August 7, 2024

Numbers 35:1-8  (HCSB)
Cities for the Levites
35 The Lord again spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: 2 “Command the Israelites to give cities out of their hereditary property for the Levites to live in and pastureland around the cities. 3 The cities will be for them to live in, and their pasturelands will be for their herds, flocks, and all their other animals. 4 The pasturelands of the cities you are to give the Levites will extend from the city wall 500 yards on every side. 5 Measure 1,000 yards outside the city for the east side, 1,000 yards for the south side, 1,000 yards for the west side, and 1,000 yards for the north side, with the city in the center. This will belong to them as pasturelands for the cities. 6 “The cities you give the Levites will include six cities of refuge, which you must provide so that the one who kills someone may flee there; in addition to these, give 42 other cities. 7 The total number of cities you give the Levites will be 48, along with their pasturelands. 8 Of the cities that you give from the Israelites’ territory, you should take more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one. Each tribe is to give some of its cities to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance it receives.”

Micah Williams
To understand today’s reading, we need to know the history of the Tribe of Levi. After the Israelites worshiped the Golden Calf, the Levites showed their loyalty to God by obeying Moses' command to punish the idolaters (Exodus 32:25-29). Because of this, God chose the Levites to serve Him, replacing the firstborn males who were originally dedicated to God (Numbers 3:12-13). By choosing the Levites, God created a dedicated tribe for religious service, ensuring consistent worship and care of the Tabernacle. Since they were set apart, the Levites did not have an inheritance in the land of Canaan but were given cities throughout the promised land instead. This allowed them to serve the entire nation of Israel and fulfill their priestly duties. Just as God set the Levites apart, when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are set apart to do His work. If God provided everything the Levites needed in order to live in the land and serve the Israelites, don’t you think He will do the very same for us? Take some time to think about this today and remember that you are set apart by God and for God.