March 20, 2006
Read Joshua 20
In Today's
Six cities of refuge appointed; 48 cities given to the Levites; the Israelites possess the land
Unlike all the other tribes of
The Levites were divided into three groups according to the descendants of Levi's three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. But only those Israelites who were descendants of Levi through Kohath's grandson Aaron could be priests and serve in the Tabernacle. However, even some of these descendants were physically disqualified to be ministers at the altar because of disabilities and defects; and some were spiritually disqualified because they violated one or more of the Commandments (Leviticus 21:1-23). The priests were responsible for preserving, transcribing, teaching, and interpreting the Law. They were also the civil officers responsible for the administration of the Law (Deuteronomy 17:9-12; 31:9,11-12,26). All the Levites, not merely the ones who were responsible for the worship at the Tabernacle, were to receive an equal share of the tithes from the other tribes. Each tribe was to provide for the physical welfare of the priests within its own territory. This was not left up to the goodwill of the people but was a command from God.
God devoted 42 of the 45 verses in Joshua 21 to emphasizing the Israelites' obligation to support the ministers of His Word. No one is too poor or exempt from giving his tithe which is a tenth of his income and, thus, proportionately equal for all. When
The Apostle Paul illustrated this saying: For it is written . . . Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written. . . . If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal (material) things?. . . the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel (I Corinthians 9:9-11,14).
Word Studies:
20:3 avenger of blood = the nearest relative of a slain person who was to avenge his death by destroying the slayer; 21:2 suburbs = pasturelands; 21:32 refuge = protection.
Christ Portrayed:
By Eleazar, the chief priest (Joshua 21:1; 3:32). Christ is our High Priest. The . . . High Priest of our profession (confession), Christ Jesus (Hebrews 3:1).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Coja Earl Daughtry · Staff: Clarence Rathbone · Government Official: Rep. Gil Gutknecht (MN) · Country: Mongolia (3 million) in east-central Asia · Major language: Khalkha Mongol · As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar · 29% Shamanist; 2% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; .2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your heart to God in prayer (Lamentations 3:41).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: Joshua 22:5