Yehoshua 14:4

4 For the Bnei Yosef were two tribes, Menasheh and Ephrayim; therefore they gave no chelek unto the Levi’im in HaAretz, except arim (cities) to dwell in, with their open land for their livestock and for their herds.

Yehoshua 14:4 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 14:4

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and
Ephraim
For the birthright being forfeited by Reuben, was given to Joseph, who had the double portion, the privilege of the firstborn; by which means the number of the twelve tribes was kept up in the division of the land, though that of Levi had no share in it; and which is also a reason why they had none, that Joseph's two sons might be reckoned two tribes:

therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land;
to make way for the sons of Joseph to have the double portion:

save cities to dwell [in];
and that only, for they might not sell them, as other Israelites could theirs:

with their suburbs, for their cattle, and for their substance;
the Targum is,

``for all their beasts, and for their cattle;''

that is, for convenient places to put them into, and for pasturage for, them; which Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret of their larger and lesser cattle, their herds and their flocks, their oxen and sheep.

Yehoshua 14:4 In-Context

2 By goral (lot) was their nachalah, just as Hashem commanded by the yad Moshe, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe.

3 For Moshe had given the nachalah of two and a half tribes on the other side of the Yarden; but unto the Levi’im he gave no nachalah among them.

4 For the Bnei Yosef were two tribes, Menasheh and Ephrayim; therefore they gave no chelek unto the Levi’im in HaAretz, except arim (cities) to dwell in, with their open land for their livestock and for their herds.

5 Just as Hashem commanded Moshe, so the Bnei Yisroel did, and they divided HaAretz.

6 Then the Bnei Yehudah came unto Yehoshua in Gilgal; and Kalev ben Yephunneh the Kenezi said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that Hashem said unto Moshe Ish HaElohim concerning me and thee in Kadesh-Barnea.