The book of Joshua is known for its epic tales of war and wonders, of walls collapsing at the blast of trumpets, and the sun standing still in the sky. But as you’ve been reading, you’ve probably also noticed a book of lists, of conquered kings and detailed land allotments. From Abraham under the stars to an army crossing the Jordan, the promised land has been both a distant dream and a sought-after goal.
In chapter 13, Joshua’s war days are done, but God reminds him of some unfinished business. There’s a great deal of land waiting to be possessed, still occupied by the Philistines, Canaanites, and other tribes. God promises to take care of clearing the land. All Joshua needs to do is distribute it (Joshua 13:6–7).
A string of lists about who gets what follows. This might feel like tedious reading for us today, but to the tribes of ancient Israel, land ownership was an important asset for a good life. A family’s land could be bought and sold, but it could also be inherited, passed down for the security of future generations. For a community who had been freed from slavery only to wander in the desert for forty years, the prospect of settling down and having an inheritance was worth celebrating and recording.
And yet, there’s one repeated exception. The tribe of Levi, Israel’s priestly class, receives some cities, but no land to call their own. Instead, “The LORD, the God of Israel, was their inheritance, just as he had promised them” (Joshua 13:33). At this point, we are left to wonder why the keepers of sacrifices and worship (arguably the most important work) are not granted some land of their own?
I wonder if it has something to do with detachment from security. For so much of their story, God has been leading these people, fighting for them, and showing them the way to go. They have shown themselves to be fickle and forgetful, longing for the old life when a new, better one is coming. How easily they could have settled into the security of the new land, passing along the inheritance, forgetting the miraculous journey to get there.
Maybe these priests were there to remind them what it’s like to utterly depend on God, to serve as spiritual leaders within their communities, rather than separate themselves. In a way, our living in the midst of this world is a bit like the Levites living among neighboring tribes: both require dependence on God.
I’d like to think we share a common ground with the Levites, as outsiders brought to God and made into “a kingdom and priests to our God” (Revelation 5:9–10). Our inheritance is not found in land or other wealth, but in God, just as He promised, with a hope and security that will never fade.
I never would have thought of the example of the Levites; thank you!!! What a wonderful insight. How dependent I am on things that take my focus off God’s provision for me.
Reminds me of the line from come thou fount – “bind my wandering heart to thee”
Man, I’m so much like the Israelites… fickle and forgetful, longing for my old life when God has a better plan. Praying that I can keep my eyes on Him is a daily discipline for me. Setting my heart on Him and His plan is a constant needed reminder. Thank you for the suggestion to read Psalm 16… love this promise… “I have set the Lord before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Praise the Lord, Heather!! And Searching, too! I was wondering why the Lord was not setting apart land for the Levites, so I’m thankful today’s devotional focused on that. It really does remind me of believers today being among the world but still having to be set apart. We need to remember the faithfulness of our God and be declaring it! Especially during these days we are living…the world needs the message of hope and a faithful, loving God but also a God who fights our battles!
My inheritance is not found in land or wealth. I needed to hear this. To be reminded. I’ve never been to Hawaii. And I may never get to see Jerusalem with my physical eyes, but that’s OK. I have what I need. I may have a lot of “wants“ but God has given me what I need. I long for the day, for the room that God has prepared just for me. For the day I get to see my Jesus face-to-face. As I take a deep breath… It’s going to be OK. I am a child of the most high King.
Day of praise for same answered prayers for Heather and Searching!,PTL! Pondering on the reading and reading through the comments makes me realize again how God has different purposes and places for each of us. I am not familiar with the lands of Israel but was thinking it must be all so different in each region. Some of it more beautiful to live in than other, some by the rivers some full of trees, some more barren and difficult. Like all of our lives and circumstances he puts each of us in a different place and we can not look to what others have but be diligent to live the life of obedience with what we are given and those he puts in our family and realm! The best of all is the place we are going is so amazing and beyond belief no matter if we are in a great place or a barren place most of all we are bound for the promised land! God is good- all the time!
Praising God with you Heather for your test results and Searching that Baby J is home! This study is showing me the importance of obedience. Angie, I really loved what you said about “the finish comes in the obedience”, not necessarily the finishing of the task. May I be in the world, but not of the world! Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”
HEATHER, praising God with you on those test results!!! What joyful news!