‏ Joshua 21

* Cities for the Levites. (1-8) The cities allotted to the

Levites. (9-42) God gave the land and rest to the Israelites,

according to his promise. (43-45)

1-8 The Levites waited till the other tribes were provided for,

before they preferred their claim to Joshua. They build their

claim upon a very good foundation; not their own merits or

services, but the Divine precept. The maintenance of ministers

is not a thing left merely to the will of the people, that they

may let them starve if they please; they which preach the gospel

should live by the gospel, and should live comfortably. 9-42 By mixing the Levites with the other tribes, they were

made to see that the eyes of all Israel were upon them, and

therefore it was their concern to walk so that their ministry

might not be blamed. Every tribe had its share of Levites'

cities. Thus did God graciously provide for keeping up religion

among them, and that they might have the word in all parts of

the land. Yet, blessed be God, we have the gospel more diffused

amongst us. 43-45 God promised to give to the seed of Abraham the land of

Canaan for a possession, and now they possessed it, and dwelt

therein. And the promise of the heavenly Canaan is as sure to

all God's spiritual Israel; for it is the promise of Him that

cannot lie. There stood not a man before them. The

after-prevalence of the Canaanites was the effect of Israel's

slothfulness, and the punishment of their sinful inclination to

the idolatries and abominations of the heathen whom they

harboured and indulged. There failed not aught of any good

thing, which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. In due

season all his promises will be accomplished; then will his

people acknowledge that the Lord has exceeded their largest

expectations, and made them more than conquerors, and brought

them to their desired rest.