Joshua-Chapter-21b

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Re Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2“Mechon-Mamre.org (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org (SEF), three brilliant versions, although JPS-1917 is my preferred version!

Colour coded details of our beloved TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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Joshua Chapter 21      

Part Two.…….

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction:

The chapter also closes with a sweeping summary: the land was settled, the promises made to the ancestors were fulfilled, and Israel enjoyed stability. It concludes with a powerful summary of אֱלֹהִים Elohim’s (God’s) absolute faithfulness in delivering every promise made to the patriarchs.

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Part Two of Joshua Chapter 21, verses 21 to 43: Whilst below the verses are the Explanation’s. (The Chapter is from JPS-1917 version of the Torah).

21. And they gave them Shechem with the open land about it in the hill-country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with the open land about it; 

Explanation Verse 21: Shechem is listed as a city of refuge, showing that each Levitical division includes at least one such city.

22. and Kibzaim with the open land about it, and Beth-horon with the open land about it; four cities.

Explanation Verse 22: Additional Ephraimite cities are assigned, forming a cluster in the central hill country.

23. And out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with the open land about it, Gibbethon with the open land about it;

Explanation Verse 23: The list expands into the territory of Dan, showing geographic diversity.

24. Aijalon with the open land about it, Gath-rimmon with the open land about it; four cities.

Explanation Verse 24: More Danite cities are included, completing that portion of the allotment.

25. And out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with the open land about it, and Gath-rimmon with the open land about it; two cities.

Explanation Verse 25: Half‑Manasseh contributes cities, extending the Kohathite presence northward.

26. All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with the open land about them.

Explanation Verse 26: The total number of cities for this group is given, confirming the distribution.

27. And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Beeshterah with the open land about it; two cities.

Explanation Verse 27: The Gershonites receive Golan in Bashan as a city of refuge, anchoring their presence in the northeast.

28. And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with the open land about it, Dobrath with the open land about it;

Explanation Verse 28: Issachar contributes cities, placing Gershonites in the fertile Jezreel Valley.

29. Jarmuth with the open land about it, En-gannim with the open land about it; four cities.

Explanation Verse 29: More Issachar cities are listed, completing that region’s contribution.

30. And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with the open land about it, Abdon with the open land about it;

Explanation Verse 30: Asher’s cities are assigned, extending the Gershonite presence to the northern coast.

31. Helkath with the open land about it, and Rehob with the open land about it; four cities.

Explanation Verse 31: Additional Asherite cities are listed, forming a coastal cluster.

32. And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with the open land about it, and Kartan with the open land about it; three cities.

Explanation Verse 32: Naphtali contributes cities, including Kedesh, another city of refuge. This gives the Gershonites a significant northern presence.

33. All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with the open land about them.

Explanation Verse 33: The total number of Gershonite cities is summarized.

34. And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with the open land about it, and Kartah with the open land about it;

Explanation Verse 34: The Merarites begin receiving cities from Zebulun, placing them in the northern interior.

35. Dimnah with the open land about it, Nahalal with the open land about it; four cities.

Explanation Verse 35: More Zebulunite cities are listed, completing that portion.

36. And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Mahanaim with the open land about it;

Explanation Verse 36: Reuben contributes cities east of the Jordan, giving the Merarites a southern Transjordan presence.

37. Heshbon with the open land about it, Jazer with the open land about it; four cities in all.

Explanation Verse 37: Additional Reubenite cities are listed, completing that region’s contribution.

38. All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.

Explanation Verse 38: Gad contributes cities, including Ramoth‑Gilead, another city of refuge.

39. All the cities of the Levites forty and eight cities with the open land about them--shall be in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel,

Explanation Verse 39: More Gadite cities are listed, completing the Merarite allotment.

40even these cities, every one with the open land round about it; thus it shall be with all these cities.

Explanation Verse 40: The total number of Merarite cities is summarized.

41. So יְהוָה - the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which He swore to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

Explanation Verse 41: The chapter totals all Levitical cities across Israel, showing the nationwide distribution.

42. And יְהוָה - the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that He swore unto their fathers; and there stood not a man of all their enemies against them; יְהוָה - the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

Explanation Verse 42: Each city includes surrounding pastureland, ensuring the Levites have resources for their livelihood.

43. There failed not aught of any good thing which יְהוָה - the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass”.

Explanation Verse 43: The chapter concludes with a broad statement: Israel receives the land promised to the ancestors, settles it, and experiences rest. This is a milestone moment, affirming that the Divine promises have been realized.

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My Closing Message:

The dispersion of the Levites throughout the land was not a sign of displacement, but a strategic infusion of spiritual leadership into every corner of the nation. By placing the teachers of the Law within every tribe, the social fabric of Israel was woven together with a shared moral purpose. The chapter closes not just with a list of cities, but with a profound testament to the integrity of the Covenant. It teaches us that while human efforts are necessary to “possess” what is promised, the ultimate success rests upon a Divine faithfulness that never falters.

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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several of our prophets...

Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hostsMal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָהthe LORD of hosts, be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and regular בְּרָכָה Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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