Joshua 21 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Joshua 21 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land began around 1450 B.C. and lasted approximately 5-7 years.

CHARACTERS:

• Joshua – Joshua led the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua was the assistant of Moses during the Israelite’s time wandering in the wilderness.

• Levites – Descendants of Jacob’s son Levi. They were a special tribe dedicated to serving God.

• Aaron – The first High Priest of Israel. He was the brother of Moses.

• Eleazar – The second High Priest of Israel. He was the son of Aaron and nephew of Moses.

WHERE:

• Joshua was camped at Shiloh (21:2).

• Joshua 21 is a list of the cities given to the Levites. The Levites didn’t receive a land inheritance like the other tribes, instead they were given a selection of cities within the territories of the other tribes.  

OUTLINE:

• THE CITIES OF THE LEVITES (21:1-45):

  • The Levites approached Joshua and asked him to fulfill the promise made to them by Moses and give them cities to live in within the Promised Land.

  • Joshua 21 is a list of the cities the Levites received.

  • The family of Aaron received 13 cities out of the lands of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

  • The family of Kohath received 10 cities out of the lands of Ephraim, Dan, and Manasseh.

  • The family of Gershon received 13 cities out of the lands of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh.

  • The family of Merari received 12 cities out of the lands of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

  • The 6 cities of refuge (Joshua 20) were included in the Levite’s inheritance.

  • In total, the Levites received 48 cities with their surrounding pasturelands.

  • Joshua 21 concludes by stating that God kept all His promises to Israel and gave them victory over all the enemies they encountered during their conquest of the Promised Land.