Joshua 21:13
Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)
Die nageslag van die priester Aäron het hierdie stede gekry: die asielstad Hebron, en Libna,
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes the Israelites giving the city of Hebron and its surrounding areas to the descendants of Aaron, the priests. Hebron was also designated as a city of refuge for those who had accidentally killed someone. Libnah and its suburbs were also given to them.
Explained for Children
Imagine a big playground with a special area where kids who accidentally hurt someone can go to be safe. In this story, Hebron is like that special area, and it's given to the priests. Libnah is another place they get to live in.
Historical Background
The book of Joshua was written by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after Moses. It was written around 1400-1375 BCE. This book details the conquest of Canaan and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can think of cities of refuge as safe places where people who make mistakes can find protection and forgiveness. This can be compared to community support programs for those who have accidentally harmed others.
Topics
priestscities of refugeIsraelite conquestterritorial divisionaccidental manslaughterprotection
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Hebron designated as a city of refuge?
Hebron was designated as a city of refuge to provide a safe place for those who accidentally killed someone, preventing them from facing immediate vengeance from the victim's family.
What were the suburbs mentioned in this verse?
The suburbs were the surrounding areas of Hebron and Libnah, providing additional land for the priests to live and cultivate.
How does this relate to the broader story of Joshua?
This verse fits into Joshua's narrative of allocating land among the tribes of Israel, ensuring that the priests, who were from the tribe of Levi, received their portion.
What is the significance of Libnah in this verse?
Libnah, along with Hebron, was given to the descendants of Aaron to provide them with additional resources and living space, ensuring they had a secure place within the land of Israel.