Joshua 13:33
To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them.
But to the tribe of Levi
The tribe of Levi holds a unique position among the tribes of Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to God. The Hebrew root for Levi, "לֵוִי" (Levi), is associated with the idea of being joined or attached, reflecting their role in being closely connected to the spiritual life of Israel. Historically, the Levites were responsible for the tabernacle and later the temple services, acting as priests and caretakers of the sacred spaces. This special calling underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and dedication to God’s service.

Moses gave no inheritance
The phrase highlights a significant departure from the norm of land inheritance among the tribes of Israel. The Levites were not given a portion of land like the other tribes. This decision, made by Moses under God’s direction, emphasizes the Levites' reliance on God rather than material possessions. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual principle that true inheritance and provision come from God, not earthly wealth or territory.

The LORD, the God of Israel
This phrase reaffirms the covenant relationship between God and His people. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. "The God of Israel" underscores His role as the national deity who chose Israel as His people. This relationship is foundational to understanding the Levites' role, as their service is directly tied to their unique relationship with God.

is their inheritance
The concept of God Himself being the inheritance of the Levites is profound. It suggests that their reward and sustenance come directly from their relationship with God, rather than from material possessions. This idea is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of inheritance, which often included not just land or wealth, but also spiritual blessings and responsibilities. The Levites' inheritance is a powerful reminder of the eternal value of spiritual riches over temporal ones.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tribe of Levi
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties and service to God. They were not given a specific territory like the other tribes but were instead given cities to dwell in and the Lord Himself as their inheritance.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He was responsible for dividing the land among the tribes of Israel, as directed by God.

3. The LORD, the God of Israel
The covenant-keeping God who promised to be the inheritance of the Levites, emphasizing His provision and presence as their portion.

4. Inheritance
In the context of the Israelites, inheritance typically referred to the land apportioned to each tribe. For the Levites, their inheritance was unique as it was God Himself.

5. Promise
The assurance given by God to the Levites that He would be their inheritance, highlighting His faithfulness and the special role of the Levites in serving Him.
Teaching Points
Divine Provision
The Levites' inheritance being the Lord Himself teaches us about God's provision. We are reminded that our ultimate satisfaction and security come from God, not material possessions.

Unique Calling
Just as the Levites were set apart for service, believers today are called to live lives dedicated to God, serving Him in various capacities.

Faithfulness of God
God's promise to the Levites underscores His faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us, just as He did for the Levites.

Spiritual Inheritance
Our inheritance as believers is not earthly but spiritual. We are heirs of God's kingdom, and our relationship with Him is our greatest treasure.

Contentment in God
The Levites' contentment in having God as their inheritance challenges us to find our contentment in our relationship with God rather than in worldly possessions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of God being the Levites' inheritance challenge our understanding of what it means to be blessed?

2. In what ways can we, like the Levites, serve God in our daily lives, even if we do not have a specific "inheritance" or role?

3. How does the faithfulness of God to the Levites encourage us in trusting His promises in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate contentment in our relationship with God, rather than seeking fulfillment in material things?

5. How does the New Testament concept of believers as a "royal priesthood" relate to the role of the Levites, and what implications does this have for our identity in Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 18:20
This verse reiterates that the Levites' inheritance is the Lord Himself, emphasizing their unique role and relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 10:9
This passage also confirms that the Levites have no land inheritance because the Lord is their inheritance, reinforcing the idea of divine provision and calling.

1 Peter 2:9
This New Testament verse connects the concept of a chosen people and a royal priesthood to all believers, drawing a parallel to the Levites' special status.
God Takes Note of Our ,Failing StrengthJ. Parker, D.D.Joshua 13:1-33
Joshua's Old AgeW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
More BeyondJoshua 13:1-33
On Progress in ReligionW. Jay.Joshua 13:1-33
Territory Yet to be Taken by the ChurchW. Seaton.Joshua 13:1-33
The Christian's WorkT. Guthrie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
The Uncompleted WorkF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 13:1-33
Unconquered TerritoryCharles Vince.Joshua 13:1-33
The Inheritance of LeviW.F. Adeney Joshua 13:14, 33
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arah, Ashdodites, Ashdothites, Ashkelonites, Avites, Avvites, Balaam, Beor, Canaanites, Debir, Ekronites, Eshkalonites, Evi, Gad, Gadites, Gazathites, Gazites, Gebalites, Geshurites, Giblites, Gittites, Hur, Israelites, Jair, Joshua, Levi, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Machirites, Manasseh, Og, Reba, Rekem, Rephaites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon, Zereth, Zidonians, Zur
Places
Aphek, Aroer, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bamoth-baal, Bashan, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-baal-peor, Beth-haram, Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-nimrah, Betonim, Debir, Dibon, Edrei, Egypt, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Geshur, Gilead, Heshbon, Jahaz, Jair, Jazer, Jericho, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kiriathaim, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Maacath, Mahanaim, Mearah, Medeba, Mephaath, Midian, Misrephoth-maim, Moab, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Ramath-mizpeh, Salecah, Sea of Chinnereth, Shihor, Sibmah, Succoth, Tirzah, Valley of the Arnon, Zaphon, Zereth-shahar
Topics
Heritage, Inheritance, Levi, Promised, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:33

     4208   land, divine responsibility

Joshua 13:1-33

     5235   boundary

Joshua 13:15-33

     5671   clan

Library
October 2. "Moses Gave not any Inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their Inheritance, as He Said unto Them" (Josh. xiii. 33).
"Moses gave not any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He said unto them" (Josh. xiii. 33). This is very significant. God gave the land to the other tribes but He gave Himself to the Levites. There is such a thing in Christian life as an inheritance from the Lord, and there is such a thing as having the Lord Himself for our inheritance. Some people get a sanctification from the Lord which is of much value, but which is variable, and often impermanent. Others have learned
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Unwon but Claimed
'There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, ... them will I drive out from before the children of Israel; only divide thou it by lot unto Israel for an inheritance'--Joshua xiii. 1-8. Joshua was now a very old man and had occupied seven years in the conquest. His work was over, and now he had only to take steps to secure the completion by others of the triumph which he would never see. This incident has many applications to the work of the Church in the world, but not less important ones
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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