What significance do the cities of Golan and Ashtaroth hold for the Levites? Locating the Text “From the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan and Ashtaroth, together with their pasturelands, to the Gershomites.” (1 Chronicles 6:71) Who Were the Gershomites? • One of the three major Levitical clans (Gershon, Kohath, and Merari). • Charged with caring for the tabernacle’s fabrics, curtains, and coverings (Numbers 4:24-28). • Depended on allotted towns and surrounding fields for daily sustenance because the tribe of Levi received no territorial inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:1-2). Golan and Ashtaroth Assigned • Both cities lay east of the Jordan in territory once ruled by King Og of Bashan. • They came from the “half-tribe of Manasseh,” the portion that settled in Transjordan (Joshua 13:29-31). • By receiving two established urban centers plus their pasturelands, the Gershomites were provided housing, farmland for livestock, and a base for teaching God’s law among the surrounding Israelites. Golan — A City of Refuge • Designated by Moses for accidental manslayers to flee until trial (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8). • One of six cities of refuge, all of which were Levitical towns (Numbers 35:6-7). • Significance for the Levites: – Reinforced their role as mediators of justice and mercy. – Positioned them at critical crossroads to guide fugitives toward fair hearing, reflecting God’s provision of grace. • Foreshadowed Christ, our ultimate refuge (Hebrews 6:18). Ashtaroth — A Reminder of Victory and Service • Capital city of King Og before Israel’s conquest (Deuteronomy 1:4; Joshua 13:12). • Once a stronghold of pagan power, now a center for Levites who taught true worship. • Testified to God’s ability to turn enemy territory into places of ministry. • Offered rich pastures (“Ashtaroth and its suburbs,” Joshua 21:27), enabling Levites to focus on spiritual duties rather than survival. Practical Takeaways • God strategically places His servants where justice, teaching, and mercy intersect. • Former strongholds of darkness can become hubs of worship when God’s people occupy them. • Provision accompanies calling: pasturelands came with the cities, assuring the Levites’ needs were met while they served. Key Cross-References • Numbers 35:1-8 – Mandate for 48 Levitical cities, six as cities of refuge. • Joshua 21:27 – Parallel list confirming Golan and Ashtaroth for the Gershomites. • Hebrews 6:18 – Believers “have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us,” echoing Golan’s purpose. Golan and Ashtaroth thus stand as tangible proofs of God’s justice, redemption, and faithful provision for those He appoints to minister. |
    |