The Word for Today with Ray

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Inheritance to Tribes but Not the Levites - Joshua 14:3

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them. By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe”, and in chapter fourteen and verse three of Joshua we learn how, “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance” where we read,

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan:

but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

The verse reads, “For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “for Moses” which means “because, since and on account that Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “had given the inheritance” or “granted, bestowed, allotted and assigned the possession, property, heritage, portion and share” “of two tribes” which means “pertaining to the two people groups or clans” “and an half tribe” or “and one-half people group or clan” “on the other side Jordan” which means “upon the opposite bank belonging to the Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” granted the portion and share of territories to the two and one-half clans, “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh”, which were on the opposite or eastern side of the “Jordan River”.

The verse continues, “but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “but unto the Levites” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover to the Levites who were the descendants of Levi whose name means ‘joined to’ and was the third son of Jacob by Leah and the tribe specially set aside by God for His service” “he gave none inheritance” or “he, Moses, did not grant, bestow, allot or assign any property” “among them” which means “in the midst and middle of them, the Levites”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” did not assign any territory to the “tribe of Levi”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn once again how “Moses” distributed territories to the tribe of “Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” on the opposite side of or eastern side of the “Jordan River”. He did not, however, provide any property to the “tribe of Levites” as Jehovah God was to be their inheritance. Jehovah God was fulfilling His word to provide the “promise land” to the people of Israel, and as we see each of these tribes receive their “inheritance”, we should be mindful that God desires to give all of us forgiveness of sins, eternal life and His Holy Spirit when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross and resurrected from the dead after three days. God loves His people, and whosoever relies upon, trusts in and clings to His Son Jesus will receive blessings and rewards in this life and in the eternal life to come. (See John 3:16; 1 Timothy 6:19)

Next time learn how, “the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

By Lot was Levi’s Inheritance - Joshua 14:2

In the book of Joshua, we learned how “these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them”, and in chapter fourteen and verse two of Joshua we learn, “by lot was their inheritance” where we read,

By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses,

for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.

The verse reads, “By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “by lot” which means “with a systematic way of making decisions” “was their inheritance” or “existed their, the children of Israel who comprised the nine and one-half tribes left over’s, possession, property, heritage, portion and share”, “as the LORD” which means “even and indeed like Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “commanded by the hand of Moses” or “charged and ordered through the means of the powerful, mighty and authoritative hand belonging to Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus”. Joshua or the writer shared how there was a systematic way that the nine and one-half remaining tribes of “Israel” were given their possessions and shares through the orders belonging to “Moses”.

The verse goes on to say, “… for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “for the nine tribes” which means “on behalf of the nine people groups or clans”, “and for the half tribe” or “and on behalf of the one-half additional people group or clan”. Joshua or the writer referred to the remaining nine and one-half “tribes of Israel” who were to receive their inheritance on the western side of the “Jordan River”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel” in keeping with “Moses’” orders divided the territories within the promise land to the remaining “nine and one-half tribes of Israel”. God fulfilled His word to the people of Israel, and He will do the same for us when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. As we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, God will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we are able receive everything He has determined for our eternal lives. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8: Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time learn how, “Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Countries Israel Inherited - Joshua 14:1

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them”, and in chapter fourteen and verse one of Joshua we discover, “these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan” where we read,

And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan,

which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

The verse reads, “And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and these are the countries” which means “and the following exist as the territories, regions, districts and lands” “which the children of Israel” or “that the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “inherited in the land of Canaan” which means “possessed, acquired, were allotted and assigned within the territory, region and district belonging to Canaan whose name means ‘lowland’ and was the fourth son of Ham and the progenitor of the Phoenicians and of the various nations who peopled the seacoast of Palestine”. Joshua or the writer shared how the following territories were assigned to the offspring belonging to “Israel” within the region of “Canaan”.

The verse continues, “which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “which Eleazar the priest” which means “that Eleazar whose name means ‘God has helped’ and was a Levite and the high priest son of Aaron”, “and Joshua” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” “the son of Nun” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Nun whose name means ‘fish or posterity’ and was the father of Joshua the successor of Moses”, “and the heads of the fathers” or “and the chief, summit, top and upper leaders belonging to the immediate male progenitors and ancestors” “of the tribes” which means pertaining to the clans and people groups “of the children of Israel” which means “belonging to the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “distributed for inheritance” or “gave and allotted on behalf of a possession, property, heritage, share and portion” “to them” which means the remainder of the “tribes of Israel”. Joshua or the writer shared how the high “priest” “Eleazar”, along with “Joshua” and the leaders of the male progenitors of the offspring of “Israel” assigned property and possessions to them in accordance with the words in our next verse.

When we meditate the words in this verse, we begin to discover the allotment which was provided to the offspring of “Israel” through “Eleazar” the high “priest, “Joshua, who was “Nun’s’ male offspring and the chief of the male progenitors belonging to the offspring of “Israel”. God knew these territories would be a provision for everyone in “Israel” who entered the promise land, and He knows our “inheritance” as well. When we surrender to His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us keep His word and His ways so we are pleasing to Him and receive the reward of our inheritance with Him in keeping with His Divine purpose and will. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn, “by lot was their inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

No Inheritance for Levi - Joshua 13:33

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages, and Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families. And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities. And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families. These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward”, and in chapter thirteen and verse thirty-three of Joshua we learn how, “unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance” where we read,

But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance:

the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.

The verse reads, “But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “but unto the tribe of Levi” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover to the people group or clan belonging to Levi whose name means ‘joined to’ and was the third son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites” “Moses gave not any inheritance” or “Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus, did not grant, bestow or assign a single possession, property, heritage, share or portion”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” did not assign a single territory to the “tribe of Levi”.

The verse goes on to say, “the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.” Joshua or the writer continued the words, “the LORD God” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God, the Supreme Deity” “of Israel” or “belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails” and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “was their inheritance” which means “existed as their, the tribe of Levi’s, possession, property, heritage, share and portion”, “as he said unto them” or “similar and in likeness to that which he, Jehovah God, uttered, declared and proclaimed to them, the tribe of Levi”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah the Supreme Deity belonging to “Israel” existed as the possession and share assigned to the “tribe of Levi” in keeping with that which Jehovah God told them.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the “tribe of Levi” was not given a land or territory by “Moses” even as Jehovah God instructed. God Himself was to be their “inheritance”, and they would receive of the sacrifices offered by the other tribes.The “Levites” were ministers unto God and His priests, and even as all people are important to God, “the tribe of Levi” was as well. God desires to give us an eternal “inheritance” through His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Let all who read these words, submit themselves to Jesus and receive Him as their “inheritance” for all eternity.

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn, “these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Country Moses Distributed - Joshua 13:32

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages, and Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families. And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities. And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families”, and in chapter thirteen and verse thirty-two of Joshua we learn how, “these are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance”, where we read,

These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab,

on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.

The verse reads, “These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “these are the countries” which means “the previously mentioned territories, lands, regions and districts” “which Moses” or “that Moses whose name means ‘drawn out’ and was the prophet, lawgiver and the leader of the exodus” “did distribute for inheritance” which means “gave, bestowed and assigned on behalf of a possession, allotment, heritage, portion and share” “in the plains of Moab” or “within the desert steppe or wilderness belonging to Moab whose name means ‘of his father’ and was a son of Lot by his eldest daughter”. Joshua or the writer shared how the previously mentioned territories were assigned by “Moses” to the tribes of “Reuben, Gad and one-half the tribe of Manasseh”.

The verse continues, “… on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “on the other side Jordan” which means “across or upon the opposite or eastern bank belonging to Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “by Jericho” or “beside or alongside of Jericho whose name means ‘its moon’ and was a city five miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and seven miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan”, “eastward” which means “in an eastern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Moses” allotted the territories on the opposite or eastern side of the “Jordan River” and beside “Jericho” to the tribes of “Reuben, Gad and one-half the tribe of Manasseh”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover a reiteration of “Moses” assigning the territories on the eastern side of the “Jordan River” next to “Jericho” to the “tribes of Reuben, Gad and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” in keeping with their desire to inherit the territory on the opposite side of the “Jordan River”. Jehovah God appeased their desires, and because they were to go into the promise land to help the other tribes conquer their inheritance, He permitted their will. God has a plan for all of us, and that plan begins with a personal relationship with His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us live in a manner that in pleasing to Him and receives all the eternal inheritance He has purposed for us.

Next time we learn, “unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, June 22, 2026

Half Gilead, Ashtaroth, Edrei of Og - Joshua 13:31

In the book of Joshua, we learned how Jehovah God said, “This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages, and Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families. And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities”, and in chapter thirteen and verse thirty-one of Joshua we learn about, “half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan”, where we read,

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan,

were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

The verse reads, “And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and half Gilead” which means “and one-half of Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’ and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just ‘Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead”, “and Ashtaroth” or Astaroth whose name means “star” and was a city in Bashan east of the Jordan given to Manasseh, “and Edrei” whose name means “goodly pasture” and was “a chief city of Bashan, north of Jabbok river”, “cities of the kingdom of Og” or “dwelling places and towns belonging to the royal rule and dominion belonging to Og whose name means ‘long-necked’ and was the Amorite king of Bashan and one of the last representatives of the giants of Rephaim” “in Bashan” which means “within Bashan whose name means ‘fruitful’ and was “was a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh”. Joshua or the writer shared how one-half of “Gilead” as well as “Ashtaroth” and “Edrei” which were dwelling places within the dominion of “Og” located in “Bashan” were given to the “half-tribe of Manasseh” on the eastern side of the “Jordan River”.

The verse goes on to say, “… were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “were pertaining unto the children” which means “were relevant and concerning to the offspring and progeny” “of Machir” or “belonging to Machir whose name means ‘sold’ and was eldest son of Manasseh by an Aramite or Syrian concubine and progenitor of a large family” “the son of Manasseh” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Manasseh whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh”, “even to the one half” or “also and indeed unto half” “of the children” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny” “of Machir” or “belonging to Machir whose name means ‘sold’ and was eldest son of Manasseh by an Aramite or Syrian concubine and progenitor of a large family” “by their families” which means “according to their, the offspring of Machir’s, kinsmen and kindred”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan” were relevant to the offspring of “Machir” who was the eldest male progeny belonging to “Manasseh”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn more about the territory that was given to the “half tribe of Manasseh”. One half of “Gilead” as well as “Ashtaroth and Edrei” which were dwelling places within the royal reign of “Og” in “Bashan” became the possession of “Machir” who was “Manasseh’s” oldest son. Territory by territory and land by land God was distributing the conquered areas to the tribes of “Israel” just as He promised, and because one-half of the “tribe of Manasseh” desired to have their inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River, the above mentioned areas were given to them. Jehovah God also has an inheritance of forgiveness of sins and eternal life for everyone who yields to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live according to that truth so that our ways will be pleasing to Him and we shall receive from Him everything He desires to give to us as an eternal inheritance. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time we see how, “these are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…