Joshua 21 -- An Old Blessing Fulfilled

Way back when Jacob was about to die, when the Israelites had first traveled to Egypt when Joseph was in charge, Jacob was blessing his sons before he died, and he strangely stated that Levi and his brother Simeon had been too violent, and perhaps it was God talking through Jacob when he said, "I will divide them up among the tribes of Jacob and scatter them through all the tribes of Israel." (Gen 49:7)  This chapter describes the fulfillment of those words.  It's hard to imagine that someone derided for his violence would father the priestly tribe!  But God knew way back then what He had in mind.  

As they took the Promised Land, "the tribe of Levi didn't have territory assigned to it, but was scattered throughout the land," my commentary said.  And there was a reason:  "This way, they could teach the people the law and influence each of the tribes to be faithful to the Lord."

Of course, they had livestock to feed their people, so they needed some land.  So 48 cities throughout the Promised Land were given to them, along with the pastures outside of those cities.  Six of the cities were also cities of refuge.

Numbers 26:62 says there were 23,000 Levites before Israel entered the Promised Land, "a big crowd to distribute among 48 cities," my commentary added.  That's about 480 per town if divided equally.  "It was important that Israel have qualified and authorized people to minister in the tabernacle and later in the temple, and we must never minimize the teaching ministry of the priests and Levites.  Since the common people didn't own copies of the Scriptures, it was important that the Levites identify with the people and explain the Law to them.  These Levitical cities were so located that nobody was too far away from a man who could help them understand and apply the law of Moses."  Just imagine towns having 480 pastors!

There's also a section at the end of this chapter that reminds us that God is faithful and that He'd been faithful to Israel, giving them the Promised Land, giving them victory over their enemies, and keeping His promises always.  "The covenant of God, the power of God, and the promises of God are spiritual resources we can depend on as we claim our inheritance in Jesus Christ," my commentary concluded.

Father, I pray that I am where You want me to be, doing what You want me to be doing.  I feel that covenant with You and I've witnessed Your power.  Continue to amaze me with Your kept promises!

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Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford