Joshua 21:14

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Jattir, Estemoa,

What Does This Mean?

This verse lists two towns, Jattir and Eshtemoa, that were given to the Levites along with the areas around them, called suburbs. The text is part of a larger list detailing the towns assigned to the Levites. There is no specific speaker mentioned here; it's part of a historical record.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special group of friends who need places to live. This verse tells us about two towns named Jattir and Eshtemoa that were given to these friends, along with the areas around them. It's like giving them a big backyard to play in!

Historical Background

The Book of Joshua was likely written by Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses, or by someone very close to him. This verse is part of a list detailing the towns given to the Levites for their residence. It was written during the period when the Israelites were settling the Promised Land, around 1400-1300 BCE.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse reminds us of the importance of supporting those who serve in religious roles. Just as the Levites were given towns and areas to live in, we can support our religious leaders in practical ways, like providing housing or resources.

Topics

• land distribution
• religious communities
• support systems
• historical accounts
• Levites
• settlement

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:2
• Joshua 21:4
• Ezra 2:70
• Nehemiah 7:72
• Acts 4:34

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the Levites given specific towns?

The Levites were given specific towns as part of their role in religious service. They did not inherit land like other tribes and needed places to live and serve God.

How many towns were given to the Levites?

The Levites were given a total of 48 towns, including Jattir and Eshtemoa, as mentioned in Joshua 21.

What is the importance of the suburbs around these towns?

The suburbs provided the Levites with additional space for farming and grazing, ensuring they had enough resources to sustain themselves and their families.

How does this relate to modern religious communities?

This verse can be seen as an example of how religious communities in modern times also require support systems, such as housing and resources, to ensure they can focus on their spiritual duties.