Good News – Joshua 13

About Joshua 13

Unless you are really itching for some tedious study, Joshua 13 at first appears one of the more dull chapters of biblical text. Mostly it details the boundaries of the lands of the various tribes and which enemies were yet to be conquered.

About Joshua 13

Unless you are really itching for some tedious study, Joshua 13 at first appears one of the more dull chapters of biblical text. Mostly it details the boundaries of the lands of the various tribes and which enemies were yet to be conquered.

The Tribes

The twelve tribes of Israel correspond to the 12 sons of Jacob. Levi and Joseph are often treated uniquely from the others. Levi is not given property. To make up the difference the half-tribes of Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, each received distinct territories.

Levi – The Unique Tribe

Josh 13:14 To the tribe of Levi alone Moses gave no inheritance. The offerings by fire to the Lord God of Israel are their inheritance, as he said to him. Instead of property the tribe of Levi is given offerings made by the other tribes. The Levites were the caretakers of the tabernacle. Of them, the descendents of Aaron in particular were given high priest duties. This was both a great honor and a dire responsibility. They were not given land because land would have distracted them from their primary duties. The offerings were similar to a tax, but unlike a tax offerings were rendered voluntarily.

The Good News of Joshua 13

Josh 13:33 But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance, just as he said to them. The other tribes inherited the earth, but Levi inherited God. 1 Pe 2:9 says believers are a chosen people and a royal priesthood. The tribe of Levi symbolizes the faithful believers who, among the worldly, have the honor and responsibility to serve God. The Lord himself will provide for them, giving them His Own Spirit in this life and an eternal inheritance of life in His presence upon our resurrection.