Chronological Reading Plan for Mar 27, Josh 19-21

Today's readings are Josh 19-21.  Tomorrows will be Josh 22-24.  

Look at Josh 19:1-9. Like all the other allotments, Simeon's is well defined and detailed. It all happens by the casting of lots.  But the lots are in harmony with what has been prophesied as well. In Simeon's case, Jacob prophesied their allotment in Gen 49:7. This shows that God is not only in authority over the final destination of His people, but all of the details of how they get there and where they will live once they arrive. 

Similarly, our final destination is assured. God has a place for us. Like the Hebrews, we may resist His blessing by our disobedience and unfaithfulness, but our Father will get us to the place He has promised, heaven. He has told us as much, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Heb 13:5).

We see cities of refuge established in Josh 20. The proscribed sentence of execution for a crime committed can be avoided if the perpetrator's heart is right and he doesn't delay. But, it can be avoided only in the manner prescribed by the Lord. There's a bigger lesson here. Eventually it will be revealed that there is only one way to avoid death. That will be through God's prescribed manner. God is laying the groundwork for His plan of redemption. He is teaching His people that obedience has its reward. 

The Levites are given cities to oversee. Many of them are along the borders. They all live among the rest of the people, scattered throughout the tribes. The Levites have no land of their own. They are supported by the rest of the tribes. Their charge is to oversee and guard the people against ungodly influence.