Two particular designations of land are mentioned beyond the division of land according to tribe. First, cities of refuge were designated as safe havens for manslayers. A manslayer is someone who accidentally takes the life of another without any hatred toward that person or premeditation. For example, if someone was cutting down a tree and the ax head came apart striking the head of someone else. This was an accident and the manslayer deserves protection.
Second, cities and pasturelands were given to the Levites from each tribe’s allotment. In this way, throughout the land, the servants of the Lord would have a home among the people. God had promised land to Israel and to provide for the Levites. He made good on both!
These two final provisions signaled that in this new land there will be justice and there will be worship. Now, the people can settle in the land. Now, everything is complete and the promise of the Lord is fulfilled. Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”
There are three lessons to cherish from this study. First, justice is the will of the Lord. Second, worship unto the Lord is the will of the Lord. Third, the Lord will always fulfill his promises! We can make application for all of these lessons. Concerning justice, let us do unto others as we would have done unto us. Concerning worship, let us love the Lord our God with all our hearts. Concerning God’s promises, let us rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of our gracious God!
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