Joshua 21:1-45
Q.1. Why had the tribe of Levi not yet been granted land? From where did their cities and pasture lands come? How were they apportioned? – Josh.21:1-8 c.f. Num.35:1-8; Josh.13:14, 33)
The tribe of Levi was not given a tribal territory as were the other twelve tribes. Jacob had foretold that they would be scattered throughout the tribes, and so they were (Gen.49:7). They were chosen to represent the nation before God, as priests (Num.17:6-7). They were given the tithes and offerings for their support. The Lord was their portion (Josh.13:14 & 33). Consequently, their pasture lands and homes were dispersed throughout all the tribal territories. These could not be given until all the tribes were allocated their tribal territories. They were to be granted cities, and predetermined pasture lands (Josh.21:1-3 c.f. Num.35:1-8). The sons of Kohath received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, so that they were most conveniently placed near Jerusalem (Josh.21:4). The rest of the Kohathites were given ten cities from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan (originally flanking Judah), and the half tribe of Manassah (Josh.21:5). The sons of Gershon gained thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half tribe of Manasseh beyond the Jordan (Josh.21:6). The sons of Merari were given twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben & Gad beyond the Jordan and Zebulun. These cities included the surrounding pasture lands (Josh.21:8).
Q.2. Did Levi have sufficient designated cities and pasture lands? Did they have to fight for their allotments? Who provided them with their holdings? – (Josh.21:9-42)
Joshua and Caleb had given a good report about the Promised Land forty years earlier, so were spared, and each given special holdings (Josh.21:12 c.f. Josh.19:49-50). Chapter 21 recorded the title deeds of the forty-eight cities and the surrounding pasture lands given to Levi, throughout the territories of the twelve tribes of Israel (Josh.21:41-42 c.f. Josh.21:9-40). It included the Cities of Refuge, over which the priesthood presided (Josh.21:13,21,27,32,38 c.f. Josh.20:1-9). The twelve tribes were called upon to conquer these territories, and then to apportion the cities and pasture lands to the families of Levi, their priests. The tribe of Levi did not need to fight for their inheritance.
Q.3. Did God keep His promises regarding the land of Canaan? How did Israel prevail over so many hostile nations? – (Josh.21:43-45)
God did all that He had promised He would do for Israel. It is specifically recorded that – NOT ONE OF THE GOOD PROMISES WHICH THE LORD HAD MADE TO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL FAILED; ALL CAME TO PASS (Josh.21:45 c.f. Josh.21:43). It may have appeared a huge challenge for the tribes to have to fight against such hostile nations. However, they were not alone – and the Lord gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hand (Josh.21:44). Though we walk in the will of God we can expect tribulation, but God will give us victory (Jn.16:33).