Review the role of the tribe of the Levites: read Deuteronomy 18:1-8. Why didn’t the tribe of Levites receive a section of the land?

Who did the tribal leaders of the Levites approach with their request?

What exactly did they ask for? Who had told them what they were supposed to receive?

How were the cities chosen?

Were the Levite cities all near each other? Which tribal lands did they have cities in?

(Verse 43) How much of the land did God give them that He had promised?

What else did God give them at that time?

How much of God’s promises were fulfilled?

Thought Questions:

Throughout the book of Joshua, we have seen how peacefully the different tribal leaders have approached the national leadership to ask for land for themselves, and how peacefully it was granted to them. How does this contrast with what you know about the violent nature of how land was generally settled by other heathen peoples? Why do you think violence was sometimes needed to conquer the surrounding nations?

Why do you think the Levites waited to receive their homes until the rest of the tribes had received theirs? 

What do you think was the reason behind the Levites receiving only cities within other tribes’ lands, and did not receive land of their own? Why were the cities of the Levites scattered throughout the rest of the tribes? Shouldn’t they just have all been near Jerusalem, where the temple was?

How does your church take care of its pastors or other leadership? What do you, personally do to take care of them? Do you pray for your church leaders, or give them words or tokens of encouragement?

Do you believe church leadership should be paid well for what they do? What does the system of land distribution for the Levites tell you about the best way to reward church leadership?

How can verses 43-45 help you through difficult times? Was the establishment of the land always simple and painless for the Israelites? What was the result (inasmuch as they were willing to keep God’s commandments and follow Him)?

My prayer is:

That I, like the Levites, would be a light and a good influence to my community, wherever I am;

That I would pray for and take care of my pastors and other church leaders;

And that I would remember the words of Joshua 21:43-45 when I am discouraged.

Who was continuing to give these instructions to Joshua?

What type of cities did God tell Joshua to appoint? Who had he given these instructions to first?

Under what conditions might a person be required to flee to one of these cities? What will the cities be a refuge from?

What is the process for entrance once a person reaches the city gates? Who will he present his case to?

What will the elders of the city do if the avenger of blood pursues the person? Why?

How long must the manslayer remain in the city? What can he do after that?

What are the names of the six cities of refuge mentioned here?

Are these cities of refuge only for the Israelites? 

Who does the manslayer need to appear before for his trial? 

Thought Questions

Read Numbers 35:9-34 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13 to compare the command to Moses to the command given to Joshua to be carried out. What further description of murder vs. unintentional manslaughter do you find there?  What does this detailed description of appropriate vengeance tell you about the early Israelite society?

What impression does verse 4 give you regarding the system of justice—and love—that was given to the people? 

Much has been said about the symbolism of the cities of refuge for Christ’s mercy and help for us, as sinners. What connections do you make? 

Looking at your past personal sins, which of them might fall under the category of “intentional” as opposed to “unintentional?” Why do we need God’s mercy even for our unintentional sins? Can even unintentional sins hurt other people, and God?

Have their been any instances in your life where you have committed sin, but you believe that God’s mercy shielded you or someone else from the natural consequences of that action?

My prayer is:

Praise to God who has given a real system of protection and mercy to His people, even if they are guilty sinners;

Understanding of the difference between “intentional” and “unintentional” sin, and the understanding that even unintentional sin causes pain and requires God’s mercy.