RPG Adults
THE PURPOSE OF SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THE LEVITES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
Joshua 21:1-7
Exodus 32:26-29
“And the children of Levi did
according to the word of Moses…”
THE PURPOSE OF SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THE LEVITES
The Levites, by virtue of their duty, were influential and given special treatment among all the tribes of Israel. They were teachers of the Law and they rendered ceremonial duties; in effect, they were also judges.
They had to interpret the Mosaic Law and guide the nation in its application. Earlier, when Jacob blessed his sons, he had condemned Levi and Simeon to be scattered among the rest of their brethren. This was because of the massacre at Shechem. However, during the time of Moses, Levi was able to redeem himself when the tribe stood for God in the golden calf episode. These events may be seen as random occurrences; and they are, as far as human perception is concerned. However, these were within God’s eternal decree which He executed in His works of providence. “God's works of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions” (Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.11). Human beings are God’s moral creatures, and God deals with them in a special way. In this instance, He appointed for them leaders and prophets through whom He could communicate with. His works herein demonstrated clearly His authority and power over all His creatures. It took many generations to bring to pass His long-purposes, but they came to pass eventually.
Joshua 21:1-7 gives the list of all the cities allocated to this family. The leaders of Israel were specific in their descriptions, and their record served the purpose of giving legal possession of a particular piece of land. There was always a reflection of orderliness. The only responses in biblical record concerned requests made to the leaders by a particular tribe or family. Each request received a positive response from the leaders, and thereafter each party was satisfied. This is how God’s work ought to be done.
THOUGHT: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17a).
PRAYER: Father, may I always recognise that Thy gifts to me are good and perfect for me.