Reading
SAA Notes
Ancient Israel did not have jails as we have them today. They relied on the extended clan to keep members in line regarding petty crime. For serious crime such as manslaughter, there were the cities of refuge, where people convicted of such could live productive lives with their families. They were confined to that town and so justice was given to the grieving family who lost someone.
SJA Notes
* Dear God, we ascribe to You glory and strength, the glory due Your Name – May we worship You in the splendor of holiness.
“So by the command of the LORD the people of Israel gave to the Levites the following cities and pasturelands out of their inheritance.”
Here we see the final allotment with the Levites being sprinkled like salt throughout all the land, through all the tribes.
They were the priests (and keepers of the tabernacle), to bring God’s word to His people, so they were placed within the people.
Peter in the new testament has a good word for us, as we think about how to live in the world, we read in 1 Peter 2,
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
We are to be priests scattered throughout the whole world, all of which is the Lord’s, telling people about Him – The God who called us out of darkness and into His wonderful marvelous light!
* Gracious Heavenly Father,
As You scattered the Levies by lot throughout Israel, please scatter us according to Your will.
Please strengthen and encourage us to be ever-mindful of our witness, that we might proclaim Your excellencies!
Amen.