The tribes of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan were all given their territories (Simeon nestled within the land of Judah). When all the land was distributed, the people gave Joshua land of his own within the territory of Ephraim. It was noted that he "rebuilt" the city and lived in it - so not only was he a good spy (in his younger days), a good leader, a good commander and warrior, but a builder as well. I thought about the various territories and who lived next to whom. Were some
"good neighbors" and some not? Did they share fields and pastures, or were there fences or walls between them? Are we good neighbors where we live? Can you borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor? Will a neighbor pick up your mail for you while you are on vacation? I believe being a good neighbor reflects who and what is in our hearts.
The Cities of Refuge. Once again we are told of these appointed places of refuge. Cities scattered throughout the land as a place to flee from the "
avenger." Note that each of these cities was situated within a day's journey from anywhere in the Promised Land - so a man could reach a haven of safety by walking a day's journey. And all of these cities of refuge were within the cities of the Levites. In one of the commentaries I read it stated that these cities of refuge were probably on a "hill" so that the person seeking refuge could look up in the distance and see, at the end of a long day's journey, that he was close to safety and rest.
Jesus is our refuge - no matter where we are or where we've been. Just "look" up and seek His smiling face - ever ready to welcome us home with open arms. The Levites were given 48 cities with pasture lands beside them. (Certainly a peaceful image when you picture that scene in your mind's eye - sheep grazing, green grass, brooks bubbling). The chapter ends with
"And the Lord gave them rest on every side . . . not one of the promises made to Israel which the Lord had made had failed." Still true today. Reminds me of the hymn -
There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God.
Hold us who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.
