Cities Established for the Descendants of Levi (Joshua 21:1–7) 1/25/2026
Cities Established for the Descendants of Levi (Joshua 21:1–7) 1/25/2026
After completing the distribution of the land for the people of Israel, God assigned two special tasks. One was the establishment of six cities of refuge, and the other was the setting apart cities for the descendants of Levi, who served the temples.
What is noteworthy is that, unlike the other tribes, the descendants of Levi were not given their own territorial inheritance. Instead, they were scattered among the twelve tribes. They were made to live in 48 towns spread throughout the 12 tribes, and among these, 7 were designated as cities of refuge. What does this mean?
- The purpose was for the descendants of Levi, as those who served the sanctuary, to focus solely on God.
1) The descendants of Levi were not permitted to take on other work or professions. They were to devote themselves all day to the work of the Tabernacle, listening to God’s word there and concentrating on prayer. This is why God said that He Himself would be their eternal inheritance (Numbers 18:20). This does not mean that worldly necessities were unimportant.
2) Then how were the descendants of Levi to live and eat? Here lies God’s deep intention.
① First, God allowed the Levites to eat a portion of the fellowship offerings that the people presented to God (Deuteronomy 18:1–2). This did not mean merely eating leftovers. Rather, it taught the people to support the servants of the Lord with a heart of devotion to God (Galatians 6:6).
② God also commanded that the people give one-tenth of all their income and produce to the Levites (Numbers 18:21). Originally, the tithe was practiced voluntarily from the time of Abraham (Genesis 14:20; 28:22). Later, when the twelve tribes of Israel were established, God made it a law and designated it entirely as the income of the Levites. Thus, although the tithe is offered to God, it became the livelihood of the Levites, who had received no land inheritance.
③ God made this tithe the source of all the economic blessings that believers must enjoy.
He even said, “Test Me in this,” promising to pour out blessings until there is no more need when a full tithe is given (Malachi 3:10). This taught the people to acknowledge first that God is the One who truly blesses them and that all their income comes from Him. While receiving these blessings, they were to take responsibility for the priests and Levites whom God had set apart on their behalf. This was the practical way for believers to serve God and truly enjoy His blessings. This is also why God commanded honoring one’s parents (Mark 7:12–13).
- There was an even more practical reason. It was to enable the priests and Levites to devote themselves fully to blessing the people.
God desired to bless His redeemed people, teach them, guide them, and heal them into vessels that He could use. He entrusted this work to the priests, with the Levites assisting in their ministry.
1) One aspect of this ministry was leading the people in the sacrifices offered to God.
① In our terms today, this corresponds to worship given to God. Among all things in the church, worship takes first priority. Believers are to worship God, give thanks, and fix their eyes on Him, receiving all blessings and answers through that worship.
② The command to keep the Sabbath (the Lord’s Day) was not merely about resting. It was about remembering the One who saves, sustains, and blesses our lives, and living while enjoying all the blessings He gives.
2) Another task was blessing the people with the Word and conveying God’s will. In worship, other elements are our confession of faith to God (praise and offerings), which God gladly receives and is important. Then comes the order in which God blesses us through the proclamation of His Word from the pulpit.
① In the Old Testament times, priests gathered the people and taught the Word, but this occurred only at special times (Deuteronomy 33:10).
② In the New Testament times, Christ completed our salvation and enabled us to enjoy that blessing weekly. This was foretold in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s vision for Israel in utter despair showed that when God’s Word was proclaimed, dry bones rose, breath entered them, and they became a mighty army (Ezekiel 37:1–10). Later, the vision expanded beyond individual restoration to the salvation of the world (Ezekiel 47:1–12).
③ The place where this blessing began and was fulfilled was the upper room in Mark’s house. Through the apostles, the Word began to be proclaimed, and believers gathered every Lord’s Day to hold fast to the Word, fellowship, and pray. What was the result? Even amid persecution, they experienced economic blessing to the point of selling their possessions to share with others, were praised by the people as witnesses, and the church gained strength and grew daily (Acts 2:41–47).
3) The final ministry of the priests was to heal and give life to the people. When someone committed an unclean act or had a disease, they were to present themselves to the priest for examination and judgment (Leviticus 13:2; 14:2). While this was partly because there were no proper physicians in Old Testament times, it also served to block the destructive results of sin and to open a path for healing and restoration from spiritual problems. This has at least three meanings.
① Christ came as the Healer, healing our spiritual sickness, emotional wounds, and physical diseases (Isaiah 53:5).
② Within the church, this authority and power were entrusted to pastors (James 5:14–15).
③ Believers who have received this blessing are now to go into the world and restore those who have failed, are sick, and are oppressed. Thus, all believers are called royal priests in the field (1 Peter 2:9) and are given authority for spiritual healing (Mark 16:17–18).
- Now, how can we enjoy these blessings and be used for what pleases God?
1) We must help the servants of the Lord devote themselves fully to worship, the ministry of the Word, and the healing of broken lives. This is why the seven deacons (church leaders) were appointed in Acts 6 to care for struggling believers and oversee church matters (Acts 6:7).
The believers mentioned in Romans 16 all served in this way, supporting pastors and evangelists as protectors, co-workers, and hosts.
2) Enable the servants of the Lord to truly pray for and bless the congregation. Knowing and caring for the circumstances of the believers is a pastor’s responsibility. For church growth, associate ministers and lay leaders must carry this out well. Requesting prayer from pastors before making important decisions is also vital (as David requested prayer from Nathan before building the temple). This is why prayer requests are written on offering envelopes. Believers who are preparing for important answers or blessings should always seek a pastor’s blessing (as Eli the priest blessed Hannah).
3) Many figures like the priests and Levites of this age must rise up. They are the future pastors and future church leaders. We should actively participate in various trainings and especially pray for institutions that raise future pastors and leaders, such as Remnant University.
Conclusion – The establishment of cities for the descendants of Levi was the practical path for serving God well and enjoying His blessings. I pray that you will become the real recipients of these blessings and answers (the witnesses, leaders, and commanders) God raises up.
1.25.26 Cities Established for the Descendants of Levi
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