Joshua 21:41

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

American King James Version (AKJV)

All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

American Standard Version (ASV)

All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

All the towns of the Levites, among the heritage of the children of Israel, were forty-eight towns with their grass-lands.

Webster's Revision

All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

World English Bible

All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel were forty-eight cities with their suburbs.

English Revised Version (ERV)

All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs.

Clarke's Joshua 21:41 Bible Commentary

Forty and eight cities - At the last census of the Hebrew people, related Numbers 26, we find from Numbers 26:62 that the tribe of Levi amounted only to 23,000; and it is supposed that forty-eight cities were too great a proportion for this tribe, the other tribes having so very few. But,

1. All the cities of the other tribes are not enumerated.

2. They had the circumjacent country as well as the cities.

3. The Levites had no other cities than those enumerated.

4. They had no country annexed to their cities, the 2,000 cubits for their cattle, etc., excepted.

5. Cities in those ancient times were very small, as most villages went under this appellation.

6. The Levites had now the appointment that was suited to their consequent increase. The other tribes might enlarge their borders and make conquests, but this was not suitable to the mere servants of God; besides, had they made conquests, they would have become proprietors of the conquered land; and God determined that they should have no inheritance in Israel, He himself being their portion.

Wesley's Joshua 21:41 Bible Commentary

21:41 Forty eight cities - Why hath this tribe, which was the least of all, more cities than any of them? First, it doth not appear that they had more: for though all the cities of the Levites be expressed, it is not so with the other tribes, but divers of their cities are omitted. Secondly, the Levites were confined to their cities and suburbs; the rest had large territories belonging to their cities, which also so they were in a capacity of improving, which the Levites were not; so that one of their cities might be more considerable than divers of the Levites.Thirdly, God, was pleased to deal liberally with his ministers, to put honour on those whom he foresaw many would be prone to despise; and, that being free from outward distractions, they might more entirely and fervently devote themselves to the service of God.

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