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Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 - Verse 14

13:14
Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.

Meaning

The verse "Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them" refers to the unique allocation of land and resources for the tribe of Levi. In the division of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel, the Levites were set apart for religious duties and were not given a specific portion of land like the other tribes. Instead, their inheritance was to serve as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle, offering sacrifices to the Lord on behalf of the people of Israel. The Levites' livelihood was sustained through the offerings and tithes brought by the other tribes, as they were to focus solely on the service of the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of the Levites' role in maintaining the spiritual well-being of the nation of Israel, emphasizing the significance of their inheritance as the sacrifices made to God.

Theological Overview

The verse discussing the inheritance of the tribe of Levi highlights a unique aspect of their role within the Israelite community. While the other tribes were allotted land as their inheritance, the Levites were chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the temple. This special calling meant that they were not given a physical inheritance of land, but instead, the sacrifices made to the Lord were designated as their portion. This theological interpretation emphasizes the sacred duty of the Levites to minister to God on behalf of the people of Israel. By relying on the sacrifices offered by the people, the Levites were able to sustain themselves and fulfill their role as mediators between God and the community. This verse underscores the importance of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, as well as the unique role of the tribe of Levi in facilitating the worship of the Lord.

American Standard Version

Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the offerings of Jehovah, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spake unto him.
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