Purpose

To record the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, showing God's faithfulness to His promises.

Author

Joshua, Moses' successor and military commander, who led Israel's conquest of Canaan. He was one of only two adults who left Egypt and entered the Promised Land (along with Caleb).

Historical Context

Written: 1400-1370 BC. Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership after Moses' death.

Significance

Demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of faithful leadership.

Key Themes

God's Faithfulness, Conquest, Inheritance, Leadership, Obedience

Interesting Facts

• Joshua's name means 'The Lord saves' - the same meaning as 'Jesus' in Greek
• The walls of Jericho fell after Israel marched around them 7 times - archaeology confirms the walls fell outward
• The sun stood still for a whole day during battle - the longest day in history

Prophecies

• The promise to Abraham that his descendants would possess the land (Genesis 12:7) Fulfilled: Fulfilled through Joshua's conquest (500 years later)

Joshua Chapter 21 provides a detailed account of the allocation of cities to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses. This chapter continues the theme of the fulfillment of God's promises as the Israelites settle into the Promised Land after their conquests under Joshua's leadership. The Levites did not receive a specific territorial inheritance like the other tribes; instead, they were given cities scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes to serve as their dwelling places and places for their livestock. The chapter begins with the leaders of the Levite families approaching Eleazar the priest and Joshua at Shiloh, asserting their claim to the cities as ordained by the Lord. The process of allotment is conducted through the casting of lots, demonstrating reliance on divine guidance in fulfilling God's commands. The cities designated for the Levites include cities of refuge, which underscore the Levites' role in providing spiritual and legal assistance to the community. The chapter meticulously lists the cities allotted to different clans of the Levites, including the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Each clan receives a specified number of cities from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and others, highlighting the importance of the Levites in the communal and spiritual life of Israel. The Levites’ cities served as centers for worship, teaching, and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. This allocation not only affirms God’s commitment to His people but also emphasizes the significance of the priestly role in Israel’s society. As the chapter concludes, the precise enumeration of cities reinforces the idea of order and divine purpose in the distribution of land. The Levites received their rightful places among the tribes, ensuring that the spiritual leadership of Israel would be well-embedded and accessible to all the people. The chapter encapsulates the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled community where worship, law, and community life are deeply intertwined, showcasing God’s provision for His people in every aspect of life.