Joshua 21:3

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

فأَعطى بَنو إِسْرائيلَ اللاَّوِيِّينَ مِن ميراثِهم، على حَسَبِ أَمرِ الرَّبّ، هٰذه المُدُنَ ومراعِيَها.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how the Israelites gave cities and their surrounding areas to the Levites as part of their inheritance, following God's command. The Levites are the priestly tribe that had no land inheritance like the other tribes.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a big playground, and one group of kids, called the Levites, don't have a spot to call their own. So, all the other kids decide to share their spots with the Levites because that's what a big, kind God told them to do.

Historical Background

Joshua 21 is part of the Book of Joshua, written by Joshua himself or by a later compiler. It was written in the 14th or 13th century BCE, detailing the settlement of the tribes of Israel in the Promised Land after their journey from Egypt.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can see this as a reminder to share our resources with others who might not have as much. For example, helping a neighbor or donating to a charity can reflect the spirit of generosity seen here.

Topics

• generosity
• inheritance
• Levites
• God's commands
• tribes of Israel
• community

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:1-8
• Joshua 20:8
• 1 Chronicles 6:60
• Ezra 2:70
• Ezra 7:8

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Levites need cities?

The Levites were the priestly tribe and had no land inheritance. They needed cities and suburbs for their priestly duties and to live, as provided by God's command.

How many cities did the Levites receive?

Joshua 21 lists 48 cities in total given to the Levites, including the six cities of refuge.

What does this show about the relationship between God and the Israelites?

This verse shows that the Israelites followed God's commandments by sharing with the Levites, demonstrating obedience and trust in God's plan.

How can we apply this principle today?

Today, we can apply this principle by sharing our resources with those in need, reflecting generosity and community support as a testament to our faith.