Here, the Levites received two cities (Anathoth and Almon) among four in total, further illustrating the Lord’s intentional design in distributing resources for His ministers during the days of Joshua.
In Joshua 21, the people of Israel designate specific cities for the Levites, ensuring they have a portion in the inheritance of the land. In the middle of these allocations, we see the verse state, “Anathoth with its pasture lands and Almon with its pasture lands; four cities.” (v.18) Here, the tribe of Benjamin provides these two locations, along with their corresponding pasture lands, contributing to the total number of four Levitical cities in that region. This highlights the careful structure established by the Lord through Joshua (around 1406-1389 BC), where every tribe contributed to caring for the priestly class, thereby symbolizing a unified nation under God. Just as the Levites were servants in the tabernacle, scattered throughout the Promised Land for God’s purposes, likewise believers today can see themselves as “a chosen race…a people for God’s own possession” in the New Testament (1 Peter 2:9).
Regarding geography, “Anathoth with its pasture lands” (v.18) stood a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, within the tribe of Benjamin’s territory. Many centuries later, around the late seventh to early sixth century BC, the prophet Jeremiah would rise from this very town (Jeremiah 1:1). Such a connection underscores how God used these Levitical cities and their priestly heritage to shape the course of Israel’s history. Almon, also included in “Almon with its pasture lands; four cities” (v.18), lay nearby, further anchoring the Levites in close proximity to the people they served. Both locations played a role in fulfilling God’s design for a deeply interconnected Israelite society, where every tribe was responsible for providing space for worship and instruction in God’s commands.
The number of Levitical cities in Benjamin, indicated by the phrase “four cities” (v.18), underscores the completeness of this particular parcel. Their presence within Benjamin’s borders was part of a broader plan where each tribe’s territory supported members of the Levite clan, who did not inherit a separate tribal region but instead were called to minister among the people. This provision parallels the Christian idea that each member of the body of Christ is called to serve wherever God has placed them (Romans 12:4-8). Through these specific assignments, God’s people were reminded of His constant presence and guidance, building a pattern of devotion and obedience.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 21:18 meaning
In Joshua 21, the people of Israel designate specific cities for the Levites, ensuring they have a portion in the inheritance of the land. In the middle of these allocations, we see the verse state, “Anathoth with its pasture lands and Almon with its pasture lands; four cities.” (v.18) Here, the tribe of Benjamin provides these two locations, along with their corresponding pasture lands, contributing to the total number of four Levitical cities in that region. This highlights the careful structure established by the Lord through Joshua (around 1406-1389 BC), where every tribe contributed to caring for the priestly class, thereby symbolizing a unified nation under God. Just as the Levites were servants in the tabernacle, scattered throughout the Promised Land for God’s purposes, likewise believers today can see themselves as “a chosen race…a people for God’s own possession” in the New Testament (1 Peter 2:9).
Regarding geography, “Anathoth with its pasture lands” (v.18) stood a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, within the tribe of Benjamin’s territory. Many centuries later, around the late seventh to early sixth century BC, the prophet Jeremiah would rise from this very town (Jeremiah 1:1). Such a connection underscores how God used these Levitical cities and their priestly heritage to shape the course of Israel’s history. Almon, also included in “Almon with its pasture lands; four cities” (v.18), lay nearby, further anchoring the Levites in close proximity to the people they served. Both locations played a role in fulfilling God’s design for a deeply interconnected Israelite society, where every tribe was responsible for providing space for worship and instruction in God’s commands.
The number of Levitical cities in Benjamin, indicated by the phrase “four cities” (v.18), underscores the completeness of this particular parcel. Their presence within Benjamin’s borders was part of a broader plan where each tribe’s territory supported members of the Levite clan, who did not inherit a separate tribal region but instead were called to minister among the people. This provision parallels the Christian idea that each member of the body of Christ is called to serve wherever God has placed them (Romans 12:4-8). Through these specific assignments, God’s people were reminded of His constant presence and guidance, building a pattern of devotion and obedience.