What is the meaning of Joshua 21:14? Jattir • “Jattir” is the first of two towns named in Joshua 21:14: “Jattir, Eshtemoa,”. • Located in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:48), it was one of the cities transferred from Judah’s tribal territory to the priestly sons of Aaron, showing the LORD’s faithfulness to provide for the Levites as He promised in Numbers 35:1–8. • David later sent part of his battle plunder “to those in Jattir” (1 Samuel 30:27), affirming its ongoing role as a priestly community and reminding us that God’s servants were to be supported by the fruit of Israel’s victories. • 1 Chronicles 6:57 repeats Jattir in the list of Aaronic cities, confirming the reliability of the historical record. • By assigning this particular hill-country town—with its surrounding pasturelands—the LORD ensured that priests could tend flocks and sustain their families while living among the people they taught (Deuteronomy 33:10). The verse thus showcases God’s practical care for those who minister and His intention that spiritual leadership be woven into everyday community life. Eshtemoa • Following Jattir, the text simply states “Eshtemoa,” completing Joshua 21:14’s pair of priestly towns. • Also situated in Judah (Joshua 15:50), Eshtemoa was granted, like Jattir, “with its pasturelands,” underscoring that God’s provision was tangible—land for homes, fields, and herds. • Eshtemoa reappears when David sends gifts there (1 Samuel 30:28), demonstrating the town’s continued identity as a Levitical center and highlighting Israel’s pattern of honoring those who serve in the sanctuary (cf. Numbers 18:8–12). • 1 Chronicles 6:57 repeats Eshtemoa beside Jattir, reinforcing that these priestly holdings were not temporary but part of Israel’s settled inheritance structure. • The pairing of these two Judahite towns in one short verse mirrors God’s justice and generosity: Judah, the royal tribe, shares its best with the priestly tribe, and the priests in turn bless Judah through teaching and intercession (Malachi 2:6–7). summary Joshua 21:14 may look like a simple catalog, yet it testifies that God keeps every detail of His word. By placing Jattir and Eshtemoa—complete with pasturelands—into priestly hands, the LORD provided material support for spiritual ministry, integrated the Levites into the daily life of Israel, and modeled a community where worship, teaching, and practical care stand side by side. |
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