Men's Group Study Guide
Introduction
Finally we have come to the cities to be given to the Levites. This was the tribe that was chosen to be the priests for all of Israel. They were to be dispersed throughout the land and given no inheritance (no land as a possession), “the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance.” (Joshua 13:14) Tabernacle service and making sacrifices before the Lord for the children of Israel was their job description. This dispersed tribe had no reason to feel they had lost out on anything. Even though they did not inherit these towns as their own, they could live in them and have land with which to raise their own livestock. Everything that they needed to live and prosper was provided for them by the Lord. Luke 12:22-34 To be a priest, in my opinion, it seems that you would have to have more of a Kingdom mentality. To know in your heart that you were doing a heavenly service for man and practicing up on the eternal service of worshiping and glorifying God. Jesus is our High Priest. Are we not called to be like Him? Matthew 19:27-30
STUDY NOTES: verses 1-45
Vs 1-3 Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses of the Levites came near to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers’ houses of the tribes of the children of Israel……. vs.3 So the children of Israel gave to the Levites from their inheritance, at the commandment of the Lord, these cities and their common-lands: In Numbers chapter 35 Moses is given the original instruction by God on what to give to the tribe of Levi. It would actually consist of cities that were already given to the other tribes. The Levites did not have to go in to posses these cities. They waited until everyone else had been given their inheritance and then they received what God had selected for them. This is similar to the example Joshua had put forth in waiting until last for what was to be his. Even though his role and that of the priests was so important, God’s order is such, that those who are of a lower status have priority over those that are more toward the top. Matthew 16:24-26
Vs. 4-42 Now the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites…… vs.42 Every one of these cities had its common-land surrounding it; thus were all these cities. What seems to stand out the most is that all of these 48 cities were well dispersed all through the land of Israel. God in His infinite wisdom foresaw the need of the priestly influence to be from top to bottom all over the land. He would not let this tribe of priests have their own nation/country and be solitude from the rest. There would be a regular need in Israel for spiritual intervention. For God’s law to be made known and kept in regular view for all to see. 1st Peter 2:5 In the New Testament we see a new picture of priests that live all over the land. Jesus had twelve disciples that were originally in a group but were also dispersed as per His orders. Ephesians 2:19-22 Now it is Christians that are to be the new priests of the land…… Or at least we are supposed to be.
Vs. 43-45 So the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it……. vs. 45 Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. In Genesis 12:7 God made a covenant with Abram (Abraham) to multiply his seed and bring them into a promised land for a possession. Despite years of prolonged misery and disobedience on the part of the children of Israel, the Lord remained faithful to His promise to Abraham and brought his descendents into that promise. God also kept His promise to give them rest (Deut. 12:9,10 / Joshua 11:23). In a valid sense, the people of the land (Canaanites) were in check under a sort of military occupation, not posing any immediate threat as God had promised. Unfortunately, the Israelites failed to exercise their responsibility and possess their land to the full degree in a variety of ways. Despite their unfaithfulness, God was true to His character and remained faithful. Hebrews 4:11>
TRUTH APPLIED:
Q. 1 As the priests of the land, the Levites had to bloom wherever they were planted by the Lord. Look inside yourself. Could you have an easygoing attitude and go with the flow if God put you in some place that you didn’t like?
Q. 2 What is your current attitude on the subject of worldly treasure, your home, your car, your retirement plan? Where are these things on the priority list?
Q. 3 What are some of the promises from God’s Word that have been given to you?
Q. 4 Do you feel comfortable in the Christian bubble you are in?
Q. 5 Do you exercise your responsibility in seeking out the things that God is calling for obedience in?
CONCLUSION:
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13). The tribe of Levi understood in their hearts what their existence was for. To serve God. In Exodus 32:25-29 is a great example of tried and true servants of the Holy God. They understood that neutrality could not exist in an open confrontation between good and evil. These people had a proper balance of bold, righteous anger and true humility. To be able to abound when the season is right and to suffer need when there is nothing bright. I believe this is the key for Christians to abound. Everywhere we go and anything we do, if we will hunger and call out to God, He will provide in each moment what we need. James 4:8