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Joshua 21:4

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

When they drew lots, it turned out that the families of the Kohathites were chosen. The descendants of Aaron the priest, who were from the tribe of Levi, received thirteen cities by lot from the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse describes how God's people used a fair drawing system to give thirteen cities to Aaron's priestly descendants from three different tribal territories.

📚 Historical Context

This occurred after Israel had conquered the Promised Land and was dividing it among the twelve tribes. The Levites, who served as priests and temple workers, didn't receive their own large territory like the other tribes, but instead were given specific cities scattered throughout Israel where they could live and serve. The Kohathites were one of three main family groups within the tribe of Levi, and Aaron's descendants held the most sacred priestly duties.

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