Allotting the Acreage
(Joshua 13:1-33; 14:1-15; 15:1-12, 20-62; 16:1-9; 17:1-10, 14-18)
(Judges 1:20)
The Tribes of Israel
Having conquered Canaan in the power of the Lord, Joshua and the leaders of the twelve tribe of Israel divided the land among the clans. Casting lots, the land was allotted to the tribes who had not already received their territories.
In earlier Bible readings, we learned that Moses had already assigned lands (east of the Jordan River) to the tribes of Dan and Reuben and half of Manasseh’s tribe. This was accomplished before the attack on Jericho.
Division of Canaan
From Bibel in Bildern
By Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld
1851 - 1860
As each of the remaining tribes receives its share of the Promised Land of Canaan, we may find it interesting to note the repeated references to the Levites. This priestly tribe receives no territory. Instead, the Levites are offered towns and pasturelands, so that they may provide for their families and their flocks (see Joshua 14:4-5).
Why do the Levites receive no territories?
God’s Word is clear on this issue.
“But to the tribe of Levi
he gave no inheritance,
since the offerings made by fire to the Lord,
the God of Israel, are their inheritance,
as He promised them.”
The priestly calling of the tribe of Levi was to serve the Lord, unhindered by the responsibilities and concerns of property ownership. The Lord intended His service to be inheritance enough for these chosen few.
“But to the tribe of Levi,
Moses had given no inheritance;
the Lord, the God of Israel,
is their inheritance,
as He promised them.”
Surely, God Himself desired to be the sufficient inheritance of the Levites.
The Lord calls all believers to be His priests.
In the Old Testament, the priests were responsible for making offerings and sacrifices to the Lord, leading worship and sacred proceedings, carrying the Ark of the Covenant into battle and instructing the people in God’s Word.
Ever since the once, forever and final atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Messiah of the world and the Holy Lamb of God, no further priestly sacrifices need be made. The Savior has completed the eternal work of God. The battle has been won.
And the Lord has ordained His own people to be His priests, carrying the Lord’s banner of love into battle for the glory of His Name and leading others to know Him and to worship Him forever. Hallelujah to the Lord.
“But you are a chosen people,
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation,
a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness
into His wonderful light.”
(1 Peter 2:9, NIV – emphasis added)
Will you pray with me?
God of wonder and glory,
How we praise You
For who You are.
All we need is you.
Give us a greater glimpse
Even today
Of Your glory,
That we may desire
None other.
Surely our greatest inheritance
Lies in You.
Knowing You
Is more than enough.
Your lovingkindness
Is our portion
Now and forever.
Amen.
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