Joshua 14:4 Meaning and Explanation
“For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Joseph's line counted as two tribes through Manasseh and Ephraim, and the Levites received cities with pasturelands rather than a territory.
What Does Joshua 14:4 Mean?
Because Joseph's descendants formed two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, the count of allotted portions stayed whole even with Levi set aside. The Levites were not left destitute: scattered cities with surrounding pasturelands were given them throughout the tribes, so they could live and keep their herds.
God's provision is exact and humane. By placing the Levites among all the tribes rather than in one corner, the Lord wove his servants through the whole nation, so that worship and instruction were never far from anyone. It is a tender detail: even those who hold no inheritance of their own are given a home and the means to live, for the Lord cares for the needs of those who serve him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 14:4
What does Joshua 14:4 mean?
Joseph's line counted as two tribes through Manasseh and Ephraim, and the Levites received cities with pasturelands rather than a territory.