Meaning of Joshua 21:36

Joshua 21:36 lists two cities, Bezer and Jahaz, that were allotted to the tribe of Reuben as part of the inheritance granted to the Levites for their priestly duties and service to the Israelite nation. This passage is found within a larger section of Joshua (chapters 13-21) that details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel after their conquest under Joshua. The specific allocation of cities to the Levites, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, underscores their unique role as a spiritual caste. These cities, including those within Reuben's territory, were designated as places where Levites could reside, and importantly, they were also to include surrounding pasturelands for their livestock, ensuring their livelihood while they focused on their sacred responsibilities.

Context and Background

The allocation of cities to the Levites is a direct fulfillment of divine instructions given to Moses prior to entering Canaan (Numbers 35). The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike the other tribes, they were not given a contiguous land inheritance because their inheritance was the Lord Himself (Numbers 18:20). Therefore, specific cities were to be given to them from the territories of the other tribes. Joshua 21 meticulously records the distribution of these cities, ensuring that the Levites were dispersed throughout the land to minister to all the tribes. Bezer and Jahaz, situated within the territory assigned to Reuben (east of the Jordan River), were thus designated for Levitical settlement.

Key Themes and Messages

• Fulfillment of Divine Promise: This verse is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people, both in providing them a land and in ensuring the provision for those dedicated to His service.
• The Role of the Levites: It highlights the vital function of the Levites in Israelite society, serving as mediators of worship and instruction, and the importance of providing them with the means to carry out their sacred duties.
• Order and Organization: The detailed listing of cities demonstrates God's desire for order and structure within His people, ensuring that all aspects of their communal and spiritual life were properly established.
• Interdependence: The allocation of Levitical cities from the territories of other tribes signifies the interdependence of the different segments of Israelite society, where each had a role to play in the functioning of the whole.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the necessity of supporting and providing for those who are dedicated to full-time ministry and service within the church today. Just as the Levites were given cities and pasturelands, those who labor in the Gospel are to be supported by the community they serve, allowing them to focus on spiritual nourishment and leadership. It also underscores the principle that God's service requires resources and that the community of faith has a responsibility to steward those resources wisely for the furtherance of God's kingdom. The dispersion of Levitical cities also suggests that spiritual leadership and teaching should be accessible to all parts of the community, not concentrated in one area.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is a crucial part of the historical narrative of Israel's settlement in Canaan, marking a significant step in establishing the nation's covenantal life. It directly relates to the laws and commands given during the wilderness wanderings concerning the Levites and their cities of refuge. It also sets the stage for the subsequent history of Israel, where the functioning of the priesthood and the Levitical system played a central role in their religious and national identity, until its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest.

Analogies

One analogy for the Levitical cities is the concept of parsonages or church-owned housing for clergy. These provide a dwelling and a degree of financial stability, enabling ministers to dedicate their time and energy to pastoral care, teaching, and spiritual leadership without the constant burden of securing their own housing and living expenses. Another analogy could be the support systems for missionaries or chaplains in secular institutions. These individuals are set apart for a specific ministry, and the broader community or organization provides the necessary infrastructure and resources for them to effectively carry out their calling.

Relation to Other Verses

• Numbers 18:20: "The LORD said to Aaron, 'You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.'" This foundational verse explains why the Levites received cities instead of land.
• Numbers 35:1-8: This passage details God's command to Moses to give the Levites cities for their dwelling and pasturelands from the territories of the other tribes. Joshua 21 is the historical fulfillment of this command.
• Deuteronomy 18:1-8: This passage reiterates the rights and provisions for the Levites, emphasizing their priestly duties and their right to receive support from their brethren.
• 1 Corinthians 9:11-14: This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the Old Testament principle of supporting those who minister and the right of Christian ministers to be supported by the church. Paul argues, "If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest among you?... Don't you know that those who serve with the temple eat from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."