This verse highlights how God distributes service and responsibility among His people to fulfill His redemptive purpose in the world.
When describing the allocation of cities for the Levites, the scripture says, “The sons of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the families of the tribe of Issachar and from the tribe of Asher and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan” (v.6). This brief statement comes in the larger context of allocating specific cities to the priests and Levites, ensuring that every clan among them would have a place to dwell in the Promised Land. The “sons of Gershon”—descendants of Gershon, who was one of Levi’s three sons—were distributed among these four tribal regions, meaning they were placed in a wide geographical spread. Each place mentioned—Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and half of Manasseh’s territory in Bashan—represents different territories throughout northern Israel, close to the Galilee region and eastward stretching into the Transjordan area known as Bashan. Issachar’s land was situated in the fertile areas south of the Sea of Galilee; Asher’s territory ran along the Mediterranean coast in the northwestern portion; Naphtali extended along the western hills of the Sea of Galilee; and Bashan was a region east of the Jordan River.
Historically, Gershon’s descendants would have lived and ministered centuries before the monarchy in Israel was established, serving faithfully in the generation after Joshua’s conquest (around 1400 BC) and well into the period of the Judges. Placing the Levites throughout these tribal territories fulfilled God’s intention that His appointed spiritual ministers be intertwined among the other tribes, offering guidance, teaching, and worship of the Lord within easy reach of the people. This arrangement echoed God’s heart behind scattering His priests throughout all Israel, ensuring that spiritual leadership was readily accessible. It is reminiscent of the New Testament principle where Jesus calls believers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14 not italicized as it is only a supporting verse), meaning God’s people are to remain present and influential among all the nations.
Furthermore, “The sons of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot” (v.6) reminds us of God’s sovereign hand in distributing inheritances. In the broader narrative of Joshua, no tribe or family chose their cities by personal preference alone; God guided the process, verifying that each group’s placement was divinely orchestrated. This leads us to observe a biblical pattern: the Creator not only delivers His people out of bondage but also settles them in a land where they can serve Him and bless others. This principle of inheritance and responsibility seen here ultimately foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance into which Jesus Christ invites all believers (Ephesians 1:11 not italicized as it is a supporting verse).
Set to dark mode
Joshua 21:6 meaning
When describing the allocation of cities for the Levites, the scripture says, “The sons of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the families of the tribe of Issachar and from the tribe of Asher and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan” (v.6). This brief statement comes in the larger context of allocating specific cities to the priests and Levites, ensuring that every clan among them would have a place to dwell in the Promised Land. The “sons of Gershon”—descendants of Gershon, who was one of Levi’s three sons—were distributed among these four tribal regions, meaning they were placed in a wide geographical spread. Each place mentioned—Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and half of Manasseh’s territory in Bashan—represents different territories throughout northern Israel, close to the Galilee region and eastward stretching into the Transjordan area known as Bashan. Issachar’s land was situated in the fertile areas south of the Sea of Galilee; Asher’s territory ran along the Mediterranean coast in the northwestern portion; Naphtali extended along the western hills of the Sea of Galilee; and Bashan was a region east of the Jordan River.
Historically, Gershon’s descendants would have lived and ministered centuries before the monarchy in Israel was established, serving faithfully in the generation after Joshua’s conquest (around 1400 BC) and well into the period of the Judges. Placing the Levites throughout these tribal territories fulfilled God’s intention that His appointed spiritual ministers be intertwined among the other tribes, offering guidance, teaching, and worship of the Lord within easy reach of the people. This arrangement echoed God’s heart behind scattering His priests throughout all Israel, ensuring that spiritual leadership was readily accessible. It is reminiscent of the New Testament principle where Jesus calls believers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14 not italicized as it is only a supporting verse), meaning God’s people are to remain present and influential among all the nations.
Furthermore, “The sons of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot” (v.6) reminds us of God’s sovereign hand in distributing inheritances. In the broader narrative of Joshua, no tribe or family chose their cities by personal preference alone; God guided the process, verifying that each group’s placement was divinely orchestrated. This leads us to observe a biblical pattern: the Creator not only delivers His people out of bondage but also settles them in a land where they can serve Him and bless others. This principle of inheritance and responsibility seen here ultimately foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance into which Jesus Christ invites all believers (Ephesians 1:11 not italicized as it is a supporting verse).