Joshua 14:4

4 The sons of Joseph had divided into two tribes -- Manasseh and Ephraim. The tribe of Levi was not given any land. It was given only some towns in which to live and pastures for its animals.

Joshua 14:4 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 14:4

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and
Ephraim
For the birthright being forfeited by Reuben, was given to Joseph, who had the double portion, the privilege of the firstborn; by which means the number of the twelve tribes was kept up in the division of the land, though that of Levi had no share in it; and which is also a reason why they had none, that Joseph's two sons might be reckoned two tribes:

therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land;
to make way for the sons of Joseph to have the double portion:

save cities to dwell [in];
and that only, for they might not sell them, as other Israelites could theirs:

with their suburbs, for their cattle, and for their substance;
the Targum is,

``for all their beasts, and for their cattle;''

that is, for convenient places to put them into, and for pasturage for, them; which Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret of their larger and lesser cattle, their herds and their flocks, their oxen and sheep.

Joshua 14:4 In-Context

2 The Lord had commanded Moses long ago how he wanted the people to choose their land. The people of the nine-and-a-half tribes threw lots to decide which land they would receive.

3 Moses had already given the two-and-a-half tribes their land east of the Jordan River. But the tribe of Levi was not given any land like the others.

4 The sons of Joseph had divided into two tribes -- Manasseh and Ephraim. The tribe of Levi was not given any land. It was given only some towns in which to live and pastures for its animals.

5 The Lord had told Moses how to give the land to the tribes of Israel, and the Israelites divided the land.

6 One day some men from the tribe of Judah went to Joshua at Gilgal. Among them was Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite. He said to Joshua, "You remember what the Lord said at Kadesh Barnea when he was speaking to the prophet Moses about you and me.