Joshua 13:15-33: An Inheritance From God

Joshua 13:15-33: An Inheritance From God

"32 These are the inheritances Moses had given out when he was in the plains of Moab across the Jordan east of Jericho. 33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not assign an inheritance, since the LORD, the God of Israel, was their inheritance, as he had told them."

♢ Joshua distributed the land east of the Jordan River to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, as promised by Moses before his death. They requested land on the east side of the Jordan, rather than the west side, which God had promised. The west side of the Jordan is the plain of Moab. Everyone knows that plains are better for living than mountains. Perhaps they chose a better place to live.

In exchange for being allowed to settle on the east side of the Jordan, these tribes promised to fight alongside the other tribes until the western side of the Jordan River was conquered. This meant that they would return east after the war to be with their families. God granted these tribes land in accordance with their promises.

Because they were bordering Ammon, Moab, Edom, Midian and Amalek, they suffered constant invasions. Eventually, they were the first to be taken captive and destroyed by the Assyrian king when Israel was destroyed.

Of the 12 tribes, only the tribe of Levi did not receive any land. Verse 14 says that the Levites' inheritance was not land, but offerings made to the Lord. The Levites were responsible for serving God in the tabernacle/temple and serving (teaching) the people in each area/tribe. The Levites' role was to be a bridge between the Israelites and God so that they could have a complete relationship. And that is their inheritance. Instead of harvesting food from the land, they would harvest by serving God and the people.

I pause to consider my own inheritance. I commit to being more faithful and honest in the work that has been given to me.

♧ Faithful God, help me to complete well the inheritance You have given me. Fulfill this inheritance for the deficient and weak so that it may please You. Holy Spirit, strengthen me with courage. Amen.