In Joshua 21, we read about the allotment of cities to the Levites. In the preceding chapters, there were 12 other allotments of land to the the 10 other tribes who descended from the sons of Jacob, in addition to the two tribes who descended from Joseph. All the other allotments geographically defined the various tribes, set boundaries, distinguished them from one another. As well, the distribution of territory had been determined by God, instructed to Moses and now being executed by Joshua.
Yet for the Levites, the giving of land was according to the individual tribes. They each gave a portion of their cities, that they had at first received from God. Why didn't God just set aside those cities for the Levites initially? Why give them to the 12 tribes only to be given immediately in turn? And while we are questioning, why are the Levites dispersed throughout the entire Promised Land without a specific geographic identity?
God is creating a picture of Himself relative to humanity. His desire has always been to be among His people but even in His sovereignty, He longs for us to give Him place in our hearts.
Pastor Fred
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