Joshua 21:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The first lot falls to the Kohathites, and Aaron's priestly descendants receive thirteen cities among Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.
What Does Joshua 21:4 Mean?
The distribution is settled by lot, as the whole land had been, so that no human favoritism decided who dwelt where. The priests, Aaron's line within the Kohathites, are placed near Judah and Benjamin, close to where Jerusalem and its future temple would rise.
That the casting of lots is named first reminds us the outcome rested in God's hand, not man's preference. The priests are gathered near the heart of the land's worship. God arranges His servants where they will be needed, and the seemingly random lot quietly carries out His design.
Joshua 21:4 in the Original Language
goral (גּוֹרָל), 'lot' -- the cast lot by which Israel trusted God, not chance, to assign each portion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 21:4
What does Joshua 21:4 mean?
The first lot falls to the Kohathites, and Aaron's priestly descendants receive thirteen cities among Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.