In today’s daily devotional on Joshua 21, we see a significant moment in the history of Israel as the Levites receive their inheritance. Unlike other tribes, the Levites do not receive a portion of land but are granted 48 cities scattered throughout the Promised Land. This strategic distribution allows them to lead the nation in worship and uphold religious duties across the entire territory. The chapter highlights a profound principle: while God’s promises are unfailingly kept, their fulfillment may be delayed due to human factors rather than divine shortcomings. This reflection on Joshua 21 encourages us to examine our own lives, recognize any delays in our promises, and consider whether these delays stem from our own actions or circumstances rather than from any failure on God’s part. As we delve into this chapter, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trust in His timing. To learn about cities of refuge, read the daily devotional on Joshua 20.
Joshua 21 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Joshua 21, the Levites gain their inheritance in the Promised Land. Have your promises been delayed? Do you blame God, or do you think it may be your fault? Please read or listen to Joshua 21.
In 1995, after reading Joshua 21 and 22 on the same day, I wrote concerning 21, “Levites get cities so people can worship and do sacrifices throughout the land.” Then I quoted verse 45, “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass” (NKJV).
In 2004, I read Joshua 20-22 on the same day. I wrote nothing concerning chapter 21.
Why Did the Levites Get Land in Joshua 21?
In 2013, I read Joshua 21 and wrote, “Levites, the priestly tribe, did not get an allocation of land, they got forty-eight cities spread throughout the land to perform their priestly duties and responsibilities. In other words, worship centers were strategically placed across the Holy Land so God could be worshiped. Also, God had kept and fulfilled His promise to give the nation of Israel a home.” I quoted verse 43, “Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers.” I finished by quoting verse 45, “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”
What Does the Story of Joshua Teach Us?
There are a few principles from chapter 21 to focus on. One is that the tribe of Levi had a special place. They did not inherit any land, but they were given the responsibility of leading the nation in worship. Today, this would be similar to being called into the priesthood or becoming a pastor.
Next, God spread the opportunity to worship throughout the Promised Land. Forty-eight cities were designated throughout all the tribes of Israel. Today, this would be like having churches all over the United States of America or in your country. Churches are not given land, but in some countries, they do get the benefit of not paying taxes. So in our country, and probably yours, churches are placed throughout the land so people can easily come to worship and praise God.
The last part of our focus on chapter 21 is verses 43 and 44, “Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers”. The principle here is God is a promise keeper. Though it took the nation of Israel decades to settle the Promised Land, God kept His promise. The delay was not His fault. It was their fault.
What Is the Meaning of Joshua 21:44?
It is the same for us today. God will keep His promises to us. If you sense a delay in those promises, it will not be His fault, it will be our fault. Verse 44 reminds us God will fight for us, “Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands.” Though your promises may be delayed, it may be because we have enemies. Are you depending on the Lord to fight your battles for you? Are you depending on the Lord to take down your enemies?
What is the Meaning of Joshua 21:45?
As we finish chapter 21, let’s close with this great and powerful verse, “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass” (v. 45).
God’s promises are good. His Word is good. I hope even in a tough chapter like chapter 21, maybe a little bit hard to get through, there is a great blessing for each of us. These last few verses in this chapter, build our faith, build our trust in God.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for allocating the land. We thank You for allocating places of worship in our lands. We thank You for faithful churches, congregations, and assemblies that praise the Lord on a regular basis. And we thank You that You are a promise keeper, and we can depend on You.
Father, fight our battles for us, defeat our enemies. And may Your promises to each of us, all come to pass. In the name of Jesus, we ask it. Amen.
