of Judah about nineteen miles south of Jerusalem and fifteen miles west of the Dead Sea. The region is over 3,000 feet above sea level. The surrounding area has an abundant water supply, and its rich soil is excellent for agriculture. According to archaeological research the site has been occupied almost continuously since about 3300 B.C. After his separation from Lot, Abraham moved to Hebron. At that time the area was known as Mamre and was associated with the Amorites (Genesis 13:18; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 23:19 ). Abraham apparently remained at Mamre until after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. When Sarah died, the place was called Kirjath-arba; and the population was predominantly Hittite (Genesis 23:2; Joshua 14:15; Joshua 15:54; Judges 1:10 ). From them Abraham purchased a field with a burial plot inside a nearby cave. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah were buried there (Genesis 23:19; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 35:29; Genesis 49:31; Genesis 50:13 ). Four centuries later, when Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan, the tribe of Anak lived in Hebron. According to Numbers 13:22 Hebron was “built” seven years prior to Zoan, the Egyptian city of Tanis. Archaeological evidence suggests that the reference was to Tanis' establishment as the Hyksos capital around 1725 B.C. and not its beginning. Indeed both cities already were inhabited long before 2000 B.C. Therefore, the date may indicate that it was rebuilt by the Hyksos at that time, or it may specify when Hebron became a Canaanite city. After the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Hebron was given to Caleb ( Joshua 14:9-13 ). It also became a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7 ). Later, Samson put the gates of Gaza on a hill outside of Hebron (Judges 16:3 ). After the death of Saul, David settled in the city (2 Samuel 2:3 ) and made it his capital during the seven years he ruled only Judah (1 Kings 2:11 ). His son, Absalom, launched an abortive revolt against David from Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10 ). Between 922,915 B.C. Rehoboam fortified the city as a part of Judah's defense network (2 Chronicles 11:5-10 ). According to inscriptions found on pottery fragments, royal pottery was made in the city between 800,700 B.C. When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 587 B.C., the Edomites captured Hebron. It was not recaptured until Judas Maccabeus sacked the city in 164 B.C. Although Herod the Great erected pretentious structures there, no mention of the city is made in the New Testament. The city was raided by both Jewish revolutionaries and Roman legions in A.D. 68 during the Jewish Revolt. Hebron is still an important city today. Except for during the Crusades, the Muslims have ruled the city since A.D. 635. It is venerated by the Arabs because of the tombs of the patriarchs. Two individuals in the Old Testament also were named Hebron. The first was a Levite (Exodus 6:18; Numbers 3:19; 1Chronicles 6:2,1 Chronicles 6:18; 1 Chronicles 23:12 ). The second is listed in the Calebite genealogy (1 Chronicles 2:42-43 ). Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge....Hebron: Christ Is a Harmonious Place The name of the next city is Hebron. Do you know what the name Hebron means? Fellowship—fellowship. Not only is He Christ our Savior, and not only is He Christ our strength; but friend, He’s Christ our satisfaction. The Bible says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another” (1 John 1:7). You see, Christ is a harmonious place. Say, “Harmonious place,” because there is harmony; there is peace. We are as one with Him. He has made peace through the blood of His Christ—through the blood of His cross—and through Him we do have that oneness that we want—that harmony. He has put that harmony in our souls, and we are at one with our Lord because He is a holy place, He is a helpful place, He is a harmonious place. He is Christ our Savior. He is Christ our strength. He is Christ our satisfaction. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 21:12 But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession. Jos 14:13-15 1Ch 6:55-57 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 6:54-57 Now these are their settlements according to their camps within their borders. To the sons of Aaron of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot), to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah and its pasture lands around it; 56 but the fields of the city and its villages, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. CALEB RETAINS THE FIELDS AROUND HEBRON But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession - There is no record of this servant of the LORD (Nu 14:24) grumbling or disputing the gift of the pasture land around Hebron to the Kohathites. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 21 The fields of the city—gave they to Caleb. As it would not necessarily involve the exclusion of himself or his family from a residence in the city, he probably gave it to the priests in order to set an example to his brethren of cheerfully contributing to the maintenance of religion. See on Josh 14:6–15. 25. Tanach with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon. In the parallel passage, 1 Chr 6:70, Aner and Bileam are mentioned instead of the above. A careful examination of the two catalogues will discover several other discrepancies of the same kind, which are probably owing to the fact, either that some of the cities were called by different names, or that their names in process of time were changed. Others conjecture that some of the cities here enumerated being at this time in possession of the Canaanites, and not easily to be taken out of their hands, others were given them in their stead. Joshua 21:13 So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands, they gave: 1Ch 6:56 Hebron: Jos 15:54 the city of refuge Jos 20:7 Nu 35:6 Libnah: Jos 10:29 15:42 1Ch 6:57 Isa 37:8 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HEBRON - CITY OF REFUGE TO AARONIC KOHATHITES So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge (miqlat; Lxx = phugadeuterion - place of refuge) for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands See green triangles on the map (in Judah's territory) for Hebron and Libnah (but note location of latter is not known with certainty) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Libnah - Holman Bible Dictionary (Wikipedia Article) (See also Fausset Bible Dictionary Libnah) Place name meaning “white” or “storax tree.” 1. Wilderness station east of the Jordan (Numbers 33:20 ). Its location is not known; Umm Leben 66 miles south of Haradah has been suggested. See Joshua 10:29-30 ). Joshua allotted it to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:42 ) and separated it as a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:13 ). It illustrated western border rebellion against King Joram of Judah (853-841 B.C.) just as Edom represented rebellion in the east (2 Kings 8:22 ). It lay on the invasion route to Jerusalem followed by Sennacherib about 701 B.C. (2 Kings 19:8 ). The mother of Kings Jehoahaz (609 B.C.) and Zedekiah (597-586 B.C.) came from Libnah (2 Kings 23:31; 2 Kings 24:18 ). Debate rages concerning Libnah's location: tell es-Safi at the head of the Elah Valley appears too far north; tell Bornat just west of Lachish; tell el-Judeideh, usually identified as Moresheth-gath. Tell Bornat is the most popular candidate but far from certain. Refuge (04733) miqlat is a masculine noun that refers to a refuge, a place of safety and security. An asylum where a person guilty of manslaughter could flee for protection from the blood avenger (the goel) REFUGE is from a Latin word meaning to escape and depicts a place which provides shelter or protection from trouble, danger or distress. This noun is always used in connection with the cities appointed to provide asylum for those guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Such a provision prevented excesses in the law of retribution. Initially, those not guilty of intentional or premeditated killing could seek asylum at the altar (Ex 21:12–14), but those who killed with premeditation should be dragged from the altar and executed (cf. 1Ki 2:28–31). Once Israel was in the Promised Land distance would potentially render successful flight more difficult and place innocent men at risk of being killed by the blood avenger. God in His perfect wisdom instructed Israel to establish cities of refuge throughout the promised land (Nu 35:9–34). Miqlat - 20v all translated "refuge" - Num. 35:6; Num. 35:11; Num. 35:12; Num. 35:13; Num. 35:14; Num. 35:15; Num. 35:25; Num. 35:26; Num. 35:27; Num. 35:28; Num. 35:32; Jos. 20:2; Jos. 20:3; Jos. 21:13; Jos. 21:21; Jos. 21:27; Jos. 21:32; Jos. 21:38; 1 Chr. 6:57; 1 Chr. 6:67 Manslayer (killer)(07523) ratsach means to murder or slay, all 47 uses (in 40v and 18 refer to "manslayer") speaking of one human being killing another and never of a person killing an animal. Ratsach is never employed in contexts of war, capital punishment, or self-defense. The taking of a human life is the primary concept behind this word. The first use is in the commandment "Thou shalt not kill." (Ex 20:13) Ratsach refers to premeditated murder (Deut. 5:17; 1 Kgs. 21:19; Jer. 7:9), accidental killing (Nu. 35:11; Josh. 20:3), an act of revenge (Nu 35:27) and death from animal attack (Pr. 22:13). "Provocatively, Hosea refers to the lewdness of the priests that led people astray as being equal to murder (Hos. 6:9)." (Old Testament Word Study) Ratsach - 40x - killed(1), kills the manslayer(1), manslayer(18), murder(7), murdered(2), murderer(12), murderer shall be put(1), murderers(1), murders(1), put to death(1), slew(1). mExod. 20:13; Num. 35:6; Num. 35:11; Num. 35:12; Num. 35:16; Num. 35:17; Num. 35:18; Num. 35:19; Num. 35:21; Num. 35:25; Num. 35:26; Num. 35:27; Num. 35:28; Num. 35:30; Num. 35:31; Deut. 4:42; Deut. 5:17; Deut. 19:3; Deut. 19:4; Deut. 19:6; Deut. 22:26; Jos. 20:3; Jos. 20:5; Jos. 20:6; Jos. 21:13; Jos. 21:21; Jos. 21:27; Jos. 21:32; Jos. 21:38; Jdg. 20:4; 1 Ki. 21:19; 2 Ki. 6:32; Job 24:14; Ps. 62:3; Ps. 94:6; Prov. 22:13; Isa. 1:21; Jer. 7:9; Hos. 4:2; Hos. 6:9 Joshua 21:14 and Jattir with its pasture lands and Eshtemoa with its pasture lands, Jattir: Jattir or Jether, according to Eusebius, was situated in the district of Daroma, or the southern part of Judah, 20 miles (south) from Eleutheropolis, towards the city of Malatha. Jos 15:48 1Sa 30:27,28 Eshtemoa: Eusebius says Eshtemoa, or Esthema, was a great city in the south of Judah, and in the district of Eleutheropolis, north of that city. Jos 15:50, Eshtemoh Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO CITIES TO KOHATHITES FROM JUDAH and Jattir with its pasture lands and Eshtemoa with its pasture lands, See green triangles on the map (in Judah's territory) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Jattir - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “the remainder.” (or "height") Town in the hills of the tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:48 ). David gave some of war booty from victory over Amalekites to Jattir (1 Samuel 30:27 ). Joshua reserved it for the Levites (Joshua 20:14 ). It was located near modern khirbet Attir about thirteen miles south southwest of Hebron and fourteen miles northeast of Beersheba. (4v Jos. 15:48; Jos. 21:14; 1 Sam. 30:27; 1 Chr. 6:57) Eshtemoa - Holman Bible Dictionary Place and personal name meaning, “being heard.” (or "obedience") The name may indicate an ancient tradition of going to Eshtemoa to obtain an oracle or word of God from a prophet or priest. 1. City in tribal allotment of Judah (Judges 15:50 , with variant Hebrew spelling; see Joshua 21:14 ). While living in exile in Ziklag, David sent some of the plunder from his victories to Eshtemoa (1 Samuel 30:28 ). (6v - Jos. 15:50; Jos. 21:14; 1 Sam. 30:28; 1 Chr. 4:17; 1 Chr. 4:19; 1 Chr. 6:57) Joshua 21:15 and Holon with its pasture lands and Debir with its pasture lands, Holon: Jos 15:51 1Ch 6:58, Hilen Debir: Jos 12:13 15:49 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO CITIES TO KOHATHITES FROM JUDAH and Holon with its pasture lands and Debir with its pasture lands, See green triangles on the map (in Judah's territory) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Holon - Holman Bible Dictionary “sandy spot.” 1. Town in the hill country of Judah allotted to tribe of Judah and given as city for Levites (Joshua 15:51; Joshua 21:15 ). It may be modern khirbet Illin near Beth-zur. The parallel passage (1 Chronicles 6:58 ) has Hilez or Hilen in different manuscripts. Debir - Holman Bible Dictionary Personal and place name meaning, “back, behind.” As a common noun, the Hebrew term refers to the back room of the Temple, the holy of holies. Important city in hill country of tribe of Judah whose exact location is debated by archaeologists and geographers. Joshua annihilated its residents (Joshua 10:38; compare Joshua 11:21; Joshua 12:13 ). Joshua 15:15 describes Caleb's challenge to Othniel to capture Debir, formerly called Kiriath Sepher. Compare Judges 1:11 . Joshua 15:49 gives yet another name, Kiriath Sannah, to Debir. It became a levitical city for the priests ( Joshua 21:15 ). Different scholars locate Debir at tell beit Mirsim, thirteen miles southwest of Hebron; khirbet Tarrameh, five miles southwest of Hebron; and khirbet Rabud, seven and a half miles west of Hebron. It may have been the most important town south of Hebron. Joshua 21:16 and Ain with its pasture lands and Juttah with its pasture lands and Beth-shemesh with its pasture lands; nine cities from these two tribes. Ain: Jos 15:42 1Ch 6:59, Ashan Juttah: Eusebius says Juttah was a great town 18 miles south from Eleutheropolis. Jos 15:55 Beth shemesh: Jos 15:10 1Sa 6:9,12 1Ch 6:59 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THREE CITIES TO KOHATHITES FROM JUDAH and Ain with its pasture lands and Juttah with its pasture lands and Beth-shemesh with its pasture lands See green triangles on the map (in Judah's territory) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Nine cities from these two tribes - From Judah and Simeon to the Kohathites. Ain - Holman Bible Dictionary Place meaning, “eye” or “water spring.” Often used as first part of a place name indicating the presence of a water source. English often used “En” as first part of such names. See Numbers 34:11 ). Location is uncertain. 2. City of southern Judah (Joshua 15:32 ) belonging to Simeon (Joshua 19:7 ) but assigned as homestead for the Levites, who had no land allotted (Joshua 21:16 ), if this is not read Ashan as in some manuscripts of Joshua and in 1 Chronicles 6:59 . Juttah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “spread out.” Town in hill country of tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:55 ) given to the Levites (Joshua 21:16 ). It may be located at modern Yatta, six miles southwest of Hebron Beth-Shemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary (Wikipedia) Place name meaning, “house of the sun.” Beth-shemesh is a name applied to four different cities in the Old Testament. The name probably derives from a place where the Semitic god Shemesh (Shamash) was worshiped. Beth-shemesh of Dan is located on the south tribal border with Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41 ) overlooking the Sorek Valley about 24 miles west of Jerusalem. The ancient name was preserved in the Arab village of Ain Shems, and the “tell” is identified with tell er-Rumeilah. Beth-shemesh guarded the lush farmlands of the Sorek Valley at the point at which the Shephelah (foothills) borders the Judean hill country. It was also situated in the strategic “buffer zone” between the Philistines and the Israelites during the judges period. Beth-Shemesh - Hasting's Bible Dictionary A town in Judah ( Joshua 15:10 etc., called Ir-Shemesh in Joshua 19:41 ) allotted to the children of Aaron ( Joshua 21:15 ). Hither the ark was brought when sent back by the Philistines, and the inhabitants were smitten because of their profane curiosity ( 1 Samuel 6:1-21 ). Here Amaziah was defeated and captured by Jehoash, king of Israel ( 2 Kings 14:11; 2 Kings 14:13 ). It was one of the cities taken by the Philistines in the time of Ahaz ( 2 Chronicles 28:18 ). It is identified with the modern ‘Ain Shems , on the S. slope of Wâdy es-Surâr , 15 miles W. of Jerusalem. Beth-Shemesh - Jewish Encyclopedia According to Joshua 19:41, it was one of the cities of Dan, and according to Joshua 15:10, it was on the boundary-line of Judea. In Joshua 21:16 it is named as a Levitic city. The Ark of the Covenant of Yhwh remained here for a time after it had been released by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:9 et seq.). At the time of Solomon, Beth-shemesh was the seat of one of the royal officers (1 Kings 4:9). Later on Amaziah, king of Judea, incurred a serious defeat there. Under Ahaz, Beth-shemesh was conquered by the Philistines (2 Chronicles 28:18). Joshua 21:17 From the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its pasture lands, Geba with its pasture lands, Gibeon: Jos 9:3 18:25 1Ch 6:60 Geba: Jos 18:24 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO CITIES TO KOHATHITES FROM BENJAMIN From the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its pasture lands, Geba with its pasture lands, See green triangles on the map (in Benjamin's territory - Gibeon is in the far western edge of their territory) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Gibeon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “hill place.” This “great city” (Joshua 10:2 ) played a significant role in Old Testament history—especially during the conquest of Canaan. Archaeology has demonstrated that the city was a thriving industrial area which made it a primary community in Canaan....Forty-five Old Testament references are made to Gibeon. Its first major appearance in Israel's history involved the conquest of Canaan. The people of Gibeon concocted a deceptive strategy to protect themselves from the Israelites (Joshua 9:1 ). Pretending to be foreigners also, the Gibeonites made a treaty with Joshua. When Joshua later discovered the truth, he forced the Gibeonites to become water carriers and woodcutters for the Israelites. Honoring this covenant, Joshua led Israel against the armies of five kings who had attacked Gibeon. During these victories the Lord caused the sun and moon to stand still (Joshua 10:1; compare Isaiah 28:21 ). Geba - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “hill,” and variant Hebrew spelling of Gibeah, with which it is sometimes confused though the two represent different towns in the territory of Benjamin. Geba was given Benjamin (Joshua 18:24 ) but set aside for the Levites (Joshua 21:17 ). This is evidently the base camp for Saul and Jonathan in their fight with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:16-14:18 ), though the Hebrew texts and modern translations confuse Geba and Gibeah here. King Asa of Judah (910-869 B.C.) strengthened the city (1 Kings 15:22 ). In the days of King Josiah (640-609 B.C.) Geba apparently represented the northern border of Judah as opposed to the southern border in Beersheba (2 Kings 23:8 ). Isaiah described the ominous march of the Assyrian army coming through Geba on its way to Jerusalem (Isaiah 10:29 ). For Zechariah (Zechariah 14:10 ), Geba represented the northern border of a Judah to be flattened out into a plain dominated by God ruling on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. At some period Geba's inhabitants were forced to move to Manahath (1 Chronicles 8:6 ), perhaps when the tribe of Benjamin first settled there or during the Exile. Exiles returned to Geba under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:26 ). Some citizens of Geba lived in Michmash and other cities in Nehemiah's day, unless the Hebrew text is read differently (REB) to mean they lived in Geba as well as the other towns (Nehemiah 11:31 ). Levite singers lived there (Nehemiah 12:29 ). Joshua 21:18 Anathoth with its pasture lands and Almon with its pasture lands; four cities. Anathoth: Anathoth was situated about three miles northward from Jerusalem according to Eusebius and Jerome (in Jer ch. 1:20;) or twenty furlongs, according to Josephus. Ant. I. viii. c. 10. 1Ki 2:26 Isa 10:30 Jer 1:1 Almon: 1Ch 6:60, Alemeth Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWO MORE CITIES TO KOHATHITES FROM BENJAMIN Anathoth with its pasture lands and Almon with its pasture lands; four cities. See green triangles on the map (in Benjamin's territory) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Anathoth - Holman Bible Dictionary A city assigned to the tribe of Benjamin, located about three miles northeast of Jerusalem (Joshua 21:18 ). King Solomon sent Abiathar the priest there after removing him as high priest (1 Kings 2:26-27 ). It was also the home of Jeremiah the prophet, who may have been a priest in the rejected line of Abiathar (Jeremiah 1:1 ). Though Jeremiah was opposed and threatened by the citizens of Anathoth (Jeremiah 11:21-23 ) he purchased a field there from his cousin Hanameel in obedience to the word of the Lord to symbolize ultimate hope after Exile (Jeremiah 32:6-15 ). Anathoth was overrun by the Babylonians, but resettled following the Exile (Nehemiah 7:27; Nehemiah 11:32 ). Almon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “darkness” or “hidden,” or “small road sign.” City given to Levites from tribe of Benjamin, called Alemeth in 1 Chronicles 6:60 . The site is probably modern Khirbet Almit. Joshua 21:19 All the cities of the sons of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their pasture lands. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries 13 CITIES TO KOHATHITES FROM JUDAH AND SIMEON All the cities of the sons of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their pasture lands - The phrase the sons of Aaron refers to the family from the tribe of Levi from which the High Priests and other Priests would come (cf Ex 28:1 - see chart above). Joshua 21:20 Then the cities from the tribe of Ephraim were allotted to the families of the sons of Kohath, the Levites, even to the rest of the sons of Kohath. Jos 21:5 1Ch 6:66 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CITIES FROM EPHRAIM TO THE KOHATHITES Then the cities from the tribe of Ephraim were allotted (goral) to the families of the sons of Kohath, the Levites, even to the rest of the sons of Kohath. Joshua 21:21 They gave them Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands, Shechem: Jos 20:7 Ge 33:19 Jdg 9:1 1Ki 12:1 Gezer: Jos 16:10 1Ki 9:15-17 1Ch 6:67 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries They gave them Shechem, the city of refuge (miqlat; Lxx = phugadeuterion - place of refuge) for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasture lands See green triangles on the map (in Ephraim's territory - Shechem at northern most point and Gezer is southwest corner) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Shechem - Holman Bible Dictionary Personal and place name meaning, “shoulder, back.” 1. District and city in the hill country of Ephraim in north central Palestine. The first capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, the city was built mainly on the slope, or shoulder, of Mount Ebal. Situated where main highways and ancient trade routes converged, Shechem was an important city long before the Israelites occupied Canaan. The city makes its earliest appearance in biblical history in connection with Abram's arrival in the land (Genesis 12:6-7 ). When Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, he settled down at Shechem and purchased land from the sons of Hamor (Genesis 33:18-19 ). In Genesis 33-34 , Shechem was the name of the city and also of the prince of the city. While Jacob was at Shechem, the unfortunate incident of Dinah occurred. Simeon and Levi, her full brothers, destroyed the city (Genesis 34:1 ). Later, the brothers of Joseph were herding Jacob's flock at Shechem when Joseph was sent to check on their welfare. Joseph was buried in the plot of ground that his father Jacob had purchased here (Joshua 24:32 ). As the Israelites conquered Canaan, they turned unexpectedly to Shechem. Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal and led the people in its building, renewing their commitment to the law of Moses (Joshua 8:30-35; compare Deuteronomy 27:12-13 ). Shechem lay in the tribal territory of Ephraim near their border with Manasseh (Joshua 17:7 ). It was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7 ) and a Levitical city (Joshua 21:21 ). See Joshua 24:1-17 ). Gideon's son Abimelech fought the leaders of Shechem (Judges 8:31-9:49 ). Rehoboam, successor to King Solomon, went to Shechem to be crowned king over all Israel (1 Kings 12:1 ). Later, when the nation divided into two kingdoms, Shechem became the first capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:25 ). Samaria eventually became the permanent political capital of the Northern Kingdom, but Shechem retained its religious importance. It apparently was a sanctuary for worship of God in Hosea's time about 750 B.C. (1 Kings 6:9 ). The name Shechem occurs in historical records and other sources outside Palestine. It is mentioned as a city captured by Senusert III of Egypt (before 1800 B.C.) and appears in the Egyptian cursing texts of about the same time. “The mountain of Shechem” is referred to in a satirical letter of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Shechem also figures in the Amarna Letters; its ruler, Lab'ayu, and his sons were accused of acting against Egypt, though the ruler protested that he was absolutely loyal to the pharaoh. At Shechem (sometimes identified with Sychar), Jesus visited with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well (John 4:1 ). The Samaritans had built their temple on Mount Gerizim, where they practiced their form of religion. Gezer - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “isolated area.” Major Canaanite city nineteen miles northwest of Jerusalem at tell Gezer on the edge of the foothills of Judah near the Shephelah, seven miles southeast of Ramleh. It provides a military post for the highway junction of the Via Maris and the road leading to the valley of Ajalon to Jerusalem, Jericho, and over the Jordan. A site of 30 acres, it was one of the largest and most important cities in Palestine from 1800 B.C. onwards, though occupation reaches back to 3500 B.C. Archaeologists have found important inscriptions here such as the Gezer calendar, one of, if not the, earliest (before 900 B.C.) examples of Hebrew writing known. Even earlier is an inscribed piece of broken pottery in the “Proto-Sinaitic” script. The largest stone structure in Palestine, a fifty-foot wide wall from about 1600 B.C. was found here. A high place or sanctuary with ten stone stele or masseboth demonstrates Canaanite worship practices about 1600 B.C. Some of these tower over nine feet high. Egyptian sources mention Gezer about 1410 B.C., as do the Amarna letters of 100 years later. Three different kings of Gezer wrote the Egyptian pharaoh. Merneptah's stele from about 1200 B.C. claims the pharaoh captured Gezer. Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria pictured the capture of Gezer about 734 B.C. in his palace at Nimrud. Joshua defeated the king of Gezer when he tried to aid the king of Lachish (Joshua 10:33 ). Gezer formed the boundary for Ephraim's tribal allotment (Joshua 16:3 ), but Israel did not control the city (Joshua 16:10; Judges 1:29 ). Still, it was assigned as a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:21 ). David finally wrested control of it from the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:25; 1 Chronicles 20:4 ). A few years later, Egypt's pharaoh captured the city from the Canaanites and gave it to Solomon as a wedding gift for Solomon's marriage with the pharaoh's daughter. Solomon rebuilt its walls (1 Kings 9:15-17 ). Between the Testaments, Gezer became known as Gazara. The Seleucid general Bacchides fortified it (1 Maccabees 9:52 ). In 142 B.C. the Jewish leader Simon Maccabeus captured Gazara and built himself a home there. Then John Hyrcanus, his son, assumed command of the Jewish army and established his headquarters there (1 Maccabees 13:43-53 ). Gezer thus is a peripheral city in the Bible whose magnificent history had begun to recede a century before Joshua entered Palestine. Still, it marked an important military outpost for Philistines, Egyptians, Israelites, and Assyrians trying to control the important trade and military routes. Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge Now, not only do I want you to think about the saving nature of these cities, but think with me about the significant names of these cities. Look with me … Let’s begin and look at the names of these cities, because remember the Bible says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Proverbs 18:10). Shechem: Christ Is a Helpful Place - Now, what’s the name of the next city? Shechem. Do you know what the name Shechem means? It means “shoulder” or “strength.” Now, not only is Christ a holy place; Christ is a helpful place, because the Bible says of our Savior, “And the government shall be upon his shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6). Remember there in the parable of the lost sheep when the good shepherd went out and found that sheep? What did he do? He laid it upon his shoulders and brought it back home safely. And friend, that’s the way I’m going to Heaven—upon the shoulders of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was a sheep with six legs (four of his own and two of the Savior), going on back to the sheepfold, because He is the One who carries our burdens. So, you’ve said, “Holy place.” Now, I want you to say, “Helpful place”—“helpful place.” Christ is a helpful place. Do you need strength? The glory of the Lord … “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). And, when you come to Him for refuge, He will give you strength because not only is He Christ our Savior, the holy place; He is Christ our strength, the helpful place. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 21:22 and Kibzaim with its pasture lands and Beth-horon with its pasture lands; four cities. Bethhoron: Jos 16:3,5 18:13,14 1Ch 6:68 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Kibzaim with its pasture lands and Beth-horon with its pasture lands; four cities. See green triangles on the map (in Ephraim's territory - but Kibzaim is not on this map but see here) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Kibzaim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “double gathering” or “double heap.” One of the Levitical cities in the tribal territory of Ephraim also designated as a city of refuge (Joshua 21:22 ). In a parallel list of cities in Chronicles, the name Jokmeam appears (1 Chronicles 6:68 ). This is not to be confused with Jokmeam (or Jokneam) of 1 Kings 4:12 . The reason for the appearance of Jokmean in 1Chronicles is unexplained. Beth-Horon - Holman Bible Dictionary Twin cities, one higher than the other, and so called Upper and Lower Beth Horon. An important road here dominates the path to the Shephelah, the plain between the Judean hills and the Mediterranean coast. Joshua used the road to chase the coalition of southern kings led by the king of Jerusalem (Joshua 10:10 ). Here God cast hail stones on the enemies. The border between the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin was at Beth-horon (Joshua 16:3 ,Joshua 16:3,16:5; Joshua 18:13-14 ). The city belonged to Ephraim but was set aside for the Levites (Joshua 21:22 ). The Philistines sent one unit of their army the way of Beth-horon to attack Saul and Jonathan (1 Samuel 13:18 ). Solomon rebuilt the lower city as a stone city and as a defense outpost (1 Kings 9:17 ). The chronicler preserved an even earlier tradition of a descendant of Ephraim, a woman named Sherah, building the two cities (1 Chronicles 7:22-24 ). When King Amaziah of Judah (796-767 B.C.) followed a prophet's advice and sent home mercenary soldiers he had hired from Israel, those soldiers fought the cities of Judah, including Beth-horon (2 Chronicles 25:13 ). Upper Beth Horon is modern beit Ur el-Foqa, five miles northwest of Gibeon and ten miles northwest of Jerusalem. It Isaiah 1750 feet above sea level. Lower Beth Horon is two miles to the east and only 1050 feet above sea level. It is modern beit Ur et-Tahta. Joshua 21:23 From the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasture lands, Gibbethon with its pasture lands, Eltekeh: Jos 19:44,45 Gibbethon: Probably the Gabatha mentioned by Eusebius and Jerome, as situated in the south of Judah, 12 miles from Eleutheropolis, where the prophet Habakkuk's sepulchre was shown. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasture lands, Gibbethon with its pasture lands, See green triangles on the map (in Dan's western territory) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Note the proximity of the Danites to the Philistines which explains why Dan had a difficult time possessing their land and some even moved north (Joshua 19:42). Elteke - Holman Bible Dictionary or ELTEKEH (ehl teh keh) Place name meaning, “place of meeting,” “place of hearing,” or “plea for rain.” A city in Dan (Joshua 19:44 ) assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:23 ). Egyptian pharaohs claim to have conquered an Altaku, which may be the same. Sennacherib of Assyria met an Egyptian army there about 701 B.C. It has been variously located at khirbet el-Muqenna on the eastern edge of the coastal plain, at tell esh-Shalaf, and at tell el-Melat, northwest of Gezer. Gibbethon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “arched,” “hill,” or “mound.” City in the tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:44 ) but assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:23 ). During the monarchy the Philistines controlled Gibbethon. Nadab of Israel (909-908 B.C.) besieged it. During the siege Baasha murdered Nadab and assumed the kingship (1 Kings 15:25-28 ). The Israelite army was encamped against Philistine Gibbethon when Zimri assumed rule by assassinating Elah, the son of Baasha (1 Kings 16:15-17 ). Gibbethon has been variously identified as tell el-Melat north of Ekron, and with Agir, two and a half miles west of tell el-Melat. Joshua 21:24 Aijalon with its pasture lands, Gath-rimmon with its pasture lands; four cities. Aijalon: Jos 10:12 19:42, Ajalon, 1Ch 6:69 Gathrimmon: Gathrimmon is said by Jerome to be a great town 10 miles from Diospolis, or Lydda, towards Eleutheropolis. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Aijalon with its pasture lands, Gath-rimmon with its pasture lands; four cities. See green triangles on the map (in Dan's territory - Beth-Rimmon far north, Aijalon toward the eastern side) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Aijalon - Holman Bible Dictionary Also spelled Ajalon. Place name meaning, “place of the deer.” 1. Town and nearby valley where moon stood still at Joshua's command (Joshua 10:12 ). Near the Philistine border, south of Beth-horon, Aijalon belonged to Dan, according to tribal allotments (Joshua 19:42 ); but Dan did not conquer the territory and moved to the north (Judges 18:1 ). It was one city in Dan given the Levites (Joshua 21:24 ). Amorites gained temporary control, but the Joseph tribes subjected them to pay tribute (Judges 1:34-35 ). Saul and Jonathan won a battle between Michmash and Aijalon (1 Samuel 14:31 ). In post-exilic times, the Chronicler knew Aijalon as a city of the tribe of Benjamin which defeated Gath (1 Chronicles 8:13 ). Rehoboam, Solomon's son, had fortified Aijalon (2 Chronicles 11:10 ). King Ahaz (735-715 B.C.) asked for Assyrian help because the Philistines had taken Aijalon and other cities. Thus it was an important military location on Judah's western border. Aijalon is located at modern Yalo about fourteen miles from Jerusalem. Gath-Rimmon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “winepress on the pomegranate tree.” 1. Town in tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:45 ) and set aside for Levites (Joshua 21:24 ). It is usually located at tell Jerisheh on the Yarkon River in modern Tel Aviv, but some scholars locate it two miles to the northeast at tell Abu Zeitun. 1 Chronicles 6:69 lists Gath-rimmon in the tribe of Ephraim, but this is usually understood as a copyist's omission of a sentence at the beginning of 1 Chronicles 6:69 . Gath-rimmon also appears in the Hebrew text of Joshua 21:25 though not in the earliest Greek translation or in the parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:70 . Most scholars recognize that a copyist repeated Gath-rimmon from 1 Chronicles 6:24 , the original reading probably being Ibleam. Joshua 21:25 From the half-tribe of Manasseh, they allotted Taanach with its pasture lands and Gath-rimmon with its pasture lands; two cities. Aner and Bileam are mentioned in Chronicles, instead of Tanach and Gath-rimmon. (1 Ch 6:70.) Either the cities had at this time different names, or afterwards their names were changed; or the Levites, being by some means dispossessed of the cities first assigned them, received others from their brethren. A careful examination of the marginal references will discover other variations of this kind, which may be accounted for in the same manner. Tanach: Jos 17:11 Jdg 5:19 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the half-tribe of Manasseh, they allotted Taanach with its pasture lands and Gath-rimmon with its pasture lands; two cities. See green triangles on the map (in Manneseh's western territory - Taanach toward north, Gath Rimmon toward the south but see NET NOTE below) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). NET NOTE - The name "Gath Rimmon" is problematic here, for it appears in the preceding list of Danite cities. The LXX reads "Iebatha"; 1 Chr 6:55 HT (1Chr 6:70 ET) reads "Bileam." Most modern translations retain the name "Gath Rimmon," however. Taanach - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name of uncertain meaning. One of the sites along the northern slope of the Mount Carmel range protecting the accesses from the Plain of Esdraelon to the region of Samaria. Irbid, Megiddo, and Taanach each protect strategic passes through the Carmel range. Taanach thus sat along one fork of the major north-south road of antiquity that went through Palestine, usually called the Via Maris. It also sat on an east-west road that led from the Jordan Valley to the Mediterranean Sea near modern Haifa. In the Bible, Taanach is only mentioned seven times, usually in lists such as tribal allotments (Joshua 17:11; 1 Chronicles 7:29 ), administrative districts (1 Kings 4:12 ), Levitical towns (Joshua 21:25 ), or conquered cities (Joshua 12:21; Judges 1:27 ). The most famous biblical reference to Taanach is that of the battle fought at “Taanach by the waters of Megiddo” where the Hebrew forces under Deborah and Barak defeated the Canaanites under Sisera (Judges 5:19 ). Taanach was a town of about 13 acres, about the same size as the better known Megiddo. Its history runs through the Bronze Ages and into the Iron Age, from about 2700 B.C. to about 918 B.C. when it was destroyed by the Egyptian Pharaoh Shishak. A large fortress was built on the site during the early Islamic period, and that fortress may well have continued in use during the Crusades. While Megiddo was apparently a major Canaanite administrative center, Taanach seems to have been less heavily populated and perhaps the home for the farmers of the surrounding area and their tenants. Excavations have shown a number of cultic objects and installations at Taanach, suggesting that it was a religious center as well. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 21 Tanach with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon. In the parallel passage, 1 Chron. 6:70, Aner and Bileam are mentioned instead of the above. A careful examination of the two catalogues will discover several other discrepancies of the same kind, which are probably owing to the fact, either that some of the cities were called by different names, or that their names in process of time were changed. Others conjecture that some of the cities here enumerated being at this time in possession of the Canaanites, and not easily to be taken out of their hands, others were given them in their stead. Joshua 21:26 All the cities with their pasture lands for the families of the rest of the sons of Kohath were ten. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries All the cities with their pasture lands for the families of the rest of the sons of Kohath were ten. Joshua 21:27 To the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities. And to: Jos 21:6 Golan: Jos 20:8 De 1:4 4:43 1Ch 6:71 Be-eshterah: It is very probable that Beesh-terah is a contraction of {baith ashtaroth,} "the house of Ashtaroth," and the same as Ashtaroth, which is the reading in 1 Chr 6:71. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries To the sons of Gershon (note), one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan (map of modern "Golan heights"), the city of refuge (miqlat) for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities - See orange triangles on the map (in the eastern half of Manasseh's territory - east of the Jordan River - Note on the map the name is Ashtaroth instead of Beeshterah as recorded in the parallel passage in 1 Chr 6:71) (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Utley on “Gershon” They numbered 7,500 at Sinai (cf. Num. 3:34). When the tabernacle was moved, they were in charge of the covering, the curtains, and the boards (cf. Nu 3:25–26). (Commentary) Golan - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “circle” or “enclosure.” It was a city of refuge for people who unintentionally killed someone and was located in Bashan for the part of the tribe of Manasseh living east of the Jordan River (Deuteronomy 4:43 ). It was also a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:27 ). It was located at modern Sahem el-Jolan on the eastern bank of the River el-Allan. See Cities of Refuge; Levitical Cities Beeshterah -Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “in Ashtaroth” or representing a contraction of “Beth Ashtaroth,” which means, “house of Ashtaroth.” Place east of the Jordan from territory of tribe of Manasseh set aside for the Levites (Joshua 21:27 ). 1 Chronicles 6:71 spells name “Ashtaroth.” See Ashtaroth Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge.... Golan: Christ Is a Happy Place And then, the next place is Golan, and the word Golan means “separated”—“separated.” And, when we come to the Lord Jesus, not only do we leave the things of this world, but we come into Him and are separated from the world and separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ. Second Corinthians chapter 6, verse 17 says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). But, the word here for separation is an interesting word; it means “separation that brings joy.” So, Jesus is a happy place. Say, “Happy place.” Hey, don’t feel sorry for me because I’m a Christian, I have experienced this past week the joy of the Lord that is absolutely … it’s inexplicable. You say, “Well, I’ve been saved, Pastor, but I don’t have that joy. Why don’t I have that joy?” Well, maybe you’re not separated; maybe you haven’t been to Golan. You see, you show me a person who’s let go of this world with both hands and taken hold of Jesus with both hands, and I’ll show you a person who has “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). And so, the Lord Jesus Christ—He is Christ our Savior; He is Christ our strength; He is Christ our satisfaction; He is Christ our security; He is Christ our sovereign; He is Christ our sanctification. He is a holy place, a helpful place, a harmonious place, a hiding place, the highest place, and the happy place, and His name is Jesus. Jesus is our city of refuge (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 21:28 From the tribe of Issachar, they gave Kishion with its pasture lands, Daberath with its pasture lands, Dabareh: Jos 19:12 1Ch 6:72,73 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the tribe of Issachar, they gave Kishion with its pasture lands, Daberath with its pasture lands - See orange triangles on the map in northern section section of Issachar. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Kishion - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “hard ground.” A town in Issachar allotted to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:28 ). A parallel list calls the town Kedesh (1 Chronicles 6:72 ). It has been suggested that “Kedesh in Issachar” may have arisen from a misreading of “Kishon” for “Kedesh.” The site is uncertain, perhaps modern tell Abu Qudeis, about two miles southeast of Megiddo. Daberath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “pasture.” Border city of Zebulun near Mount Tabor (Joshua 19:12 ). In Joshua 21:28 it is a city given the Levites from the territory of Issachar. It is modern Daburiyeh at the northwest foot of Mount Tabor. Joshua 21:29 Jarmuth with its pasture lands, En-gannim with its pasture lands; four cities. Jarmuth: This seems to be the same city with Remeth, Jos 10:19, 21, and Ramoth, 1 Ch 6:73, mentioned with Engannim. Jos 10:3,23 12:11 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Jarmuth with its pasture lands, En-gannim with its pasture lands; four cities - See orange triangles on the map in Issachar. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Jarmuth - Fausset's Bible Dictionary A city of Issachar, assigned to the Gershonite Levites. (Joshua 21:29). REMETH in Joshua 19:20; RAMOTH in 1 Chronicles 6:73. Both are modifications of the same root as Jarmuth. En-Gannim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “the spring of gardens.” 1. A town in the tribal territory of Judah located in the Shephalah (Joshua 15:34 ). It has been located at modern Beit Jemal, about two miles south of Beth-shemesh or at umm Giina one mile southwest of Beth-shemesh. 2. Town in tribal territory of Issachar designated as city for Levites (Joshua 19:21; Joshua 21:29 ). Anem (1 Chronicles 6:73 ) is apparently an alternate spelling. The same place may be meant in 2 Kings 9:27 by Beth Haggan (NIV, REB, NRSV) or the “garden house” (KJV, NAS). It is located at modern Jenin west of Beth-shean and about 65 miles north of Jerusalem. Joshua 21:30 From the tribe of Asher, they gave Mishal with its pasture lands, Abdon with its pasture lands, Mishal: Jos 19:25-28, Misheal, 1Ch 6:74,75, Mashal Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the tribe of Asher, they gave Mishal with its pasture lands, Abdon with its pasture lands - See orange triangles on the map in Asher. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Mishal - Easton's Bible Dictionary A city of the tribe of Asher (Joshua 21:30; 1 Chronicles 6:74 ). It is probably the modern Misalli, on the shore near Carmel. Abdon - Holman Bible Dictionary Geographical and personal name meaning “service” or “servile.” 1. A city from the tribe of Asher given the Levites (Joshua 21:30; 1 Chronicles 6:74 ). Its modern name is Khirbet Abdeh. It lies about three miles from the Mediterranean coast between Tyre and Acco. Joshua 21:31 Helkath with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities. Rehob: See the note on Nu 13:21. Jdg 1:31 18:21 1Ch 6:75 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Helkath with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities - See orange triangles on the map in Asher. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Helkath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “flat place.” Border town in the tribal allotment of Asher (Joshua 19:25 ) given to the Levites (Joshua 21:31 ). It is called Hukok in the parallel passage (1 Chronicles 6:75 ). It is either modern tell Qassis on the west bank of the Kishon River or tell tel-Harbaj just south of Acco. Rehob - Holman Bible Dictionary “broad or open place.” Town in the territory of Asher (Joshua 19:28 ,Joshua 19:28,19:30 ). Asher was not able to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants (Judges 1:31 ). Elsewhere, Rehob in Asher is assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:31; 1 Chronicles 6:75 ). The site is perhaps tell el-Gharbi about seven miles east-southeast of Acco. Joshua 21:32 From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities. Kedesh: Jos 19:37 20:7 1Ch 6:76 Hammothdor: Supposed by many to be the same as Tiberias; so called from the hot-baths, as the word {Chammoth} may denote, in its vicinity. Jos 19:35, Hammath Kartan: Supposed to be the same as Kirjathaim. 1Ch 6:76 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge (miqlat) for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities See orange triangles on the map in Naphtali .- Kedesh is far north, Kartan is on western shore of Sea of Kinnereth (Galilee). Hammoth-Dor not shown. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Kedesh - Holman Bible Dictionary A Canaanite town in eastern Galilee defeated by Joshua (Joshua 12:22 ). The town was allotted to Naphtali (Joshua 19:32 ,Joshua 19:32,19:37 ) and was called Kedesh in Naphtali (Judges 4:6 ). It was also called Kedesh in Galilee and given to the Gershonite Levites as one of their cities (Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:32 ). See Judges 4:6 ) and the place where Deborah and Barak gathered their forces for battle (Judges 4:1-10 ). Heber the Kenite pitched his tent in the vicinity where Sisera met his death at the hands of Jael, Heber's wife (Judges 4:21; Judges 5:24-27 ). Kedesh in Naphtali was captured by Tiglath-pileser III during the reign of Pekah of Israel. The inhabitants were exiled to Assyria (2 Kings 15:29 ). Usually identified with modern khirbet Qedish, about two miles south of Tiberias. Hammoth-Dor - ISB Encyclopedia חמּת דּאר , ḥammōth dō'r ; Ἐμαθδώρ , Emathdō̇r , as also several corrupt forms): A fenced, Levitical city of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35; Joshua 21:32); also named Hammen (1 Chronicles 6:61 Hebrew). Probably the hammatu of the Karnak lists, and the hamatam of WAI , II, 53; certainly the Emmaus of Josephus, Ant , XVIII , ii, 3; BJ , IV, i, 3; Hamata of ‛Erūbhı̄n Psalm 74:5; Meghillāh 2b , and the modern el -Hammām , 1 1/2 miles South of Tiberias. The name signifies "hot springs," and these, 4 in number, still exist. They have a temperature of 144 degree F., are salt and bitter in taste and sulfurous in smell. Considered invaluable for rheumatism, they are crowded in June and July. This health-giving reputation is of ancient date. It is mentioned in Josephus, BJ , IV, i, 3; and a coin of Tiberias of the reign of Trajan depicts Hygeia sitting on a rock beside the springs, feeding the serpent of Aesculapius. Being used for pleasure also, they were permitted to the Jew on the Sabbath, whereas had they been used only medicinally, they would have been forbidden (Babylonian Talmud, Shab 109a; compare Matthew 12:10 ). Kartan - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city.” A Levitical city in the tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 21:32 ). Also called Kiriathaim (1 Chronicles 6:76 ). It was located near the Sea of Galilee. Usually identified with modern khirbet el-Qureiyeh. Adrian Rogers The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge Now, not only do I want you to think about the saving nature of these cities, but think with me about the significant names of these cities. Look with me … Let’s begin and look at the names of these cities, because remember the Bible says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Proverbs 18:10). Kedesh: Christ Is the Holy Place First of all, in verse 7, there’s the word Kedesh (Joshua 20:7), and you know what that word means? It means “holiness”—“holiness,” and it speaks of Christ our dear, sinless, holy Savior. And so, when you think of Kedesh, think of a holy place. Say it: “holy place.” Say it again: “holy place.” Jesus is a holy place. You see, the Bible says of our dear Savior, He is holy and undefiled (Hebrews 7:26). He’s clean and pure, and that’s the reason He can save. You know, you can’t get dirty clothes clean if you wash them in dirty water. There’s no other sinner that can be our Savior. We need a holy person, and that’s the person the Bible says in Zechariah chapter 13 and verse 1: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1). And again, the Bible says in Hebrews 12, verse 14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Now folks, if you are not holy, you’re going to Hell. And, your only hope of holiness is for God to make you holy through the Lord Jesus Christ, so this very first place that we’re talking about speaks of Christ our Savior, a holy place—Christ our Savior. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 21:33 All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their pasture lands. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GERSHONITES 13 CITIES All the cities of the Gershonites (note) according to their families were thirteen cities with their pasture lands Joshua 21:34 To the families of the sons of Merari, the rest of the Levites, they gave from the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasture lands and Kartah with its pasture lands. To: Jos 21:7 1Ch 6:77 Jokneam: Jos 12:22 19:11,15 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries To the families of the sons of Merari (note), the rest of the Levites, they gave from the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasture lands and Kartah with its pasture lands - The rest of the Levites = the remaining Levites. See blue triangles on the map in Zebulun.- Kartah not shown. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Utley on “Merari” They numbered 6, 200 at Sinai (cf. Num. 3:34). When the tabernacle was moved they were in charge of the boards, the bars, the pillars, the sockets and the pins (cf. Num. 3:27). (Commentary) Jokneam - ISB Encyclopedia jok´nḗ - am ( יקנעם , yoḳne‛ām ): A royal city of the Canaanites taken by Joshua and described as "in Carmel" ( Joshua 12:22 ), in the territory of Zebulun, and allotted to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:34 ). The border of Zebulun "reached to the brook that is before Jokneam" (Joshua 19:11 ). In 1 Kings 4:12 the name appears in the King James Version where, with the Revised Version (British and American), we should read "Jokmeam." Eusebius, Onomasticon places it 6 Roman miles from Lejio ( Lejjūn ) on the way to Ptolemais (Acre). This points to Tell Kaimun , a striking mound on the eastern slope of Mt. Carmel. To the East of it runs the "torrent bed" of the Kishon. It stands about 300 ft. above the valley to the North of it, and the sides are steep. It is crowned by the ruins of an 18th-century fortress. A little lower down are the remains of a small chapel. There are fine springs at the foot (PEFM , II, 69 f). In Judith 7:3 it appears as "Cyamon" (Κυαμῶν , Kuamōn ). It is the "Mons Cain" of the Middle Ages. "In the Samaritan Book of Judges it is noticed as the scene of a conflict between the Hebrews and the Giants; and Joshua is said to have been shut up here in magic walls of brass, till on sending a dove to the Hebrew king of Gilead, he was rescued" (Conder, HDB , under the word). Kartah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city.” Levitical city in the territory of Zebulun (Joshua 21:34 ). Location unknown. See Levitical Cities . Joshua 21:35 Dimnah with its pasture lands, Nahalal with its pasture lands; four cities. Dimnah: This and the following verse are wholly omitted by the Masora, and many Hebrew Bibles which are esteemed very highly; though, without them, neither the twelve cities of the Merarites in particular (ver. 40,) nor the forty-eight Levitical cities in general (ver. 41), nor the six cities of refuge, can be made up. But these two verses, are thus absolutely necessary for the truth and consistency of this chapter, are happily preserved in no less than 149 MSS. collated by Dr. Kennicott, and upwards of 40 collated by De Rossi. Jos 21:35 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Dimnah with its pasture lands, Nahalal with its pasture lands; four cities. These are not shown in the blue triangles on the map in Zebulun. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Dimnah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “manure.” Town in tribal territory of Zebulun given to Levites (Joshua 21:35 ). 1 Chronicles 6:77 appears to refer to the same city as Rimmon. Compare Joshua 19:13 . A scribe copying the text could easily confuse the two names. See Rimmon . Nahalal - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “pasture” with alternate forms: Nahallal (Joshua 19:15 ); Nahalol (Judges 1:30 ). Town Zebulun's territory allotted to the Levites (Joshua 19:15; Joshua 21:35 ). The Israelites were unable to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants of the city (Judges 1:30 ). The site is uncertain. Tell-en-Nahl north of the Kishon River at the southern end of the plain of Acco is possible as are modern Nahalal about six miles west of Nazareth and tell el-Beida. Joshua 21:36 From the tribe of Reuben, they gave Bezer with its pasture lands and Jahaz with its pasture lands, Bezer: Jos 20:8 De 4:43 1Ch 6:78,79 Jahazah: Jos 13:18 Nu 21:23 1Ch 6:78, Jahzah Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the tribe of Reuben, they gave Bezer with its pasture lands and Jahaz with its pasture lands, See blue triangles on the map in Reuben (just east of Salt Sea) - see Bezer and Jahaz (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Bezer - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “inaccessible.” 1. A city of refuge in tribal territory of Reuben (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8 ), set aside as a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:36 ). It may be Umm el-Amad, eight miles northeast of Medeba. Mesha, king of Moab about 830 B.C., claimed to have rebuilt Bezer as a Moabite city. Jahaz - Holman Bible Dictionary Moabite place name perhaps meaning, “landsite.” As they journeyed from the wilderness to the Promised Land, Israel defeated King Sihon there (Numbers 21:23-24; Deuteronomy 2:32-33; Judges 11:20-21 ). Isaiah's oracle against Moab described the isolated city of Jahaz as hearing the mourning of Heshbon and Elealeh (Isaiah 15:4 ). Jeremiah issued a similar warning (Jeremiah 48:34; compare Jeremiah 48:21 ). The name also appears with the Hebrew locative ah ending, thus being spelled Jahaza or Jahazah. Jahzah is also a variant spelling. It became part of the tribal territory of Reuben ( Joshua 13:18 ) and a city of the Levites (Joshua 21:36; compare 1 Chronicles 6:78 ). On the Moabite stone, King Mesha of Moab claims an Israelite king (perhaps Jehu) built Jahaz and used it as a base in his unsuccessful fight against Mesha, Chemosh, the Moabite god driving the Israelites out. Mesha then annexed the city to Dibon. It has been variously located at Libb, six miles north of Dibon; Aleiyan; khirbet el-Medeiyineh; and khirbet Iskander, four miles north of Dibon, being the most popular suggestions. Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge.... Bezer: Christ Is a Hiding Place And then, look at the next one. The name of the next city is Bezer. Do you know what the name Bezer means? It means “stronghold”; it means “fortification,” and that speaks of Christ our safety. You remember—“the righteous run in, and they’re safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Jesus is a hiding place. Say it: “hiding place.” Jesus is a hiding place. He is a holy place. He is a helpful place. He is a harmonious place. He is a hiding place ’till the storm passes over. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. —AUGUSTUS M. TOPLADY Again, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). And, I want to tell you, friend, there is the hound of Hell, the justice that is baying at our heels, and we need to find a place to hide. And, I’m hiding in the Lord Jesus, and I trust that you are. And so, that speaks not only of Christ our satisfaction; that speaks of Christ our security. As long as an individual was in Bezer, he was absolutely secure from the judgment that was on his heels. (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 21:37 Kedemoth with its pasture lands and Mephaath with its pasture lands; four cities. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Kedemoth with its pasture lands and Mephaath with its pasture lands; four cities See blue triangles on the map in Reuben.- Kedemoth and Mephaath shown.. (Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Kedemoth - ISB Encyclopedia ked´ḗ - moth , kḗ - dē´moth ( קדמות , ḳedhēmōth , "eastern parts"): From the wilderness to which this town gave its name, Moses sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites in Heshbon ( Deuteronomy 2:26 ). It was given by Moses to the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:18 ), and assigned to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:37; 1 Chronicles 6:79 ). It must probably be sought on the upper course of the Arnon. Buhl (GAP , 268) suggests that it may be identified with Umm er -Reṣāṣ . See JAHAZ . Mephaath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “height.” Town in Reuben's tribal allotment (Joshua 13:18 ), assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:37; 1 Chronicles 6:79 ). In Jeremiah's time the town was in Moabite hands (Jeremiah 48:21 ). The site is perhaps that of modern Jawah about six miles south of Amman. Joshua 21:38 From the tribe of Gad, they gave Ramoth in Gilead, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Mahanaim with its pasture lands, Ramoth: Jos 20:8 1Ki 22:3 1Ch 6:80 Mahanaim: Ge 32:2 2Sa 17:24 19:32 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From the tribe of Gad, they gave Ramoth in Gilead, the city of refuge (miqlat) for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Mahanaim with its pasture lands See blue triangles on the map in Gad.-(Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Note that Ramoth-Gilead (see on another map) is actually shown on this map in Manasseh's territory which must be an error because it is repeatedly stated to be in territory of Gad (Dt 4:43, Josh 20:8, 1Chr 6:80). Ramoth-Gilead - Holman Bible Dictionary meaning, “heights of Gilead.” One of the cities of refuge Moses appointed for unintentional killers (Deuteronomy 4:43; compare Joshua 20:8 ) and Levitical cities (Joshua 21:38 ). It probably was located in northeastern Gilead, east of the Jordan. Solomon made Ramoth-gilead a district capital (1 Kings 4:13 ). After the division of the kingdom about 922 B.C., the city fell to Syria (1 Kings 22:3 ) and remained there for almost seventy years. Ahab attempted to retake the city but was mortally wounded in the battle (1 Kings 22:29-40 ). Joram did recapture the city (2 Kings 9:14; compare 2 Kings 8:28 ). In Ramoth-gilead Elisha anointed Jehu as king over Israel (2 Kings 9:1-6 ). In 722 B.C. the region was taken by Assyria. Mahanaim - Watson's Theological Dictionary a city of the Levites, of the family of Merari, in the tribe of Gad, upon the brook Jabbok, Joshua 21:38; Joshua 13:26 . The name Mahanaim signifies "two hosts," or "two fields." The patriarch gave it this name because in this place he had a vision of angels coming to meet him, Genesis 32:2 . Mahanaim was the seat of the kingdom of Ishbosheth, after the death of Saul, 2 Samuel 2:9; 2 Samuel 2:12 . It was also to this place that David retired during the usurpation of Absalom, 2 Samuel 17:24; and this rebellious son was subdued, and suffered death, not far from this city. Adrian Rogers - The Significant Names of the Cities of Refuge.... Ramoth: Christ Is the Highest Place And, the name of the next city was Ramoth—Ramoth. And, the name Ramoth means “exalted,” and that speaks of Christ our sovereign. “High and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1) is our Lord, and Jesus is the highest place. Say, “Highest place”—“highest place.” You see, the Bible teaches that when we get saved, when we come to Jesus, we’re seated with Him in heavenly places. And again, Peter, preaching on the day of Pentecost, said in Acts chapter 2, verse 33: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted” (Acts 2:33). Our Lord is exalted. Philippians 2, verse 9: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). Jesus is the holy place. Jesus is a helpful place. Jesus is a harmonious place. Jesus is a hiding place. Jesus is the highest place. You’ll never find anything better than Jesus; you’ll never need anything more than the Lord Jesus. He is the highest of the high. Hallelujah! What a Savior! (Excerpt from When Great Men Die Like Fools) Joshua 21:39 Heshbon with its pasture lands, Jazer with its pasture lands; four cities in all. Heshbon: Jos 13:17,21 Nu 21:26-30 32:37 1Ch 6:81 Jazer: Nu 32:1,3,35, Jaazer, Isa 16:8,9 Jer 48:32 Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Heshbon with its pasture lands, Jazer with its pasture lands; four cities in all. See blue triangles on the map in Gad.-(Suggestion - open this map in a new window and click to enlarge). Heshbon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “reckoning.” City in Moab ruled by Sihon and captured by Moses (Numbers 21:21-30 ). Ancient Heshbon, to be identified with present-day tell Hesban, was one of several ancient cities situated on the rolling and fertile plateau east of the Dead Sea and north of the Arnon River (present-day Wadi Mojib). Two of the other cities nearby, often mentioned by the biblical writers in connection with Heshbon, were Elealeh and Medeba. The agriculturally-productive region in which these cities were located was much disputed territory during Old Testament times. Generally it was regarded as part of Moab, as is assumed in Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48:1 . Yet the Israelite tribes of Reuben and Gad ranged with their sheep in this region (Numbers 32:3 ,Numbers 32:3,32:37 ). The Israelites laid claim to it on the grounds that Moses had taken all of the territory as far south as the Arnon from Sihon, an Amorite king who ruled from Heshbon (Numbers 21:21-31 ). Certain of the stronger Israelite kings (David, Omri, and Ahab) were able to control all of that area. Apparently, the Ammonites claimed the region as well, as implied by the exchange of messages between Jephthah and the Ammonite king related in Judges 11:12-28 . Heshbon was assigned to the tribe of Gad and designated as a Levitical city according to Joshua 13:27-28; Joshua 21:38-39 . Song of Song of Solomon 7:4 , describing a maiden's beauty, proclaims “thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon.” Herod the Great fortified the site, and it became a flourishing city (called Esbus) during late Roman times. Esbus continued as an active city during the Byzantine period (fourth through the sixth centuries A.D.), at which time its population embraced Christianity. A bishop from Esbus participated in the council of Chalcedon. Excavations at tell Hesban, conducted between 1968,1978, produced occupational remains ranging from the beginning of the Iron Age (about 1200 B.C.) through medieval times. No evidence of pre-Iron Age occupation was discovered at the site. That is the period when King Sihon was supposed to have ruled from the city. See Gad; Moab; Reuben; Sihon . Jazer - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “May He help.” Amorite city state Israel conquered while marching across the land east of the Jordan towards the Promised Land (Numbers 21:32 ). The tribe of Gad rebuilt and settled Jazer (Numbers 32:35; compare Joshua 13:25 ). Joshua assigned it to the Levites (Joshua 21:39 ). Isaiah pronounced judgment on Jazer while preaching against Moab (Isaiah 16:8-9 ). Jeremiah echoed him (Jeremiah 48:32 ). David found outstanding leaders there (1 Chronicles 26:32 ). It was also an important city in the period between the Testaments (1Maccabbees 1 Chronicles 5:8 ). Interpreters debate Jazer's exact location. German archaeologists appear to favor tell el-Areme, while Israelis point to khirbet es-Sar about eight miles west of Amman. Others point to khirbet Jazzir about two miles south of es-Salt. Joshua 21:40 All these were the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries 12 CITIES TO MERARITES All these were the cities of the sons of Merari (note) according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot (goral) was twelve cities - The rest of the families of the Levites refers to "the remaining Levites" (NET), "the remainder of the clans" (ESV). See blue triangles on the map for their 12 cities. Joshua 21:41 All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the sons of Israel were forty-eight cities with their pasture lands. in the midst : Ge 49:7 Nu 35:1-8 De 33:10 forty-eight cities: At the last census, the tribe of Levi amounted only to 23,000 (Nu 36:62); and it is thought by some that forty-eight cities was too great a proportion for this tribe. But it should be considered, that cities in ancient times were little more than villages. Joshua 21 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF THE GIFTS TO THE LEVITES All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the sons of Israel were forty-eight cities with their pasture lands - Note that 10/48 Levitical cities were located east of the Jordan River - Two in half-tribe of Manasseh (Josh 21:27), four in Reuben (Josh 21:36–37) and four in Gad (Josh 21:38–39). Ultimately this dispersion of Levi throughout the nation was a fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic curse in Genesis 49:7 "Cursed be their (Simeon and Levi - Ge 49:5) anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel." Donald Campbell explains that Jacob uttered the curse on Simeon and Levi because of "their senseless murder of the Shechemites (Gen. 34). In the case of Levi’s descendants God overruled to preserve their tribal identity and make them a blessing to all Israel. He did this because the Levites stood with Moses at a time of acute crisis (Ex. 32:26) and because Phinehas (a Levite and Eleazar’s son) vindicated God’s righteous name in the plains of Moab (Num. 25:7-13)....But at the time of the assignment many of the Levites’ towns were under Canaanite control and had to be conquered. Apparently the Levites did not always succeed and the other tribes did not offer to help. This would appear to be the simplest explanation for the lack of complete correlation between the list of Levitical cities here and the list in 1 Chronicles 6:54–81. (See the chart below on Levite towns)" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Henry
Josué 21
Henry - ‘The inviolable truth of God’s promise, and the performance of it to the utmost, is what all the saints have been ready to bear their testimony to; and if in any thing it has seemed to come short, they have been as ready to own that they themselves must bear all the blame.’ Scott - ‘In due season all the promises of God will be accomplished to His true people; and their believing hope, and patient waiting and self-denying obedience, will terminate in joyful songs of triumph, and thankful celebrations of his faithfulness, love, and power. Then it will be universally acknowledged that there hath not failed nothing of any good thing which the Lord had spoken: nay, that He has exceeded their largest expectations (cf Eph 3:20), and made them more than conquerors (cf Ro 8:37), and brought them to their delightful rest and inheritance (cf Ps 37:11). May none of us at that season be found among his enemies, “who shall be destroyed forever. (Ps 92:7KJV)” ’ Alan Redpath -“In the light of the Cross, is it not true that the enemy has no right to dwell in the land? Is it not true that Satan’s claim to your life was taken from him at Calvary? Is it not true that sin has no right to a foothold in the life of the child of God? Is it not true that Satan has no power in the presence of Omnipotence? Is it not true that by virtue of His blood and His resurrection, Jesus Christ is pledged to destroy the enemy utterly? Is it not true that in the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit there is strength for every temptation, grace for every trial, power to overcome every difficulty?” Life Application Study Bible - God proved faithful in fulfilling every promise he had given to Israel. Fulfillment of some promises took several years, but “not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled.” God’s promises will be fulfilled according to his timetable, not ours, but we know that his word is sure. The more we learn of those promises God has fulfilled and continues to fulfill, the easier it is to hope for those yet to come. Sometimes we become impatient, wanting God to act in a certain way now. Instead, we should faithfully do what we know he wants us to do and trust him for the future. J D Douglas - “Fathers” (v43) generally means the patriarchs (Woudstra). These verses wind up the history of the dividing of the land that was begun in 13:1, 7. All the promises made, from Abraham down to Joshua, had been or were being fulfilled (cf. Josh 21:43 with Josh 1:6 and Josh 21:44 with Josh 1:5). The recorded experience of the Israelites (Josh 21:45) is a ground of hope and confidence to the people of God in every age, that all other promises made throughout the Scripture will, in due time, be accomplished. In point of fact, not all the inhabitants of Canaan had been destroyed. And as seen most clearly in the cases of Dan and Asher, not all assigned territories were by any means fully occupied. It appears, then, that the theological significance of Josh 21:43 is to show that God was indeed faithful to his promise (Butler). But Israel’s failure to take certain areas reflected on their lack of faith or resolve (e.g., Josh 17:15–18; 18:2, 3). (New Commentary on the Whole Bible: Old Testament) Don Anderson - There are four things that stand out to underscore the Lord's faithfulness in these last verses: He gave Israel all the land. He gave them rest. He handed all their enemies over to them. Every good promise was fulfilled--none failed . Spurgeon from Power in Prayer - God’s Promise Another mighty piece of ordinance in the battle of prayer is God’s promise. When Jacob was on the other side of the brook Jabbok and his brother Esau was coming with armed men, he pleaded with God not to allow Esau to destroy the mother and the children. As a master reason he pleaded, “And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good” (Gen. 32:12). Oh, the force of that plea! He was holding God to His word: “Thou saidst.” The attribute is a splendid horn of the altar to lay hold upon; but the promise, which has in it the attribute and something more, is a yet mightier holdfast. “Thou saidst.” Remember how David put it. After Nathan had spoken the promise, David said at the close of his prayer, “Do as thou hast said” (2 Sam. 7:25). “Do as thou hast said.” That is a legitimate argument with every honest man. “God is not a man, that he should lie...hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). Will He not be true? Will He not keep His word? Will not every word that comes out of His lips stand fast and be fulfilled? Solomon, at the opening of the temple, used this same mighty plea. He pleads with God to remember the word that He had spoken to his father David and to bless that place. When a man gives a promissory note, his honor is engaged. He signs it with his signature, and he must discharge it when the due time comes, or else he loses credit. It will never be said that God dishonors His bills. The credit of the Most High never was impeached and never will be. He is punctual to the moment; He is never before His time, but He is never behind it. You can search this Book through and compare it with the experience of God’s people, and the two match from the first to the last. Many an aged patriarch has said with Joshua in his old age, “There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken...all came to pass” (Josh. 21:45). My friend, if you have a divine promise, you need not plead it with an “if” in it; you may plead with a certainty. If, for the mercy that you are now asking, you have God’s solemnly pledged word, there will scarcely be any room for caution about submission to His will. You know His will. That will is in the promise. Plead it. Do not give Him rest until He fulfills it. He meant to fulfill it, or else He would not have given it. H A