Joshua 13:14-33

The inheritance of Levi.

I. THE TRIBE OF LEVI RECEIVED NO INHERITANCE OF LAND .

II. THE TRIBE OF LEVI HAD ITS TEMPORAL WANTS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR (see Joshua 13:14 ).

(a) just ( 1 Corinthians 9:11 ),

(b) necessary for unhindered service, and

(c) not injurious to true devotion so long as the servant of God does not degrade his vocation into a trade by working for money instead of receiving money that he may have means for work.

III. THE TRIBE OF LEVI FOUND ITS TRUE INHERITANCE IN GOD . The sacrificial gifts of the people were not its chief inheritance, but only the small necessary earthly portion of what it was to receive. Its true heritage was spiritual.

(a) to enjoy communion with Him;

(b) to be protected by Him;

(c) to live for His service.

This is the best inheritance, because

(a) it is satisfying to the soul, while the earthly inheritance is full of dissatisfaction, and can never supply our greatest wants;

(b) it is eternal; and

(c) it is pure and lofty.

Note: In the Christian Church, though there is diversity of orders ( Romans 12:6-8 ) there is no distinction of caste. All Christians are called to the altar of sacrifice ( Hebrews 13:10 ), all are to serve as priests of the temple ( 1 Peter 2:9 ), and all should find their true inheritance in God ( 1 Peter 1:4 ).—W.F.A.