Joshua 18-21 (6)

Read Joshua 21.1-45.

Reflect.
1.  Why would it have been important for the Levites to be scattered throughout the various tribes of Israel?

2.  The tribe of the Levites included the priests. What did priests and Levites do in Israel? Can you see that their placement among the tribes of Israel is a symbol or type of Jesus indwelling His Church?

Think about it.
The tribe of Levi was divided into three sub-tribes: The children of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. They are to be given cities among all the tribes, together with the common lands – probably for gardens and grazing of sheep – that went with those cities. A total of forty-eight cities were assigned to the priests and Levites. This meant that religious services would be available throughout the nation of Israel, and not just at the center point, Shiloh, where the tabernacle was pitched. The synagogue structure of religious and spiritual life, which is so prominent in the New Testament, began here.

This reading is again difficult, but as you read, think about the priests and Levites as a type of Christ, Who comes by His Spirit to dwell in all who believe in Him. The Levites worked to ensure that prayers, offerings, teaching, and love for God and neighbor existed in every tribe of Israel. The Lord’s purpose for us is to increase those and other forms of spiritual life, so that we may be holy, as our Father in heaven is holy.

The closing pericope (vv. 43-45) comes with a “Whew!” – a sense of relief. No more lists! But the main point is to remind the readers (that would be us) that all the details of the dividing and apportioning of the land of promise were but steps in God’s sovereign and personal care for all His people. These detailed lists of lands, borders, and cities encourage us to be as detailed in counting our blessings each day, that we may be faithful in serving Him.

While it was true that the people had “rest all around” and that they had taken possession of the land and were dwelling in it; and while it was also true that “not a man of all their enemies stood against them,” still, the work was not finished (cf. Josh. 24.6-8). And it never would be finished. In the same way, we who believe in Jesus are saved (from sin and judgment), but we are being saved daily as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. And we will one day be saved from all sin and its consequences in the new heavens and new earth with Jesus.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  As each tribe heard the list of cities and common lands assigned to them, how do you think that made them feel? Would they have been excited? Pleased? Do you suppose they looked at one another and gave thanks to God? 

2.  The purpose of this widespread disseminating of priests and Levites was to ensure sound worship and pure and holy living through all Israel? How is this a type of Christ’s indwelling presence in our lives?

3.  As far as our salvation is concerned, the war for our souls is over, but the battles continue. Why? What does God intend for us in having to carry on this struggle for His rest? 

“Wherefore, although they did not rout them all so as to make their possession clear, yet the truth of God came visibly forth, and was realized, inasmuch as they might have obtained what was remaining without any difficulty, had they been pleased to avail themselves of the victories offered to them.” John Calvin, Commentary on Joshua (1509-1564 AD)

You have called me to work out my salvation in fear and trembling, O Lord, and I am determined that I will…

Pray Psalm 90.12-17.
We return to this psalm to prepare for the day’s struggle. Wait in silence on the Lord to show the work you need to do today to enter more fully into His rest.

Psalm 90.12-17 (Landas: My Faith Has Found a Resting Place)
Lord, teach us all our days to note that wisdom may be ours.
Return, O Lord, have pity on those servants who are Yours.
Each morning let Your love appear that we for joy may sing.
And make us glad for every day You us affliction bring.

Now let Your work to us appear; our children show Your might.
And let Your favor rest on us; show mercy in Your sight.
The work that You have given us, confirm, and to us show,
That we Your chosen path may walk and in Your precepts go.

T. M. Moore

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Where does the book of Joshua fit in the ongoing story of God’s covenant? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you discover the place in God’s work of redemption not only of Joshua but of all the books of the Bible. God’s Covenant is a valuable resource to guide you in all your studies in God’s Word. To order your copy, click here. And when you order, we’ll send you a free copy of Bricks and Rungs: Poems on Calling.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).