Question 1

Why did the Levites ask for cities instead of getting land like the other tribes?

Accepted Answer

The Levites had been set apart for service to God, so they did not receive a large piece of land as their own like the other tribes. Instead, God had already said they would get cities to live in, with fields around them for their animals. In this passage they remind the leaders of that promise. Their work was to teach God’s law, lead worship, and guard proper worship, so they were meant to live among the other tribes, not apart from them. The cities allowed them to be supported while they served the people.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the cities of refuge mentioned in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Several of the Levite cities, such as Hebron, Shechem, Golan, Kedesh, and Ramoth, are also cities of refuge. These places were for someone who killed another person by accident, not on purpose. That person could flee there and be safe from the family avenger until there was a fair hearing. It shows that God cares about justice and mercy together. The Levites living there would help teach God’s law and make sure that the case was handled carefully and not ruled by anger alone.

Question 3

Why were the Levites scattered throughout all the tribes of Israel?

Accepted Answer

The Levites were scattered among the tribes so they could serve the whole nation, not just one region. Each tribe gave some of its towns for Levites to live in. This meant that every part of Israel had people nearby who knew God’s law, led worship, and helped keep the people focused on God instead of idols. It also meant the tribes had a shared duty to care for those who served at the altar, making them depend on God and on one another rather than on their own large territory.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about how God provides for those who serve Him?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God does not forget those who serve Him. The Levites waited until the other tribes were settled, then asked for what God had promised. The people obeyed and gave up cities, and the lots showed God’s hand in where each family went. The Levites received enough towns and pastureland to live and care for their families, along with the honor of serving in God’s work. It reminds readers that God can provide for His servants through the willing gifts of His people.

Question 5

How does the end of this passage show God keeping His promises to Israel?

Accepted Answer

At the end, the writer sums everything up by saying God gave Israel all the land He had sworn to their fathers, He gave them rest from their enemies, and not one good word of His promises failed. Even though some enemies still existed, they could not stand before Israel while the people walked in what God had given them. The settled land, the Levite cities, and the rest from war all point to the fact that God did exactly what He had said He would do.

Question 6

What is the significance of Hebron and the other priestly cities in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

Hebron and the other cities given to Aaron’s descendants are important because they are close to where God’s worship would later be centered. Hebron itself is a city of refuge and a well-known place in the hill country of Judah. Giving these towns to the priests shows that those who lead in worship were placed where many people would pass through and seek guidance. The priests had homes and fields, but also the duty to teach, judge fairly, and help people understand God’s ways.

Question 7

How does the casting of lots for the Levite cities show God’s control?

Accepted Answer

The cities for the Levite families were chosen by lot so that no tribe or person could claim they had arranged it themselves. In Scripture, lots are often used as a way of leaving the final choice to God. Here it shows that God cared not only that the Levites were provided for, but also about exactly where they lived. Their spread across Israel was not random. It fitted God’s plan for worship, teaching, and even for the later history of His people.

Question 8

How can this passage about Levite cities apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage speaks today about caring for those who serve in spiritual work and about trusting God’s care. The Levites did not own a large territory, but God saw to their needs through the gifts of the people. In the same way, churches are called to support pastors and other workers so they can focus on teaching and care. It also encourages believers to see where God has “placed” them, as the Levites were placed, as an opportunity to serve and build up others.

Joshua 21:1

Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;

Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites

Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites

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Joshua 21:1

Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;

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Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites

Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites

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