Joshua 21:27
And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.
Joshua 21:27 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse you are referring to is from the book of Joshua in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this verse, the land of Golan in Bashan, along with its surrounding suburbs, was given to the children of Gershon, a Levite clan. This land was designated as a city of refuge for those who unintentionally killed another person, providing them with a safe haven from retaliation. This custom of cities of refuge was established by God to ensure that justice was served without unnecessary bloodshed. Additionally, Beeshterah and its suburbs were also given to the Levites from the tribe of Manasseh. These cities were set apart for the Levites to dwell in, as they did not have a specific portion of land of their own. The allocation of these cities served both a practical and symbolic purpose, emphasizing the importance of mercy and justice in the community, guided by the laws and commandments of God.
Theological Overview
From a theological perspective, the allocation of cities of refuge to the Levites, specifically the descendants of Gershon, demonstrates God's concern for justice and mercy. These cities were designated as safe havens for individuals who unintentionally caused harm to others. The city of Golan in Bashan and Beeshterah were strategically placed within the territories of the other tribes of Israel, emphasizing the importance of providing protection and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their tribe or background. This provision by God also highlights the concept of redemption and restoration, as those who sought refuge in these cities could find refuge, forgiveness, and a chance to start anew.
Joshua 21:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh [they gave] Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be-eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.
World English Bible
They gave to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Be Eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.
Douay-Rheims
To the children of Gerson also of the race of Levi out of the half tribe of Manasses, Gaulon in Basan, one of the cities of refuge, and Bosra, with their suburbs, two cities.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also vnto the children of Gershon of the families of the Leuites, they gaue out of the halfe tribe of Manasseh, the citie of refuge for the slaier, Golan in Bashan with her suburbes, and Beeshterah with her suburbes: two cities.