Day 16

Unconquered Lands

from the Joshua reading plan


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.

Post Comments (54)

54 thoughts on "Unconquered Lands"

  1. Annette Smith says:

    I have to share this praise with this community! I’ve been reading about the land allotments and they are easy to skim. In the weekly podcast it talked about how the allotments don’t mean much to us but they did to the people getting them! It was personal and God was caring for his people. This praise is inconsequential to most but meant a lot to me- I lost an earring at home that was meaningful to me THREE months ago. I prayed about it and then kinda forgot. Yesterday at school I walked into the workroom at school and my missing earring was the lone item sitting in the center of a table!!! It was a clear message that God cares for me.

  2. Gloria Lopez says:

    ❤️

  3. Jennifer Ficklen says:

    I am worthy in His sight! Thank you God for I depend on you not daily, but minute by minute. You are my portion! Praise you!

  4. Cristina Higgins says:

    Kristen, thank you so much for that link! The blessing of hearing and seeing all these people worshiping together was, is, a true blessing to my day.

  5. Elizabeth Hagan says:

    @Saile – I also got off. Social media just brought up so much that I struggled with, and I haven’t looked back since getting off. I can’t see getting back on in the near future. I hope you are continuing to find Him as your portion as you are off social media. ❤️

  6. Gina says:

    Wow, I love that perspective! I never thought of it that way. God has given us everything we need in Him as we are His priests here on earth. The more we depend on Him, the less pull our earthly possessions will have on us. I am thankful for your insight. God bless you.

  7. Saile Guzman says:

    Let’s focus on heavenly treasures and not earthly ones. I’m currently taking a much needed break from social media bc it was becoming such a big distraction in my life. So much “stuff”, so much “influence” I became disgusted. Seeking slow paced moments in a fast paced world. Lord, you are my potion and my inheritance ♥️

  8. Kristen says:

    The Scripture from Revelation reminds me of the song, Is He Worthy? Then, when I went to YouTube to get the link, this Scripture is written in the description on their page, This version was recorded during the pandemic and people are are all singing from their homes, This is beautiful to hear and watch the worship happening. The woman with the glasses and blue-purple sweater caught my attention by the ways she was worshiping. Then, I watched again. As I said it is beautiful to see them worshiping and joy on different people’s’ faces. May we all be in reverence for Him and be joyful and humbled by what He has done and who He is! Hope you watch . https://youtu.be/fs7Kah6wnY8

    1. Tina Ferrell says:

      Thank you for sharing that link !

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