Joshua 21:2 at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock."

◄ Joshua 21:2 ►

New International Version
at Shiloh in Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock.”

New Living Translation
They came to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us towns to live in and pasturelands for our livestock.”

English Standard Version
And they said to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to dwell in, along with their pasturelands for our livestock.”

Berean Standard Bible
at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.”

King James Bible
And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

New King James Version
And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for our livestock.”

New American Standard Bible
And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.”

NASB 1995
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.”

NASB 1977
And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “Yahweh commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.”

Amplified Bible
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us cities to live in, with their pasture lands for our cattle.”

Christian Standard Bible
At Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, they told them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to live in, with their pasturelands for our livestock.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, they told them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to live in, with their pasturelands for our livestock.”

American Standard Version
and they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, Jehovah commanded Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

English Revised Version
and they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
at Shiloh in Canaan. They said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that we should receive cities to live in and pasturelands for our livestock."

Good News Translation
There at Shiloh in the land of Canaan they said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that we were to be given cities to live in, as well as pasture land around them for our livestock."

International Standard Version
It was at Shiloh in the land of Canaan that they told them, "The LORD ordered through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, along with their pasture lands for our livestock."

Majority Standard Bible
at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, ?The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.?

NET Bible
in Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said, "The LORD told Moses to assign us cities in which to live along with the grazing areas for our cattle."

New Heart English Bible
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for our livestock."

Webster's Bible Translation
And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for our cattle.

World English Bible
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “Yahweh commanded through Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their pasture lands for our livestock.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and they speak to them in Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, saying, “YHWH commanded by the hand of Moses to give to us cities to dwell in, and their outskirts for our livestock.”

Young's Literal Translation
and they speak unto them in Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, saying, 'Jehovah commanded by the hand of Moses to give to us cities to dwell in, and their suburbs for our cattle.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will speak to them in Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, Jehovah commanded by the hand of Moses to give to us cities to dwell in, and their pastures for our cattle.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they spoke to them in Silo in the land of Chanaan, and said: The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, that cities should be given us to dwell in, and their suburbs to feed our cattle.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they spoke to them at Shiloh, in the land of Canaan, and they said, “The Lord instructed, by the hand of Moses, that cities should be given to us as habitations, with their suburbs to nourish our cattle.”

New American Bible
at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, and said to them, “The LORD commanded, through Moses, that cities be given us to dwell in, with pasture lands for our livestock.”

New Revised Standard Version
they said to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given towns to live in, along with their pasture lands for our livestock.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And they said to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for our cattle.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they said to them in Shiloh in the land of Canaan: “LORD JEHOVAH commanded by the hand of Moshe to give us cities to dwell in, and their fields for our cattle

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
and they spoke unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying: 'The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the open land thereabout for our cattle.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they spoke to them in Selo in the land of Chanaan, saying, The Lord gave commandment by Moses to give us cities to dwell in, and the country round about for our cattle.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
1Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel 2at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” 3So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance:…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 35:2-8
“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. / The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. ...

Leviticus 25:32-34
As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.

Deuteronomy 18:1-2
The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.

Numbers 18:20-24
Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. ...

1 Chronicles 6:54-81
Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...

Ezekiel 48:8-14
Bordering the territory of Judah, from east to west, will be the portion you are to set apart. It will be 25,000 cubits wide, and the length of a tribal portion from east to west. In the center will be the sanctuary. / The special portion you set apart to the LORD shall be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. / This will be the holy portion for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side, and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center will be the sanctuary of the LORD. ...

Genesis 49:5-7
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. / May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim. / Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.

1 Kings 2:26-27
Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” / So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli.

2 Chronicles 11:13-14
Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam. / For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD.

Nehemiah 13:10-11
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts,

Hebrews 7:5
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Matthew 10:10
Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

Luke 10:7
Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Treasury of Scripture

And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

Shiloh

Joshua 18:1
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

The Lord

Numbers 35:2-8
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them…

Ezekiel 48:9-18
The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth…

Matthew 10:10
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

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Joshua 21

1. Forty-eight cities given by lot, out of the other tribes unto the Levites.
43. God gives the land, and rest unto the Israelites, according to his promise

Berean Study Bible

at Shiloh
The phrase "at Shiloh" refers to a significant location in the history of Israel. Shiloh was the religious and administrative center for the Israelites before Jerusalem. It was here that the Tabernacle was set up after the conquest of Canaan, making it a central place of worship and decision-making. The Hebrew root for Shiloh can be associated with peace or tranquility, reflecting its role as a place where the Israelites gathered to seek God's guidance. Historically, Shiloh was a place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This setting underscores the solemnity and divine authority behind the request being made.

in the land of Canaan
The phrase "in the land of Canaan" situates the narrative within the Promised Land, a region promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. Canaan was a land of diverse peoples and cultures, and its conquest and settlement by the Israelites were central to the fulfillment of God's promises. The Hebrew term for Canaan is often associated with the idea of being humbled or subdued, which reflects the Israelites' task of subduing the land under God's command. This context emphasizes the faithfulness of God in bringing His people into the land He had promised them, despite the challenges they faced.

the LORD commanded
The phrase "the LORD commanded" highlights the divine authority and directive behind the actions of the Israelites. The use of "LORD" in all capitals in the BSB indicates the translation of the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God. This underscores the personal and covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The word "commanded" reflects the authoritative nature of God's instructions, which were not mere suggestions but divine mandates that required obedience. This phrase reminds readers of the importance of following God's commands as an expression of faith and trust in His sovereign will.

through Moses
The phrase "through Moses" points to the role of Moses as the mediator of God's law and commands to the people of Israel. Moses, as the servant of God, was instrumental in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His role as a prophet and leader is central to the narrative of the Pentateuch. The mention of Moses here serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's plan and the faithfulness of His promises, as Moses had received the law and instructions from God on Mount Sinai. It also highlights the importance of leadership and obedience to God's chosen instruments in the fulfillment of His purposes.

to give us cities
The phrase "to give us cities" reflects the specific request being made by the Levites for their inheritance. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were not given a specific territory but were instead allocated cities within the territories of the other tribes. This arrangement was in accordance with God's command, as the Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to the community. The giving of cities to the Levites ensured that they were integrated into the life of the nation, providing spiritual guidance and instruction. This phrase underscores the provision and care of God for all His people, ensuring that each tribe and group had their needs met according to His divine plan.

to dwell in
The phrase "to dwell in" emphasizes the purpose of the cities being requested by the Levites. The Hebrew root for "dwell" often conveys the idea of settling or abiding, suggesting a sense of permanence and stability. For the Levites, dwelling in these cities meant having a place to live and serve among the people of Israel. This arrangement allowed them to fulfill their priestly duties and maintain the spiritual health of the nation. The concept of dwelling also carries theological significance, as it reflects the broader biblical theme of God dwelling among His people, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - At Shiloh. Another instance of exact accuracy. Shiloh was now the place of assembly in Israel (see Joshua 18:1). The Lord commanded. The command is given in Numbers 35. We have here, therefore, another quotation from the books of Moses. If we refer to it we find how exactly the precepts were carried out. First, the six cities of refuge were to be appointed, and then forty-two more were to be added to them. Calvin, not noticing this, has complained that this narrative is not in its proper place, and that it should have been inserted before the details in ch. 20. The very reverse is the fact. These cities of refuge are included, in what follows, among the number of forty-eight cities in all, assigned to the Levites. Suburbs. See Joshua 14:4. And so throughout the chapter.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

at Shiloh
בְּשִׁלֹ֗ה (bə·ši·lōh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7887: Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim

in the land
בְּאֶ֤רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Canaan,
כְּנַ֙עַן֙ (kə·na·‘an)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3667: Canaan -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their land West of the Jordan

saying,
וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ (way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“The LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

commanded
צִוָּ֣ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

through
בְיַד־ (ḇə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

that we be given
לָֽתֶת־ (lā·ṯeṯ-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

cities
עָרִ֖ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

in which to live,
לָשָׁ֑בֶת (lā·šā·ḇeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

along with pasturelands
וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֖ן (ū·miḡ·rə·šê·hen)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 4054: A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea

for our livestock.”
לִבְהֶמְתֵּֽנוּ׃ (liḇ·hem·tê·nū)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal

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OT History: Joshua 21:2 They spoke to them at Shiloh (Josh. Jos)