Joshua:21

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

---