Definition: And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 21:20. It’s a really important part of the story of the Israelites and God’s plan for them. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us that some of the children of Kohath (a specific group of Israelites) who remained in the temple were given their own separate territories – “cities of their lot” – within the larger Israelite community. Let’s unpack that a bit: Kohath: This was a special group of Israelites, and they had a very important position in the Temple. The Children of Kohath: This refers to a particular line of descendants who were entrusted with certain responsibilities within the temple. “Even they…” – This is key. It means all of these children remained. “Had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim”: This is where it gets a little more nuanced. "Ephraim" was a tribe that wasn’t part of the main Israelite group. So, these children were given their own separate territories – neighborhoods, areas, or plots of land – within the broader Israelite community. Why do they get their own territories? This is a significant part of God's plan and shows that He’s prioritizing the well-being of His people. It demonstrates that God wants to give them stability and independence, allowing them to thrive and have some autonomy within his kingdom. Context is important: This verse comes before the story of Joshua leading the Israelites into Canaan. It's a bit like a precursor – it sets up the idea that God’s plan is working out, even in seemingly small ways. --- Do you want me to: Explain any other parts of this verse? Give you an example of how this principle applies to other stories or events in the Bible?