The Merarites’ allotment of twelve cities from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun demonstrates God’s purposeful plan to integrate worship, instruction, and service into all corners of Israel.
“The sons of Merari according to their families had twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun.” (Joshua 21:7) In this verse, the distribution of Levitical cities continues as the Merarites, one of Levi’s three main family branches, receive their share of cities to dwell in. Their inheritance of twelve cities came from three different Israelite tribes—Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun—thus fulfilling the Lord’s requirement that Levites be sprinkled throughout the Promised Land rather than occupying a singular territory. Historically, Merari was the third son of Levi, alongside Gershon and Kohath, living during the time that Israel grew from a family of seventy in Egypt into a nation (around the 15th-13th centuries BC). Serving as a branch of the Levitical priesthood, the Merarites were responsible for carrying the framework of Israel’s tabernacle (Numbers 3:36), and God’s design of placing them in these cities provided for their physical needs and allowed them to instruct the people in worship and obedience.
The three tribes from whom these cities were allotted each had distinct geographical locations. Reuben’s territory lay east of the Jordan River near the Arnon River, bordering Moab, while Gad settled just north of Reuben and also on the Jordan’s eastern side. Zebulun was situated in the northern part of Canaan, an area later associated with pivotal events in Israel’s history, such as the ministry of Jesus in Galilee (Matthew 4:13-15). By placing Merarite Levites among experienced shepherds in Reuben, strong warriors in Gad, and farmlands in Zebulun, the LORD assured the teaching of His laws throughout both the eastern and western regions of the Jordan, preserving community worship and unity across the land (Deuteronomy 4:43 describes how some Merarite cities, like Bezer, were specifically set apart as places of refuge).
Furthermore, Joshua 21:7 illustrates God’s continued fulfillment of earlier instructions given through Moses for the Levites to be scattered among all Israel. Their calling to uphold the sacrificial system and teach righteous living pointed forward to the final High Priest, Jesus Christ, who once for all offered Himself in lieu of continual temple sacrifices (Hebrews 7:27). Yet, just as the Merarites needed dwelling spaces to serve diligently in their duties, believers today also need a faithful community and place of service, seeking to glorify God and bless the wider body of Christ.
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Joshua 21:7 meaning
“The sons of Merari according to their families had twelve cities from the tribe of Reuben and from the tribe of Gad and from the tribe of Zebulun.” (Joshua 21:7) In this verse, the distribution of Levitical cities continues as the Merarites, one of Levi’s three main family branches, receive their share of cities to dwell in. Their inheritance of twelve cities came from three different Israelite tribes—Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun—thus fulfilling the Lord’s requirement that Levites be sprinkled throughout the Promised Land rather than occupying a singular territory. Historically, Merari was the third son of Levi, alongside Gershon and Kohath, living during the time that Israel grew from a family of seventy in Egypt into a nation (around the 15th-13th centuries BC). Serving as a branch of the Levitical priesthood, the Merarites were responsible for carrying the framework of Israel’s tabernacle (Numbers 3:36), and God’s design of placing them in these cities provided for their physical needs and allowed them to instruct the people in worship and obedience.
The three tribes from whom these cities were allotted each had distinct geographical locations. Reuben’s territory lay east of the Jordan River near the Arnon River, bordering Moab, while Gad settled just north of Reuben and also on the Jordan’s eastern side. Zebulun was situated in the northern part of Canaan, an area later associated with pivotal events in Israel’s history, such as the ministry of Jesus in Galilee (Matthew 4:13-15). By placing Merarite Levites among experienced shepherds in Reuben, strong warriors in Gad, and farmlands in Zebulun, the LORD assured the teaching of His laws throughout both the eastern and western regions of the Jordan, preserving community worship and unity across the land (Deuteronomy 4:43 describes how some Merarite cities, like Bezer, were specifically set apart as places of refuge).
Furthermore, Joshua 21:7 illustrates God’s continued fulfillment of earlier instructions given through Moses for the Levites to be scattered among all Israel. Their calling to uphold the sacrificial system and teach righteous living pointed forward to the final High Priest, Jesus Christ, who once for all offered Himself in lieu of continual temple sacrifices (Hebrews 7:27). Yet, just as the Merarites needed dwelling spaces to serve diligently in their duties, believers today also need a faithful community and place of service, seeking to glorify God and bless the wider body of Christ.