Joshua 21:2

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Ils leur dirent à Silo, dans le pays de Canaan: «L'Eternel a ordonné, par l’intermédiaire de Moïse, qu'on nous donne des villes pour y habiter, ainsi que leurs environs pour notre bétail.»

What Does This Mean?

The people are talking to Joshua at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. They remind him that God, through Moses, commanded them to receive cities with pastures for their cattle. This verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise and the allocation of resources for the Levites.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're in a big park, and your parents promised you a special spot to play. Now, you're reminding them about it, saying, 'Remember, you promised us a place to play with lots of room for our toys!' That's what the people are doing here with Joshua.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Joshua, written around the 6th century BCE. It was intended for the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. The cultural setting involves a nomadic people transitioning to a settled life with defined territories and resources.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, imagine a community meeting to discuss the allocation of community resources, such as playgrounds or parks. This verse can remind us of the importance of fulfilling promises and ensuring that all members of a community have what they need to thrive.

Topics

• Promise
• Fulfillment
• Resources
• Community
• Settlement
• Leadership

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:1-8
• Deuteronomy 10:8
• Joshua 14:1-5
• 1 Chronicles 6:54-81
• Hebrews 4:1-11

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the people speaking in Joshua 21:2?

The people speaking are likely the Levites, a tribe of Israelites designated by God to serve in religious capacities.

What does the phrase 'suburbs thereof' mean?

'Suburbs thereof' refers to the surrounding areas around the cities that were to be given to the Levites, including land for grazing cattle and living space.

How does this verse connect to the broader themes of the Book of Joshua?

This verse connects to the broader theme of fulfilling God's promises by describing how the Levites were given specific territories as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land.

What can we learn about leadership from Joshua 21:2?

Joshua 21:2 teaches us about the importance of leadership in fulfilling divine mandates and ensuring that all community members have access to the resources they need.