Definition: All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, [were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 21:19. It's a really significant detail about God’s plan for Israel after the Exodus! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, God decided that after the Israelites left Egypt and started living in the wilderness, he wanted to establish a permanent city for the priests – specifically thirteen cities. Let’s unpack that a little further: “All the cities of the children of Aaron…” This refers to the priestly class, which was a group of people who served God through ritual duties and leadership. "Children of Aaron" is a specific group within Israel. “…the priests…” This means those people were responsible for performing religious ceremonies, offering sacrifices, and guiding the Israelites. “[were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.” This is the key part! God decided to establish thirteen distinct cities – each with its own area or neighborhood – for these priests. These weren’t just random places; they were carefully chosen locations based on factors like: Strategic Importance: They were placed in areas that would be beneficial for the priestly class (think of good land, access to resources). Location: The verse doesn't give us exactly where each city was located, but it suggests they were situated in a way that facilitated their duties. Why is this important? This arrangement shows God’s deliberate plan for establishing a stable and organized society for the Israelites after their escape from Egypt. It highlights his control over creation and his desire to guide them into a thriving land. It’s also a symbolic representation of how God wants to establish His people – a group that is strong, dedicated, and has a place to call home. In short: God chose thirteen cities for the priests, which was a significant step in establishing a permanent religious and administrative center for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story from the Old Testament?