OCTOBER 30, 2016
THE LEVITICAL CITIES (PART I)
INTRODUCTION:
1. In our study of this history, we have been often reminded that the tribe of Levi would not inherit with their brethren. (Ch. 13:14; 14:4; 18:7)
2. That did not mean, however, that the priestly tribe, whose inheritance was the priesthood of the Lord
(Ch. 18:7) would receive nothing. God had ordained a plan by which the Levites would have abundant provision. Through the faithful and grateful generosity of the other tribes, the Lord would not only provide for the Levites, but also see that the others were wonderfully blessed for their charity.
3. The Apostle Paul likens the care of the Levitical priests to God’s provision for His Gospel ministers. While we understand the comparison with respect to the matter of support, we happily recognize a radical difference regarding the nature of the two ministries. While the priest under the old covenant offered continuous sacrifices, all pointing forward to the true sacrifice for sin, Gospel ministers of the new covenant are blessed and honored to declare a finished work, proclaiming that Redemption has been accomplished by the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, and that He thereby put an end to that old Levitical system forever.
4. In this chapter we see the gracious manner in which our Lord would supply the temporal needs of the priestly tribe. As they were called to minister to their brethren in holy things; their brethren must, in turn, minister to them in temporal things.
I. THE MOTION WAS MADE BY THE LEVITES THAT THEIR PROMISED CITIES BE ASSIGNED TO THEM (VERSES 1, 2)
A. NOTICE WHEN THEY MADE THIS APPEAL. “Then…”
1. Then. “When they had made an end of dividing the land by inheritance,” and “when the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua, the son of Nun.” (Ch. 19:14)
2. The Levites deferred their request until all of the other tribes had been provided for. In this they set an admirable example for all true ministers of God.
3. How incongruous and reprehensible it is for those who profess to be ministers of grace and truth to exhibit a mercenary or greedy spirit.
4. Their humility, modesty, and patience were indeed admirable, but these virtues were also grandly rewarded by the Lord and also the people.
5. There will occasionally be some among God’s people who would “muzzle the ox.” (Deut. 25:4;
I Cor. 9:9), but under both the old economy and the new, God would not have it to be so.
B. NOTICE WHERE THEY MADE THIS APPEAL. “And they spake unto them at Shiloh.”
1. Where God had now put His name. (Tabernacle)
2. Where the magistrates conducted matters of law.
3. Where the convention gathered. (Gen. 49:10)
4. Where Eleazar ministered with the urim and thummin, and God’s mind was revealed.
5. Let us bring all of our petitions to our SHILOH.
C. NOTICE HOW THEY MADE THEIR APPEAL. (VERSES 1, 2)
1. Publicly and openly. (Verse 1)
2. Based upon the promise of God. (Verse 2b)
3. They had their portions reserved, but it was not theirs until they asked for it.
4. But notice, even though they had patiently waited their turn, they needed no goading once the time came. (Ch. 18:2)
5. There is an inheritance provided for all who are part of that royal priesthood in Christ. (I Pet. 2:9) Let us therefore claim it. (I Tim. 6:12, 19)
II. THE PETITION HAVING BEEN MADE BY THE LEVITES WAS IMMEDIATELY GRANTED BY THE PEOPLE. (VERSE 3)
A. THERE WAS NEITHER ANY DISPUTING NOR HESITATION.
1. Perhaps the princes of the tribes were a little ashamed that they had not been more forward in making the motion themselves.
2. The princes of Judah here present were quite aggressive in seeing that Caleb was not overlooked
(Ch. 14:6), and to have their own portion. They were concerned that all of the tribes have their settlements. (Ch. 18:2) They had enthusiastically given Joshua his Timnath Serah. (Ch. 19:49, 50) Yet, the Levites, “who watched for their souls” had to represent their own interests.
3. Should not the essential and selfless work of Eleazar in all of these transactions have been sufficient to remind them of God’s promise to the priestly tribe?
4. Clearly, if there had been any neglect concerning the Levites, the fault was corrected, and a genuine eagerness for their provision was here manifested.
B. THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL GAVE CITIES UNTO THE LEVITES. (VERSE 3)
1. God had appointed them, but the people gave them. (Num. 35:8)
2. The Lord had appointed 48 cities in all, and they were to be donated, some by each of the tribes.
3. Notice, it was after the tribes received their inheritances that the cities to be given the Levites were designated.
a) The Lord could have claimed His cities before they were put into the possession of the tribes, so that these cities would have never been considered their property at all. But then, the people would not have known either the responsibility or the joy of providing for their ministers. With great blessing came this responsibility.
b) God could somehow keep the tithe that He requires of us, so that it would never come into our possession. Why does He give to us that which he requires us to return to Him?
(1) It is our responsibility and joy to give it.
(2) Our love and obedience is thereby tested.
4. If the Lord was trying their generosity in this, they certainly proved themselves honorable.
a) They offered some of the very best and most considerable cities in the whole land.
b) That which we offer to the Lord should be the best we have. It should always be a true sacrifice. (II Sam. 24:24)
5. Their selections also demonstrated a desire for having God’s ministers near them. Like the cities of refuge, they were evenly spaced for quick access to all of the people, wherever they may have dwelt.
III. THE CITIES HAVING BEEN SURRENDERED BY THE PEOPLE, THE LORD ORDERED THE PLACEMENT OF HIS SERVANTS IN THEM. (VERSES 4-8)
A. THERE WERE FOUR FAMILIES OF THE LEVITES.
1. Aaron’s family.
2. The Kohathite-Levites, who were the posterity of Moses.
3. Gershon’s family.
4. Merari’s family.
B. THESE FAMILIES WERE GIVEN THEIR CITIES ACCORDING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE LORD. (VERSES 7, 8)
The Lord’s ministers are placed according to His appointed purpose throughout the world.
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