the thirteen cities set apart by Joshua for the family of Aaron, which lay in the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin (Joshua 21:4), and in the vicinity of the holy city. Their names were Hebron (a free city), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, Beth-shemesh, Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon; the last four being in the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 21:10 sq.). After the exile, too, priests dwelt in these cities (Nehemiah 7:73), though many were permanestly settled in Jerusalem itself (Nehemiah 11:10 sq.). (See CITY); (See LEVI); (See PRIEST).