41The towns of the Levites in the territory held by the Israelites were forty-eight in all, together with their pasturelands.
42Each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it; this was true for all these towns.
43So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there.
44The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands.
45Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
- P107
Forty-eight towns with their pasturelands are allotted to the Levites. No separate inheritance is given to these servants of God. Scattered throughout the land, the Levites are a visible and vocal presence of God and His word. Every tribe contributes towns and pasturelands, and they are all given access to the ministry of the Levites. - P108
In the new covenant, the priesthood expands to include all those who follow Jesus. We are a kingdom of priests commanded by Jesus to go into the world, making disciples of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The Levites served God and the tribes of Israel, but we are called to shine God’s light to all.
- P108
The unbelief of the previous generation of Israelites kept them from enter-ing the promised land. Instead, they wandered for forty years in the wilder-ness. The younger generation of Israelites who are blessed to enter the landfight battles, take possession of the cities, and settle in the place flowingwith milk and honey. After much war, God enables them to have rest onevery side. Even powerful enemies are unable to withstand them, and everyone of God‘s good promises to Israel is fulfilled. - P108
Whatever obstacles andenemies we may face, we can be encouraged to faithfully persevere becausewe know we will enter God‘s rest. We can trust God even in the darkest oftimes. His promises will never fail. - P108
Lord, things can be chaotic in this world, but You are always in control. Help me to persevere through difficult times and allow Your rest to saturate my life so that I might shine Your light and reflect Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P108
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