In the book of Joshua, we learned 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 among them”, and in chapter fourteen and verse four of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim” where we read,
For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim:
therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.
The verse reads, “For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “for the children of Joseph” which means “because, since and on account that the offspring and progeny belonging to Joseph whose name means ‘Jehovah has added’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel” “were two tribes” or “existed as two people groups or clans”, “Manasseh” whose name means “causing to forget” and was “the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh “and Ephraim” whose name means “double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful” and was the “second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Joseph” comprised “two” of the “tribes” or clans of “Israel”.
The verse goes on to say, “therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “therefore they gave not part” which means “wherefore, then and on this account they, Eliezer, Joshua and the leaders of Israel, did not grant, bestow or assign any portion or share of the inheritance” “unto the Levites” or “to the descendants of Levi whose name means ‘joined to’ and was the third son of Jacob by Leah” “in the land” which means “within the territory, region, district and country”, “save cities to dwell in” or “except for dwelling places and towns to abide, inhabit and live within”, “with their suburbs” which means “alongside and accompanied by their, the cities’, places of wakening, encampments and towns” “for their cattle” or “on behalf of their, the Levites’, domestic animals or livestock such as sheep, goats and herds” “and for their substance” which means “and on behalf of their, the Levites’, possessions, wealth, goods and things acquired”. Joshua or the writer shared how the leaders of “Israel” did not give any property as an inheritance to the “Levites” within “Canaan” with the exception of their dwelling places and some nearby land for their livestock and belongings.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn that because the “tribe of Joseph” was divided into “two tribes”, Manasseh and Ephraim, the “Levites” did not receive any land as an inheritance with the exception of the locations where they lived and kept their belongings and livestock. Jehovah God made Himself to be the inheritance of the “tribe of Levi”, and they were to serve Him in worship on behalf of the people of “Israel”. God has His ministers today, and He gives to them according to His perfect will and plan. He wants all of us to be of service in His Kingdom and this begins when we receive 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 personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and will receive His eternal inheritance according to His perfect will and plan. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12)
Next time learn, “as the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land”, 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".
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