Cities of the Levites Joshua 21 10/28/2007 Dr. Dane Boyles

Cities of the Levites Introduction In Joshua 21, we find that God also set aside forty-eight cities for the tribe of Levi and scattered them throughout the nation. There were three families of the Levites, Kohath, Gershon, and Merari.

Cities of the Levites 2 “Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns. (Num 35:2, NIV)

Cities of the Levites Levites: Called to Worship Review the purpose of the tribe of Levi. All throughout the forty years of the wilderness period of Israel’s history, the tribe of Levi primarily served the worship life of the nation.

Cities of the Levites They always camped the closest to the tabernacle. The Levites had responsibility for transporting the ark of the covenant from place to place. The Levites were in charge of maintaining the tabernacle itself with all its cords and curtains and coverings.

Cities of the Levites They had responsibility for all of the sacred furniture of the tabernacle, all the vessels for worship and sacrifice, and all the poles and boards and bars that held the tent up.

Cities of the Levites The purpose of the Levites, now that they were in the Promised Land. They would serve in the temple. They would assist in all of the great annual feasts and festivals. They would lead worship and become composers of psalms and hymns of praise for the nation.

Cities of the Levites They would be part of the sacrificial system as the problem with sin was dealt with in the life of the nation.

Cities of the Levites But why scatter them throughout the nation? God ordained this so that they could model worship as a lifestyle and teach it as they traveled back and forth between their hometowns and the temple. They were to become living examples to the rest of the nation.

Cities of the Levites Levites: Called to Nurture. The second ministry of the Levites in the land was that of nurture, or the teaching of the Law. 10 He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel. He offers incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar. (Deut 33:10, NIV)

Cities of the Levites They were to influence each tribe to be faithful to the Lord. They were ministering the Word of God to all of the tribes.

Cities of the Levites 9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. (2 Chron 17:9, NIV) This was a very important aspect of their ministry.

Cities of the Levites Levites: Called to Witness and Offer Refuge. Witness to the Lost. Philistines, Sidonians, and Amalakites and Midianites. All of the cities of refuge were also designated as cities of the Levites.

Cities of the Levites The Application for Our Local Church We are to be a place of worship. We are to be a place of spiritual nurture. We are to be a place of witness to people in our community who don't yet know Christ.

Cities of the Levites Evangelism is not an option, but is the clear mandate of our Lord Jesus. Like the Levites, we are to be a presence in our communities for Christ.

Cities of the Levites Conclusion 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Cor 5:20, NIV) Finally, we are to be a place of safety and security. Conclusion

Cities of the Levites Joshua 21 10/28/2007 Dr. Dane Boyles