What is the meaning of Joshua 21:18? Anathoth “Anathoth, …” (Joshua 21:18) • Anathoth sits just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem in the tribal allotment of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24). • By assigning this city to the descendants of Aaron, God placed priests within close reach of the future center of worship, underscoring His concern for accessible spiritual leadership (cf. Deuteronomy 12:5–7; 2 Samuel 7:13). • Anathoth later becomes the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1) and a refuge for the deposed priest Abiathar (1 Kings 2:26), illustrating its ongoing priestly identity. and Almon “…and Almon—” • Also in Benjamin’s territory (Joshua 18:24), Almon—called Alemeth in 1 Chronicles 6:60—pairs with Anathoth to complete the priestly settlements nearest Jerusalem. • Its placement testifies that every corner of Israel, even densely populated areas, needed dedicated spaces for worship and instruction (cf. Malachi 2:7). • By listing Almon separately, Scripture highlights that each priestly city, no matter how small, held unique value in God’s plan (Psalm 16:6). four cities “…four cities,” • The total of four comes from the combined count in verses 17–18: Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon. • This numeric detail shows the careful fulfillment of God’s earlier command that the sons of Aaron receive thirteen cities (Numbers 35:6; Joshua 21:4). • The tally assures readers that the distribution of land was orderly and complete, reflecting God’s faithfulness down to precise numbers (Luke 16:10). together with their pasturelands “…together with their pasturelands.” • God provided not only residential space but also surrounding fields so priests could sustain themselves and their families (Numbers 35:2–3). • These pasturelands maintained the economic independence of the priesthood, freeing them to focus on teaching and sacrifices (Leviticus 10:11). • The phrase reminds us that the Lord cares for the practical needs of His servants as much as their spiritual calling (Philippians 4:19). summary Joshua 21:18 records God’s precise provision for the priests by granting them Anathoth and Almon, completing a set of four cities in Benjamin, each supplied with needed pasturelands. The verse testifies to the Lord’s integrity in fulfilling His promises, His desire for accessible spiritual leadership, and His holistic care for those who minister in His name. |
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