This verse shows how God ensured the Levites were provided for while serving among His people.
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.” (v.2)
In this verse, the heads of the Levite families approach Israel’s leadership at Shiloh, reminding them of God’s instruction given through Moses. Shiloh was situated in the central hill country of Canaan, roughly twenty miles north of what later became Jerusalem. It served as a significant gathering place for the Israelites and the location where the tabernacle was set up during much of Joshua’s leadership. Here, the Levites insist that the inheritance promised to them by the LORD, speaking through Moses (circa 1526-1406 BC), must now be fulfilled. Since the Levites did not receive a land allotment like the other tribes (Numbers 18:23-24), God provided for them through cities scattered across the territories of Israel, complete with pasturelands for their cattle and flocks.
This moment underscores how the Israelites valued obedience to their covenant with the LORD. The Levites’ request, rooted in a divine command, highlights the vital role they played in teaching the law, offering sacrifices, and guiding sacred worship. Their cities were not granted to elevate the Levites above others, but to ensure that they would be supported as they continually served as ministers before God and Israel. By raising their voice at Shiloh, they reminded the people of Israel that the LORD’s instructions were to be diligently carried out, thus preserving unity and fairness.
Receiving these lands with pasturelands reflected a faithful response to the LORD’s words through Moses. By honoring God’s command, the Israelites demonstrated a willingness to carry out His plans in humility and devotion.
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Joshua 21:2 meaning
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.” (v.2)
In this verse, the heads of the Levite families approach Israel’s leadership at Shiloh, reminding them of God’s instruction given through Moses. Shiloh was situated in the central hill country of Canaan, roughly twenty miles north of what later became Jerusalem. It served as a significant gathering place for the Israelites and the location where the tabernacle was set up during much of Joshua’s leadership. Here, the Levites insist that the inheritance promised to them by the LORD, speaking through Moses (circa 1526-1406 BC), must now be fulfilled. Since the Levites did not receive a land allotment like the other tribes (Numbers 18:23-24), God provided for them through cities scattered across the territories of Israel, complete with pasturelands for their cattle and flocks.
This moment underscores how the Israelites valued obedience to their covenant with the LORD. The Levites’ request, rooted in a divine command, highlights the vital role they played in teaching the law, offering sacrifices, and guiding sacred worship. Their cities were not granted to elevate the Levites above others, but to ensure that they would be supported as they continually served as ministers before God and Israel. By raising their voice at Shiloh, they reminded the people of Israel that the LORD’s instructions were to be diligently carried out, thus preserving unity and fairness.
Receiving these lands with pasturelands reflected a faithful response to the LORD’s words through Moses. By honoring God’s command, the Israelites demonstrated a willingness to carry out His plans in humility and devotion.