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Book of Joshua - Chapter 21 - Verse 3

21:3
And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see the children of Israel fulfilling a commandment from the Lord by giving a portion of their inheritance to the Levites. The Levites were part of the priestly tribe and did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes, as their responsibility was to serve the Lord and the community through their priestly duties. The inheritance given to them by the children of Israel consisted of cities and their suburbs, providing them with places to live and carry out their religious duties. This act of generosity from the children of Israel highlights the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to serving the Lord and the community. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to the commands of the Lord, even when it involves sacrificing a portion of one's own inheritance for the greater good.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see the children of Israel giving cities and their suburbs to the Levites at the commandment of the LORD. This act of generosity towards the Levites reflects the importance of providing for those who serve in the priesthood. The Levites were not given a portion of land when the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes of Israel, so they were dependent on the offerings and support of the other tribes. This act of giving by the children of Israel demonstrates their obedience to God's commandments and their recognition of the Levites' role in serving the Lord. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are called to full-time ministry and recognizing the value of their service to the community. It teaches us about the significance of being generous towards those who dedicate their lives to serving God and His people.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of Jehovah, these cities with their suburbs.
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