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THE LOT OF THE FAMILIES OF GERSHON AND MERARI
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Joshua 21:27-45

Hebrews 4:1-11

 

“Let us labour therefore

to enter into that rest…”

 

THE LOT OF THE FAMILIES OF GERSHON AND MERARI
 
Gershon was the eldest son of Levi (Exod 6:16), and the father of the Gershonites. In the current narrative, he was overshadowed by his second brother, Kohath. He had two sons, Libni and Shimei. The family of Gershon received cites to dwell in within the heritages of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The cities allocated to the Gershonites were thirteen. These included two cities of refuge: Golan and Kedesh.
 
Merari was the third son of Levi. The family received the allocation of cities to dwell within the heritages of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun. The number of cities allocated to them was twelve. This was the lowest number of the three families. However, the leaders were considerate of the need of each tribe and also the quality of the cities assigned. Some may have been larger cities and some smaller. Their cities included Ramoth (in Gilead in the land of Gad) and Bezer, in the heritage of Reuben. Both cities were among the six cities of refuge. Each of the families of the Levites received two cities of refuge and all were evenly located so that they would serve the purpose for which they were assigned.
 
All the cities that were allocated to the Levites were forty-eight, and all were evenly distributed among the twelve tribes of Israel. It was wisdom and direction from God that guided the leaders in settling everyone satisfactorily. Joshua and Eleazar were now winding up that huge responsibility as the hand of their Lord was upon them.
 
In the epilogue of the account of the distribution of heritage for all the tribes, it was emphasised that God fulfilled His promise (Josh 21:43-45). God gave rest to Israel and nothing failed of all that He had promised (Gen 13:15). The long journey came to a conclusion, and Israel had rest. What rest would you have after your present pilgrimage on this earth?
 
THOUGHT: Heaven is the future home that believers long for, for eternal rest; and is the place Christ had promised to go and prepare for us.

PRAYER: Father, count me among the heirs of heavenly heritage.

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