March 28, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Joshua 19 - This chapter records the distribution of land to the final six tribes who were yet to settle.  You might note that verse 1 speaks of Simeon's land being within the border of Judah's land.  Part of the reason is that Judah had the greatest population and received the largest allotment, but the land was far more than they needed.  Hence, Judah invited Simeon's tribe to settle within their borders.  But something else should be understood.  Back in Genesis 49:7 Moses rebuked Levi and Simeon for their cruel treatment of the inhabitants of Shechem back in Genesis 34.  Moses said the tribes of these men would be "scattered" throughout Israel.  Levi's tribe was never given an allotment of land, and they only settled in various cities all over Israel.  Simeon was basically "lost" within the tribal territory of Judah and was hardly ever mentioned again.

Joshua 20 - The final three Cities of Refuge on the west side of the Jordan River are named.  All six cities are recognized as the cities where a man-slayer could find shelter if it was recognized that he did not intentionally kill someone else.

Joshua 21 - As mentioned earlier, the Levites were not given any land for their inheritance.  God's mercy was working on their behalf however, when He made sure they would have cities to live in, 48 cities to be exact.  The cities were divided among the three sons of Levi:  Kohath, Gershon, and Merari.  This chapter closes with a declaration that God kept His word and gave to Israel all the land that He promised to give them.