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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 21:7 And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/21-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/06_Jos_21_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 21:7 - Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/21-6.htm" title="Joshua 21:6">◄</a> Joshua 21:7 <a href="/joshua/21-8.htm" title="Joshua 21:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The descendants of Merari, according to their clans, received twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The clan of Merari was allotted twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The Merarites according to their clans received from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The children of Merari by their families <i>had</i> out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The children of Merari according to their families had twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the sons of Merari according to their families twelve cities <i>were given</i> from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The sons of Merari according to their families received twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The sons of Merari according to their families received twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The sons of Merari according to their families received twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Merari according to their families received twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Merari’s descendants received twelve cities for their clans from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Merari&#8217s descendants received 12 cities for their clans from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joshua/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The clans that were descendants of Merari received 12 towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Merari's descendants received 12 cities for their families from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The families of the clan of Merari were assigned twelve cities from the territories of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The descendants of Merari, allocated according to their families, received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Merari's descendants by their clans were allotted twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The descendants of Merari according to their families had twelve cities by lot out of the tribe of Reuben, out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The children of Merari according to their families had twelve cities out of the tribe of Reuben, out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For the sons of Merari, for their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, [are] twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For the sons of Merari, for their families, are, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To the sons of Merari according to their families, from the tribe of Reuben, and from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulon, twelve cities.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And to the sons of Merari by their kindreds, of the tribes of Ruben and or Cad and of Zabulon, twelve cities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And to the sons of Merari, by their families, from the tribes of Reuben and Gad and Zebulun, there went twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun, the clans of the Merarites obtained twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Merarites according to their families received twelve towns from the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the tribe of Zebulun.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the descendants of Merari by their families had from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And for the children of Marari for their families they gave from the tribe of Rubil, and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Merari according to their families had by lot twelve cities, out of the tribe of Ruben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zabulon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/21-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5323" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/21.htm">Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">And the descendants</a> <a href="/hebrew/4847.htm" title="4847: mə·rā·rî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. From marar; bitter; Merari, an Israelite.">of Merari</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·têm (Number-fd) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">received twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘eś·rêh (Number-fs) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rîm (N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām (Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: mim·maṭ·ṭêh (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking.">from the tribes</a> <a href="/hebrew/7205.htm" title="7205: rə·’ū·ḇên (N-proper-ms) -- From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob.">of Reuben,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: ū·mim·maṭ·ṭêh- (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1410.htm" title="1410: ḡāḏ (N-proper-ms) -- From guwd; Gad, a son of Jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet.">Gad,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: ū·mim·maṭ·ṭêh (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2074.htm" title="2074: zə·ḇū·lun (N-proper-ms) -- Or Zbuluwn; or Zbuwlun; from zabal; habitation; Zebulon, a son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe.">and Zebulun.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-1.htm">Numbers 35:1-8</a></span><br />Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: / “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm">Deuteronomy 18:1-2</a></span><br />The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/13-14.htm">Joshua 13:14</a></span><br />To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The food offerings to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/14-3.htm">Joshua 14:3-4</a></span><br />For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites. / The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/18-7.htm">Joshua 18:7</a></span><br />The Levites, however, have no portion among you, because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan to the east.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-54.htm">1 Chronicles 6:54-81</a></span><br />Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-32.htm">Leviticus 25:32-34</a></span><br />As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-20.htm">Numbers 18:20-24</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-28.htm">Ezekiel 44:28</a></span><br />In regard to their inheritance, I am their inheritance. You are to give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Hebrews 7:5</a></span><br />Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-36.htm">Acts 4:36-37</a></span><br />Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), / sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Matthew 10:10</a></span><br />Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13-14</a></span><br />Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a></span><br />you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16</a></span><br />to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Joshua 21:34-40</a></b></br> And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/6-19.htm">Exodus 6:19</a></b></br> And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these <i>are</i> the families of Levi according to their generations.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/3-20.htm">Numbers 3:20</a></b></br> And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These <i>are</i> the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/21-4.htm">Clan</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/numbers/26-57.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/numbers/26-57.htm">Merar'ites</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Received</a> <a href="/joshua/20-8.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/joshua/19-15.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/joshua/19-34.htm">Zebulun</a> <a href="/joshua/19-34.htm">Zeb'ulun</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/21-8.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-8.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/judges/4-17.htm">Clan</a> <a href="/joshua/21-10.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/joshua/21-8.htm">Lot</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-63.htm">Merar'ites</a> <a href="/joshua/21-23.htm">Received</a> <a href="/joshua/21-36.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/joshua/21-8.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/21-9.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/joshua/21-9.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/joshua/21-40.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Zebulun</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Zeb'ulun</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/21-1.htm">Forty-eight cities given by lot, out of the other tribes unto the Levites.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/21-43.htm">God gives the land, and rest unto the Israelites, according to his promise</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And the descendants of Merari</b><br>The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, the others being the Gershonites and the Kohathites. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities to dwell in. The Merarites were responsible for the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment (<a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Numbers 3:36-37</a>). This division of labor among the Levites highlights the organized structure of Israelite worship and the importance of maintaining the tabernacle, which was central to Israel's religious life.<p><b>received twelve cities</b><br>The allocation of cities to the Levites fulfilled God's command to provide for the tribe that served in the tabernacle (<a href="/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35:1-8</a>). The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or the people of God, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The provision of these cities ensured that the Levites were distributed throughout Israel, allowing them to teach the Law and maintain the spiritual health of the nation.<p><b>from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun</b><br>These tribes were located on both sides of the Jordan River. Reuben and Gad settled east of the Jordan, while Zebulun was located in the northern part of Canaan. The distribution of Levitical cities among these tribes ensured that the Levites had a presence throughout the land, facilitating their role as spiritual leaders and teachers. This arrangement also fulfilled the promise that the Levites would have no inheritance of land but would be supported by the other tribes (<a href="/deuteronomy/18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:1-2</a>). The inclusion of cities from both sides of the Jordan River emphasizes the unity of the Israelite nation despite geographical divisions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/descendants_of_merari.htm">Descendants of Merari</a></b><br>One of the three main divisions of the Levites, the descendants of Merari were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's structural components. They were given cities to dwell in as part of their inheritance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_reuben.htm">Tribe of Reuben</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. They settled on the east side of the Jordan River.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_gad.htm">Tribe of Gad</a></b><br>Another tribe of Israel, descended from Gad, one of Jacob's sons. They also settled on the east side of the Jordan River.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_zebulun.htm">Tribe of Zebulun</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel, descended from Zebulun, one of Jacob's sons. They settled in the northern part of Canaan.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/allocation_of_cities.htm">Allocation of Cities</a></b><br>This event refers to the distribution of cities to the Levites, who did not receive a specific territory like the other tribes but were given cities within the territories of other tribes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_his_servants.htm">God's Provision for His Servants</a></b><br>The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. Even though they did not receive a large territory, God ensured they had a place to live and serve.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/interdependence_among_god's_people.htm">Interdependence Among God's People</a></b><br>The Levites living among the other tribes highlights the interdependence within the community of God's people. Each tribe had a role, and the Levites' presence was a spiritual blessing to the others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>The Levites' role required them to be faithful in their service to God and the community. This is a reminder for us to be diligent and faithful in whatever role God has given us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance_beyond_material_possessions.htm">Inheritance Beyond Material Possessions</a></b><br>The Levites' inheritance was unique, pointing to a spiritual inheritance that transcends material possessions. This encourages believers to value spiritual blessings over earthly wealth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_blessings_for_his_sons.htm">What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_prophecies_in_the_bible.htm">What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/names_and_meanings_of_israel's_tribes.htm">What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_tola,_jair,_ibzan,_elon,_abdon.htm">Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/21-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The descendants</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנֵ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Merari</span><br /><span class="heb">מְרָרִ֜י</span> <span class="translit">(mə·rā·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4847.htm">Strong's 4847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Merari -- a son of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">received twelve</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁתֵּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(šə·têm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cities</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the tribes</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמַּטֵּ֨ה</span> <span class="translit">(mim·maṭ·ṭêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4294.htm">Strong's 4294: </a> </span><span class="str2">A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Reuben,</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאוּבֵ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7205.htm">Strong's 7205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gad,</span><br /><span class="heb">גָד֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḡāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gad -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe and its territory, also a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Zebulun.</span><br /><span class="heb">זְבוּלֻ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(zə·ḇū·lun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2074.htm">Strong's 2074: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zebulun -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and their territory</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/21-7.htm">Joshua 21:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/21-7.htm">OT History: Joshua 21:7 The children of Merari according to their (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/21-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 21:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/21-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 21:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>