So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.
So all the cities given to the descendants of Merari according to their family groups, who were the remaining families of the Levites, totaled twelve cities when they drew lots.
This verse is recording that the Merarite families (part of the Levite tribe) received exactly twelve cities as their inheritance through the lot system.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the distribution of the Promised Land after Israel's conquest under Joshua. The Levites, who served as priests and temple workers, didn't receive large territorial inheritances like other tribes, but instead received specific cities scattered throughout Israel. The Merarites were one of three main family groups within the tribe of Levi, along with the Kohathites and Gershonites.
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