Unconquered Lands
Open Your Bible
Joshua 13:1-33, Deuteronomy 3:22, Revelation 5:9-10
BY Jen Yokel
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.
54 thoughts on "Unconquered Lands"
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Amen so well said, all about obedience faith and trust!
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Praise the Lord for who He has made us. The amplified version says, “You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests” (Revelation 5:10 AMPC). How generous that He upgraded us, once sinners, become royal. Ladies, we are royal – imagine the Queen of England kind of royal- but higher in degrees, since this is the King above all kings. Grateful for this amazing grace that God bestows on us. We were of low estates but are considered worthy in His sight.
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What a lovely heavenly inheritance we have. God is my portion.
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This insight is so good. I have been slacking on my reading lately, as nursing school and my family and all my life stuff has kept me busy. But as I lounged on the couch this morning, I decided to open my she reads truth notification this morning and read this. The insight to the scripture readings hit me like a ton of bricks. I have been so concerned with my material life, I have forgotten who my true inheritance and portion is. This is just what I needed to get me back on track. Thank you. ❤️
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Love the insight onto the tribe of Levi!
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Thank you❤️
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Praising God with you, Searching – that Baby J is home! And Heather, for your good, good news!
Today’s devotional is a very good reminder to me, that God is my portion – He is my inheritance! Being in full-time ministry for 27 years (and counting) we have been at the same church in the same town, living in a parsonage. We love our home, we love our church, we love our community. But…there have been times in the past that I have grieved over not having our own home or wondered where would we live if God ever moves us from here? In those times of doubt and uncertainty, God whispers in my ear – “I will take care of you, I always have – I always will.” And then, my soul calms and I trust in Him… Thank you Anne for the reminder of Psalm 16. I have gone to it often, Psalm 16:1 is underlined and circled “for in You (God) I put my trust.” My prayer is that I continue to trust and not fear, trust and not worry, to live in His presence and have fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11)
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So beautiful Sharon. God is our inheritance. We have everlasting life with God in heavenly places. My go to scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans you have for us says the Lord….. I won’t quote the whole scripture because I know the community knows it. God bless us all! ❤️
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@Heather O’Malley…..Praising God with you!!!
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