King James Version
What Does Joshua 19:20 Mean?
“And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,”
Joshua 19:20 · KJV
Context
18
And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,
19
And Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath,
20
And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,
21
And Remeth, and Engannim, and Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez;
22
And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez. Three additional boundary cities appear here. Rabbîth (רַבִּית) likely means "multitude" or "greatness," possibly indicating a large settlement. Qishyôn (קִשְׁיוֹן) was later designated a Levitical city (Joshua 21:28), demonstrating how tribal territories included portions allocated to Levites for their ministerial service. 'Ābēṣ (אָבֵץ) may derive from a root meaning "white" or "gleaming," perhaps describing local limestone geology or whitewashed buildings.
Kishion's designation as a Levitical city reveals the integration of Israel's priestly tribe throughout all territories. Rather than concentrating religious leadership in one location, God distributed Levites across Israel to ensure every tribe had access to Torah instruction and proper worship. This dispersion pattern reflected God's desire for His holiness to permeate all aspects of Israelite society, not remain confined to cultic centers. The Levitical cities functioned as teaching centers, legal courts, and worship hubs, making divine instruction accessible throughout the covenant community.
Kishion's designation as a Levitical city reveals the integration of Israel's priestly tribe throughout all territories. Rather than concentrating religious leadership in one location, God distributed Levites across Israel to ensure every tribe had access to Torah instruction and proper worship. This dispersion pattern reflected God's desire for His holiness to permeate all aspects of Israelite society, not remain confined to cultic centers. The Levitical cities functioned as teaching centers, legal courts, and worship hubs, making divine instruction accessible throughout the covenant community.
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Historical & Cultural Context
The Levitical city system established in Joshua 21 allocated 48 cities across tribal territories for priestly service. Levites received no contiguous tribal territory ("the LORD is their inheritance," Joshua 13:33) but instead inhabited cities within other tribes' lands, with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This arrangement fulfilled both practical and theological purposes: practically, it distributed religious expertise throughout Israel; theologically, it demonstrated that holiness should permeate all tribal territories, not concentrate in isolated sacred spaces. Kishion's location in Issachar's fertile valley meant Levites there likely engaged in agricultural work alongside priestly duties, modeling the integration of sacred and secular labor.
Reflection Questions
- How does the Levitical city system challenge modern sacred-secular dichotomies that isolate spiritual ministry from daily life?
- What does the integration of priests throughout tribal territories teach about the church's calling to be dispersed salt and light rather than withdrawn holy huddle?
- How can we ensure access to sound biblical teaching in all spheres of society as Levitical cities did for ancient Israel?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 3 wordsStudy Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 19:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.