Bible Strands
Joshua 21:2
at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Levite family heads address Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the tribal leaders at Shiloh in Canaan. They make this request immediately after the broader Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh to establish the Tent of Meeting (Joshua 18:1).
The words — The phrase יְהוָה צִוָּה (Yahweh tziwah) literally translates to "Yahweh commanded." The prepositional phrase בְּשִׁלֹה (be-Shiloh) specifies the exact geographic location where the delegation delivered their message.
The thread — This statement directly references the earlier divine instruction in Numbers 35:2 to allocate Levitical cities and pasturelands from tribal inheritances. It also aligns with the later prophetic blueprint for a consecrated territorial portion in Ezekiel 48:9.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that the land distribution was an execution of a prior divine mandate rather than a political negotiation. It demands practical compliance with a structured provision for those assigned to sacred service.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.
Cross-references
- Joshua 18:1 Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them,
- Numbers 35:2 “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.
- Ezekiel 48:9 The special portion you set apart to the LORD shall be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide.
- Matthew 10:10 Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.
- Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.