Joshua 14:4 in Hebrew
כִּֽי־הָי֧וּ בְנֵֽי־יֹוסֵ֛ף שְׁנֵ֥י מַטֹּ֖ות מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה וְאֶפְרָ֑יִם וְלֹֽא־נָתְנוּ֩ חֵ֨לֶק לַלְוִיִּ֜ם בָּאָ֗רֶץ כִּ֤י אִם־עָרִים֙ לָשֶׁ֔בֶת וּמִ֨גְרְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם לְמִקְנֵיהֶ֖ם וּלְקִנְיָנָֽם׃
Introduction to the Verse
Joshua 14:4 provides a key clarification regarding the division of land among the tribes of Israel. The verse states:
כִּֽי־הָי֧וּ בְנֵֽי־יֹוסֵ֛ף שְׁנֵ֥י מַטֹּ֖ות מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה וְאֶפְרָ֑יִם – “For the sons of Yosef were two tribes, Menasheh and Ephrayim.”
וְלֹֽא־נָתְנוּ֩ חֵ֨לֶק לַלְוִיִּ֜ם בָּאָ֗רֶץ – “And they did not give a portion in the land to the Levites.”
כִּ֤י אִם־עָרִים֙ לָשֶׁ֔בֶת – “Only cities to dwell in.”
This verse clarifies the inheritance structure of the tribes, emphasizing that the Levites did not receive territorial land like the other tribes.
Understanding the Division of the Tribes
1. כִּֽי־הָי֧וּ בְנֵֽי־יֹוסֵ֛ף שְׁנֵ֥י מַטֹּ֖ות (“For the sons of Yosef were two tribes”)
– Yosef’s inheritance was split between his two sons, Menasheh and Ephrayim.
– This division was based on Yaʿaqov’s blessing in Genesis 48:5, where he elevated Yosef’s sons to the status of full tribes.
– This ensured that Yosef’s descendants maintained an equal standing among the other tribes.
2. וְלֹֽא־נָתְנוּ֩ חֵ֨לֶק לַלְוִיִּ֜ם (“And they did not give a portion to the Levites”)
– Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a land inheritance.
– Instead, they were set apart for religious service, serving in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
3. כִּ֤י אִם־עָרִים֙ לָשֶׁ֔בֶת (“Only cities to dwell in”)
– The Levites were given specific cities to reside in rather than territorial land.
– These Levitical cities were spread across the land to ensure their presence among all the tribes.
The Theological and Social Significance
1. The Fulfillment of Yaʿaqov’s Blessing
– The division of Menasheh and Ephrayim as separate tribes fulfills Yaʿaqov’s prophecy in Genesis 48:5.
– This preserved Yosef’s legacy while maintaining the tribal count at twelve.
2. The Unique Role of the Levites
– The Levites were dedicated to serving in the Tabernacle rather than cultivating land.
– Instead of farming, they were supported by tithes and offerings from the other tribes.
3. The Distribution of Levitical Cities
– The Levites’ presence across different territories ensured spiritual guidance and instruction throughout Israel.
– This prevented the centralization of religious power in one region.
The Inheritance Structure in Joshua 14:4
Joshua 14:4 explains the tribal land divisions, clarifying that Yosef’s descendants formed two separate tribes, while the Levites did not receive land but were given cities to dwell in.
This verse highlights the fulfillment of divine blessings, the unique role of the Levites, and the deliberate distribution of leadership and religious instruction across Israel.
