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Book of Joshua - Chapter 18 - Verse 7

18:7
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.

Meaning

In this verse, it is explained that the Levites do not have a portion of land like the other tribes of Israel because the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance. The Levites were dedicated to serving in the tabernacle and later the temple, offering sacrifices, leading worship, and teaching the people God's law. Their inheritance was not land but the privilege of serving the Lord and ministering to the spiritual needs of the people.

Meanwhile, the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh were given their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This land was given to them by Moses, the servant of the Lord, before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Even though they settled on the east side, they were still considered part of the nation of Israel and had a role to play in the overall plan of God for His people.

This verse highlights the unique roles and responsibilities of the Levites within the nation of Israel and emphasizes the importance of honoring and supporting those called to serve in the priesthood. It also serves as a reminder that God's plan for His people is diverse and multifaceted, with each tribe playing a specific part in fulfilling His purposes.

Theological Overview

In the verse, it is mentioned that the Levites do not have a portion of land like the other tribes, as the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance. This highlights the special role and status that the Levites had within the community of Israel. The Levites were set apart for service to the Lord, ministering in the tabernacle and later the temple. Their inheritance was not in material possessions but in serving the Lord and His people. This serves as a reminder that there are different roles within the community of believers, each with its own unique calling and purpose.

Furthermore, the verse mentions how Gad, Reuben, and half of the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This distribution of land was a fulfillment of the promise that God made to the Israelites to give them the land of Canaan. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises to His people. The allocation of land among the tribes was not random, but a deliberate act of God to provide for the needs of each tribe according to His divine plan.

American Standard Version

For the Levites have no portion among you; for the priesthood of Jehovah is their inheritance: and Gad and Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan eastward, which Moses the servant of Jehovah gave them.
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