Cities of The Levites

Joshua 21:1–45
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As has been previously stated, the Levites, the servants of God, were not to own their own land in Canaan. Instead, they were to be scattered among the other tribes as stated by Moses in his final message to the tribes, “They shall teach Thine ordinances to Jacob, and Thy law to Israel” (Deuteronomy 33:10). Their service to these scattered tribes were to be as follows: 

1. To teach the people the law of God.

2. To act as judges in controversies and judicial proceedings.

3. To determine what sacrifices should be offered.

4. To maintain the ceremonial purity of the nations.

These Levites resided in 48 cities with pastureland in the suburbs for their animals. The pastureland could not be sold, but their houses could be sold. This included the 6 cities of refuge. It has been estimated that no one in Israel lived more than 10 miles from a city in which the Levites had their residence. This meant that every Israelite was close to someone well-versed in the Law, who could give advice and counsel on the many religious or family problems.

The Levites, however, did not live up to their potential as idolatry and corruption began to spread over the land of Israel. Perhaps too many of the Levites became complacent, as many of us do, when the softening influences of the “good life” came to pass.

Application

God’s promises will be fulfilled according to His timetable and not mine, but I know His Word is sure. I need to be sure as a Christian to find myself standing up for that which is good and righteous and not just remaining silent and not wanting to get involved in the things of the Lord?