The Levites apply to Eleazar, Joshua, and the elders, for the cities to dwell in which Moses had promised, Jos 21:1, Jos 21:2. Their request is granted, Jos 21:3. The priests receive thirteen cities out of the tribes …
1Los jefes de los padres de los levitas vinieron al sacerdote Eleazar, a Josué hijo de Nun y a los cabezas de los padres de las tribus de los hijos de Israel,
2y les hablaron en Silo en la tierra de Canaán, diciendo: Jehová mandó por medio de Moisés que nos fuesen dadas ciudades donde habitar, con sus ejidos para nuestros ganados.
3Entonces los hijos de Israel dieron de su propia herencia a los levitas, conforme al mandato de Jehová, estas ciudades con sus ejidos.
4Y la suerte cayó sobre las familias de los coatitas; y los hijos de Aarón el sacerdote, que eran de los levitas, obtuvieron por suerte de la tribu de Judá, de la tribu de Simeón y de la tribu de Benjamín, trece ciudades.
5Y los otros hijos de Coat obtuvieron por suerte diez ciudades de las familias de la tribu de Efraín, de la tribu de Dan y de la media tribu de Manasés.
6Los hijos de Gersón obtuvieron por suerte, de las familias de la tribu de Isacar, de la tribu de Aser, de la tribu de Neftalí y de la media tribu de Manasés en Basán, trece ciudades.
7Los hijos de Merari según sus familias obtuvieron de la tribu de Rubén, de la tribu de Gad y de la tribu de Zabulón, doce ciudades.
8Dieron, pues, los hijos de Israel a los levitas estas ciudades con sus ejidos, por suertes, como había mandado Jehová por conducto de Moisés.
9De la tribu de los hijos de Judá, y de la tribu de los hijos de Simeón, dieron estas ciudades que fueron nombradas,
10las cuales obtuvieron los hijos de Aarón de las familias de Coat, de los hijos de Leví; porque para ellos fue la suerte en primer lugar.
11Les dieron Quiriat-arba del padre de Anac, la cual es Hebrón, en el monte de Judá, con sus ejidos en sus contornos.
12Mas el campo de la ciudad y sus aldeas dieron a Caleb hijo de Jefone, por posesión suya.
13Y a los hijos del sacerdote Aarón dieron Hebrón con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas; además, Libna con sus ejidos,
14Jatir con sus ejidos, Estemoa con sus ejidos,
15Holón con sus ejidos, Debir con sus ejidos,
16Aín con sus ejidos, Juta con sus ejidos y Bet-semes con sus ejidos; nueve ciudades de estas dos tribus;
17y de la tribu de Benjamín, Gabaón con sus ejidos, Geba con sus ejidos,
18Anatot con sus ejidos, Almón con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
19Todas las ciudades de los sacerdotes hijos de Aarón son trece con sus ejidos.
20Mas las familias de los hijos de Coat, levitas, los que quedaban de los hijos de Coat, recibieron por suerte ciudades de la tribu de Efraín.
21Les dieron Siquem con sus ejidos, en el monte de Efraín, como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas; además, Gezer con sus ejidos,
22Kibsaim con sus ejidos y Bet-horón con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
23De la tribu de Dan, Elteque con sus ejidos, Gibetón con sus ejidos,
24Ajalón con sus ejidos y Gat-rimón con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
25Y de la media tribu de Manasés, Taanac con sus ejidos y Gat-rimón con sus ejidos; dos ciudades.
26Todas las ciudades para el resto de las familias de los hijos de Coat fueron diez con sus ejidos.
27A los hijos de Gersón de las familias de los levitas, dieron de la media tribu de Manasés a Golán en Basán con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas, y además, Beestera con sus ejidos; dos ciudades.
28De la tribu de Isacar, Cisón con sus ejidos, Daberat con sus ejidos,
29Jarmut con sus ejidos y En-ganim con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
30De la tribu de Aser, Miseal con sus ejidos, Abdón con sus ejidos,
31Helcat con sus ejidos y Rehob con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
32Y de la tribu de Neftalí, Cedes en Galilea con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas, y además, Hamot-dor con sus ejidos y Cartán con sus ejidos; tres ciudades.
33Todas las ciudades de los gersonitas por sus familias fueron trece ciudades con sus ejidos.
34Y a las familias de los hijos de Merari, levitas que quedaban, se les dio de la tribu de Zabulón, Jocneam con sus ejidos, Carta con sus ejidos,
35Dimna con sus ejidos y Naalal con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
36Y de la tribu de Rubén, Beser con sus ejidos, Jahaza con sus ejidos,
37Cademot con sus ejidos y Mefaat con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
38De la tribu de Gad, Ramot de Galaad con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas; además, Mahanaim con sus ejidos,
39Hesbón con sus ejidos y Jazer con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
40Todas las ciudades de los hijos de Merari por sus familias, que restaban de las familias de los levitas, fueron por sus suertes doce ciudades.
41Y todas las ciudades de los levitas en medio de la posesión de los hijos de Israel, fueron cuarenta y ocho ciudades con sus ejidos.
42Y estas ciudades estaban apartadas la una de la otra, cada cual con sus ejidos alrededor de ella; así fue con todas estas ciudades.
43De esta manera dio Jehová a Israel toda la tierra que había jurado dar a sus padres, y la poseyeron y habitaron en ella.
44Y Jehová les dio reposo alrededor, conforme a todo lo que había jurado a sus padres; y ninguno de todos sus enemigos pudo hacerles frente, porque Jehová entregó en sus manos a todos sus enemigos.
45No faltó palabra de todas las buenas promesas que Jehová había hecho a la casa de Israel; todo se cumplió.
ADAM CLARKE BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 1
I. The heads of the fathers of the Levites - The Levites were composed of three brand families, the …
The heads of the fathers of the Levites - The Levites were composed of three brand families, the Gershonites, Koathites, and Merarites, independently of the family of Aaron, who might be said to form a fourth. To none of these had God assigned any portion in the division of the land. But in this general division it must have been evidently intended that the different tribes were to furnish them with habitations; and this was according to a positive command of God, Num 35:2, etc. Finding now that each tribe had its inheritance appointed to it, the heads of the Levites came before Eleazar, Joshua, and the chiefs of the tribes who had been employed in dividing the land, and requested that cities and suburbs should be granted them according to the Divine command.
II
Versículo 3
II. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites - They cheerfully obeyed the Divine command, and…
And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites - They cheerfully obeyed the Divine command, and cities for habitations were appointed to them out of the different tribes by lot, that it might as fully appear that God designed them their habitations, as he designed the others their inheritances.
III
Versículo 4
III. Out of the tribe of Judah - Simeon, and - Benjamin, thirteen cities - These tribes furnished more…
Out of the tribe of Judah - Simeon, and - Benjamin, thirteen cities - These tribes furnished more habitations to the Levites in proportion than any of the other tribes, because they possessed a more extensive inheritance; and Moses had commanded, Num 35:8, From them that have many, ye shall give many; and from them that have few, ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to his inheritance. It is worthy of remark, that the principal part of this tribe, whose business was to minister at the sanctuary, which sanctuary was afterwards to be established in Jerusalem, had their appointment nearest to that city; so that they were always within reach of the sacred work which God had appointed them.
IV
Versículo 5
IV. And the rest of the children of Kohath - That is, the remaining part of that family that were not…
And the rest of the children of Kohath - That is, the remaining part of that family that were not priests, for those who were priests had their lot in the preceding tribes. Those, therefore, of the family of Kohath, who were simply Levites, and not of the priests or Aaron's family, (see Jos 21:10), had their habitations in Ephraim, Dan, and the half tribe of Manasseh. It has been asked in what sense did the Levites possess those cities, seeing they had no inheritance? To which it may be answered that it is not likely the Levites had the exclusive property of the cities in which they dwelt, for it is evident that the other Israelites dwelt among them. We know, says Calmet, by history, that the cities of the Levites were almost entirely filled with Israelites of other tribes. For instance, Gibeah of Benjamin, which is here given to the Levites, Jos 21:17, was always peopled by the Benjamites, as appears from the history of the Levite, whose wife was so horribly abused by them; Jdg 19:22-27. Saul and all his family dwelt in the same city; and David and his court spent the first years of his reign at Hebron, which was also a city of the Levites, Jos 21:10. It appears, therefore, that they had no other property in those cities than merely the right to certain houses, which they might sell, but always with the right of perpetual redemption, for they could finally alienate nothing; and if the possessor of such a house, having sold it, did not redeem it at the year of jubilee, it reverted to the Levites. And as to their lands for their cattle, which extended two thousand cubits without the city, these they were not permitted to sell: they were considered as the Lord's property. See Lev 25:32-34 (note), and the notes there. It is therefore very likely that, in the first instance, the Levites had simply the right to choose, in all the cities assigned them, the houses in which they were to dwell, and that those of the tribe to which the city belonged occupied all the other dwellings. There is also reason to believe that in process of time, when the families of the Levites increased, they had more dwellings assigned to them, which were probably built at the public expense. We may also observe that the Levites were not absolutely bound to live in these and no other cities: for when the tabernacle was at Nob, priests and Levites dwelt there, see Sa1 21:1, etc.; and when the worship of God was established at Jerusalem, multitudes both of priests and Reviles dwelt there, though it was no Levitical city: as did the courses of priests afterwards at Jericho. This was a circumstance which Moses had foreseen, and for which he had provided. See Deu 18:6, etc.
V
Versículo 11
V. The city of Arba - See the note on Jos 14:15.
The city of Arba - See the note on Jos 14:15.
VI
Versículo 12
VI. The fields of the city - gave they to Caleb - This was an exclusive privilege to him and his fami…
The fields of the city - gave they to Caleb - This was an exclusive privilege to him and his family, with which the grant to the Levites did not interfere. See the notes on Jos 14:14.
VII
Versículo 18
VII. Anathoth - Celebrated as the birthplace of Jeremiah, about three miles northward of Jerusalem, ac…
Anathoth - Celebrated as the birthplace of Jeremiah, about three miles northward of Jerusalem, according to St. Jerome.
VIII
Versículo 19
VIII. Thirteen cities with their suburbs - At the time mentioned here certainly thirteen cities were to…
Thirteen cities with their suburbs - At the time mentioned here certainly thirteen cities were too large a proportion for the priests, as they and their families amounted to a very small number: but this ample provision was made in reference to their great increase in after times, when they formed twenty-four courses, as in the days of David.
IX
Versículo 22
IX. Beth-horon - There were two cities of this name, the upper and the nether; but which is intended …
Beth-horon - There were two cities of this name, the upper and the nether; but which is intended here, cannot be ascertained.
X
Versículo 24
X. Aijalon - See on Jos 10:12 (note).
Aijalon - See on Jos 10:12 (note).
XI
Versículo 27
XI. Golan in Bashan - On this and the other cities of refuge mentioned here, see the note on Jos 20:7.
Golan in Bashan - On this and the other cities of refuge mentioned here, see the note on Jos 20:7.
XII
Versículo 35
XII. Dimnah with her suburbs, etc. - It is well known to every Hebrew scholar that the two following v…
Dimnah with her suburbs, etc. - It is well known to every Hebrew scholar that the two following verses are wholly omitted by the Masora; and are left out in some of the most correct and authentic Hebrew Bibles. Between critics there is no small controversy relative to the authenticity of these verses; and those who wish to see the arguments at large on both sides, must consult the Variae Lectiones of De Rossi on this place. Dr. Kennicott, who is a strenuous advocate for their authenticity argues thus in their behalf: "Jos 21:41 and Jos 21:42 of this chapter tell us that the Levitical cities were forty-eight, and that they had been all as such described; so that they must have been all specified in this chapter: whereas now in all the Hebrew copies printed in full obedience to the Masora, which excludes two verses containing four of these cities, the number amounts only to forty-four.
"The cities are first mentioned, in the general, as being thirteen and ten, with thirteen and twelve, which are certainly forty-eight. And yet when they are particularly named, Jos 21:13-19 gives thirteen cities; Jos 21:20-26 gives ten cities; Jos 21:27-33 gives thirteen; Jos 21:34-36 gives four cities; and Jos 21:35-36 gives four more, all which can make but forty-four. And what still increases the wonder is, that Jos 21:40 infers from the verses immediately preceding, that the cities allowed to the Merarites were twelve, though they here make eight only, unless we admit the four other cities expressed in those two verses, which have been rejected by that blind guide the Masora. In defiance of this authority these two verses, thus absolutely necessary, were inserted in the most early editions of the Hebrew text, and are found in Walton's Polyglot, as well as in our English Bible. But they have scarce ever been as yet printed completely, thus, And out of the tribe or Reuben, A City of Refuge for the Slayer, Bezer, in the Wilderness, with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs, Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities. See on this place my edition of the Hebrew Bible, where no less than one hundred and forty-nine copies are described, which happily preserve these verses, most clearly essential to the truth and consistency of this chapter. See also General Discourse, pp. 19, 26, 54."
Though this reasoning of Dr. Kennicott appears very conclusive, yet there are so many and important variations among the MSS. that retain, and those that reject these verses, as to render the question of their authenticity very difficult to be determined. To Dr. Kennicott's one hundred and forty-nine MSS. which have these two verses, may be added upwards of forty collated by De Rossi. Those who deny their authenticity say they have been inserted here from Ch1 6:78, Ch1 6:79, where they are found it is true, in general, but not exactly as they stand here, and in Dr. Kennicott's Hebrew Bible.
XIII
Versículo 36
XIII. Jahazah - See on Jos 13:18 (note).
Jahazah - See on Jos 13:18 (note).
XIV
Versículo 41
XIV. Forty and eight cities - At the last census of the Hebrew people, related Numbers 26, we find fro…
Forty and eight cities - At the last census of the Hebrew people, related Numbers 26, we find from Num 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.
XV
Versículo 43
XV. And the Lord gave - all the land which he sware - All was now divided by lot unto them, and their…
And the Lord gave - all the land which he sware - All was now divided by lot unto them, and their enemies were so completely discomfited that there was not a single army of the Canaanites remaining to make head against them; and those which were left in the land served under tribute, and the tribute that they paid was the amplest proof of their complete subjugation. Add to this, they had as much of the land in actual possession as they could occupy; and, as they increased, God enabled them to drive out the rest of the ancient inhabitants; but in consequence of the infidelity of the Israelites, God permitted their enemies often to straiten them, and sometimes to prevail against them. It should also be remembered, that God never promised to give them the land, or to maintain them in it, but on condition of obedience; and so punctually did he fulfill this intention, that there is not a single instance on record in which they were either straitened or subjugated, while obedient and faithful to their God.
The cavil is as foolish as it is unprincipled which states, "The Israelites never did possess the whole of the land which was promised to them, and therefore that promise could not come by Divine revelation." With as much reason might it be urged that Great Britain has not subdued the French West India Islands and Batavia, (Feb. 1812), because the ancient inhabitants still remain in them; but is not their serving under tribute an absolute proof that they are conquered, and under the British dominion? So was the whole land of Canaan conquered, and its inhabitants subdued, though the whole of the ground was not occupied by the Israelites till the days of David and Solomon. In the most correct and literal sense it might be said, There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel: all came to pass. Nor shall one word of his ever fail to any of his followers while the sun and moon endure.
Antiguo Testamento
Joshua — Capítulo 21
The Levites apply to Eleazar, Joshua, and the elders, for the cities to dwell in which Moses had promised, Jos 21:1, Jos 21:2. Their request is granted, Jos 21:3. The priests receive thirteen cities out of the tribes …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Los jefes de los padres de los levitas vinieron al sacerdote Eleazar, a Josué hijo de Nun y a los cabezas de los padres de las tribus de los hijos de Israel,
2y les hablaron en Silo en la tierra de Canaán, diciendo: Jehová mandó por medio de Moisés que nos fuesen dadas ciudades donde habitar, con sus ejidos para nuestros ganados.
3Entonces los hijos de Israel dieron de su propia herencia a los levitas, conforme al mandato de Jehová, estas ciudades con sus ejidos.
4Y la suerte cayó sobre las familias de los coatitas; y los hijos de Aarón el sacerdote, que eran de los levitas, obtuvieron por suerte de la tribu de Judá, de la tribu de Simeón y de la tribu de Benjamín, trece ciudades.
5Y los otros hijos de Coat obtuvieron por suerte diez ciudades de las familias de la tribu de Efraín, de la tribu de Dan y de la media tribu de Manasés.
6Los hijos de Gersón obtuvieron por suerte, de las familias de la tribu de Isacar, de la tribu de Aser, de la tribu de Neftalí y de la media tribu de Manasés en Basán, trece ciudades.
7Los hijos de Merari según sus familias obtuvieron de la tribu de Rubén, de la tribu de Gad y de la tribu de Zabulón, doce ciudades.
8Dieron, pues, los hijos de Israel a los levitas estas ciudades con sus ejidos, por suertes, como había mandado Jehová por conducto de Moisés.
9De la tribu de los hijos de Judá, y de la tribu de los hijos de Simeón, dieron estas ciudades que fueron nombradas,
10las cuales obtuvieron los hijos de Aarón de las familias de Coat, de los hijos de Leví; porque para ellos fue la suerte en primer lugar.
11Les dieron Quiriat-arba del padre de Anac, la cual es Hebrón, en el monte de Judá, con sus ejidos en sus contornos.
12Mas el campo de la ciudad y sus aldeas dieron a Caleb hijo de Jefone, por posesión suya.
13Y a los hijos del sacerdote Aarón dieron Hebrón con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas; además, Libna con sus ejidos,
14Jatir con sus ejidos, Estemoa con sus ejidos,
15Holón con sus ejidos, Debir con sus ejidos,
16Aín con sus ejidos, Juta con sus ejidos y Bet-semes con sus ejidos; nueve ciudades de estas dos tribus;
17y de la tribu de Benjamín, Gabaón con sus ejidos, Geba con sus ejidos,
18Anatot con sus ejidos, Almón con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
19Todas las ciudades de los sacerdotes hijos de Aarón son trece con sus ejidos.
20Mas las familias de los hijos de Coat, levitas, los que quedaban de los hijos de Coat, recibieron por suerte ciudades de la tribu de Efraín.
21Les dieron Siquem con sus ejidos, en el monte de Efraín, como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas; además, Gezer con sus ejidos,
22Kibsaim con sus ejidos y Bet-horón con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
23De la tribu de Dan, Elteque con sus ejidos, Gibetón con sus ejidos,
24Ajalón con sus ejidos y Gat-rimón con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
25Y de la media tribu de Manasés, Taanac con sus ejidos y Gat-rimón con sus ejidos; dos ciudades.
26Todas las ciudades para el resto de las familias de los hijos de Coat fueron diez con sus ejidos.
27A los hijos de Gersón de las familias de los levitas, dieron de la media tribu de Manasés a Golán en Basán con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas, y además, Beestera con sus ejidos; dos ciudades.
28De la tribu de Isacar, Cisón con sus ejidos, Daberat con sus ejidos,
29Jarmut con sus ejidos y En-ganim con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
30De la tribu de Aser, Miseal con sus ejidos, Abdón con sus ejidos,
31Helcat con sus ejidos y Rehob con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
32Y de la tribu de Neftalí, Cedes en Galilea con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas, y además, Hamot-dor con sus ejidos y Cartán con sus ejidos; tres ciudades.
33Todas las ciudades de los gersonitas por sus familias fueron trece ciudades con sus ejidos.
34Y a las familias de los hijos de Merari, levitas que quedaban, se les dio de la tribu de Zabulón, Jocneam con sus ejidos, Carta con sus ejidos,
35Dimna con sus ejidos y Naalal con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
36Y de la tribu de Rubén, Beser con sus ejidos, Jahaza con sus ejidos,
37Cademot con sus ejidos y Mefaat con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
38De la tribu de Gad, Ramot de Galaad con sus ejidos como ciudad de refugio para los homicidas; además, Mahanaim con sus ejidos,
39Hesbón con sus ejidos y Jazer con sus ejidos; cuatro ciudades.
40Todas las ciudades de los hijos de Merari por sus familias, que restaban de las familias de los levitas, fueron por sus suertes doce ciudades.
41Y todas las ciudades de los levitas en medio de la posesión de los hijos de Israel, fueron cuarenta y ocho ciudades con sus ejidos.
42Y estas ciudades estaban apartadas la una de la otra, cada cual con sus ejidos alrededor de ella; así fue con todas estas ciudades.
43De esta manera dio Jehová a Israel toda la tierra que había jurado dar a sus padres, y la poseyeron y habitaron en ella.
44Y Jehová les dio reposo alrededor, conforme a todo lo que había jurado a sus padres; y ninguno de todos sus enemigos pudo hacerles frente, porque Jehová entregó en sus manos a todos sus enemigos.
45No faltó palabra de todas las buenas promesas que Jehová había hecho a la casa de Israel; todo se cumplió.
ADAM CLARKE BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 1
I. The heads of the fathers of the Levites - The Levites were composed of three brand families, the …
Versículo 3
II. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites - They cheerfully obeyed the Divine command, and…
Versículo 4
III. Out of the tribe of Judah - Simeon, and - Benjamin, thirteen cities - These tribes furnished more…
Versículo 5
IV. And the rest of the children of Kohath - That is, the remaining part of that family that were not…
Versículo 11
V. The city of Arba - See the note on Jos 14:15.
Versículo 12
VI. The fields of the city - gave they to Caleb - This was an exclusive privilege to him and his fami…
Versículo 18
VII. Anathoth - Celebrated as the birthplace of Jeremiah, about three miles northward of Jerusalem, ac…
Versículo 19
VIII. Thirteen cities with their suburbs - At the time mentioned here certainly thirteen cities were to…
Versículo 22
IX. Beth-horon - There were two cities of this name, the upper and the nether; but which is intended …
Versículo 24
X. Aijalon - See on Jos 10:12 (note).
Versículo 27
XI. Golan in Bashan - On this and the other cities of refuge mentioned here, see the note on Jos 20:7.
Versículo 35
XII. Dimnah with her suburbs, etc. - It is well known to every Hebrew scholar that the two following v…
Versículo 36
XIII. Jahazah - See on Jos 13:18 (note).
Versículo 41
XIV. Forty and eight cities - At the last census of the Hebrew people, related Numbers 26, we find fro…
Versículo 43
XV. And the Lord gave - all the land which he sware - All was now divided by lot unto them, and their…