One Reply to “Dividing of the Land of Canaan, Part 3”
A rather interesting concept: Cities of Refuge. For those who unintentionally or accidentally kill another, they have a place to escape. “When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city” (Joshua 20:4). I imagine the group of elders is comprised of those who are empathetic to the cause of the fleeing brother. They protect the accidental killer until a fair trial has taken place. Interesting.
The Levites receive no inheritance…we read this over and over again as a reminder that they are not to possess land, they are to focus on service the Lord our God. Looking at the map, we notice there are three broad areas for the Levites to cover: Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites.
The concluding words of chapter 21 are significant and amazing.
The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:44-45
That’s not to say there weren’t issues that had to be addressed, problems with several of the inhabitants that did not leave, those who became laborers for the Israelites. Written long after the crossing, the author recognizes God’s hand and fulfillment of his promises. So easy to see in hindsight. Lord help me to recognize your attention to the details of my life even as they happen in the present. Your promise is great and trustworthy!
A rather interesting concept: Cities of Refuge. For those who unintentionally or accidentally kill another, they have a place to escape. “When they flee to one of these cities, they are to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state their case before the elders of that city” (Joshua 20:4). I imagine the group of elders is comprised of those who are empathetic to the cause of the fleeing brother. They protect the accidental killer until a fair trial has taken place. Interesting.
The Levites receive no inheritance…we read this over and over again as a reminder that they are not to possess land, they are to focus on service the Lord our God. Looking at the map, we notice there are three broad areas for the Levites to cover: Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites.
The concluding words of chapter 21 are significant and amazing.
That’s not to say there weren’t issues that had to be addressed, problems with several of the inhabitants that did not leave, those who became laborers for the Israelites. Written long after the crossing, the author recognizes God’s hand and fulfillment of his promises. So easy to see in hindsight. Lord help me to recognize your attention to the details of my life even as they happen in the present. Your promise is great and trustworthy!