Book of Joshua - Chapter 21 - Verse 33

In this verse, the cities of the Gershonites are listed according to their families, totaling thirteen cities along with their surrounding suburbs. The Gershonites were one of the three main branches of the Levites, who were the tribe set apart for the service of God in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. These cities and suburbs were designated for the Gershonites to dwell in as they carried out their duties and responsibilities within the religious community. Each city would have functioned as a hub for their work and a place for them to live with their families. By listing out the specific number of cities and suburbs allocated to the Gershonites, this verse serves to delineate and organize the distribution of territories within the Levitical tribe, ensuring that each family group had a designated place within the larger community. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of order and structure in the religious practices of the ancient Israelites.

The verse "All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their suburbs" from the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles 6:71 highlights the organization and allocation of land among the Levite clans. The Gershonites were one of the Levite families responsible for the care and transportation of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The number thirteen symbolizes completeness and unity, suggesting that the Gershonites were fully equipped to carry out their duties in service to God. The mention of suburbs around the cities indicates that these locations were not only inhabited but also had open spaces for agricultural purposes. The word "Gershonites" is derived from the Hebrew word "Gershom," meaning "expulsion" or "exile," which may suggest a spiritual lesson about being set apart for the service of God. This verse showcases the precision and detail with which God instructed the Israelites in organizing their worship and service, emphasizing the importance of order and dedication in carrying out His will.