Chronological Reading Plan for Mar 9, Num 35-36

Today's readings are Num 35-36. Tomorrow's are Dt 1-2.

The Levites are to be given cities to live in and resources to live by. They are the priests and the ones who serve in the Temple. So that their service is unhindered, they share in the gifts of the people. In other words the contributions of the people support the priests. Everyone contributes according to their ability.   

God directs the establishing of 6 cities of refuge, 3 on each side of the Jordan so as to make them easily accessible. They are protection for someone who has shed blood innocently.  They are a refuge against a "blood avenger", someone who takes it upon himself to avenge the blood of a loved one. The blood avenger is protected against shedding more innocent blood and the manslayer is protecting from being murdered in anger. Both are examples of God's mercy, justice and protection. 

Female heirs are guaranteed their inheritance. In God's economy, there is no Jew, no gentile, no male, no female.

The stage is set. Israel is ready to enter Canaan. Numbers ends the way it started, "Numbers 36:13 These are the commandments and the rules that the Lord commanded through Moses to the people of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho." 

God will reiterate the terms and conditions of the covenant in Deuteronomy before sending Joshua and His people into Canaan.