Joshua 21:30

From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon,

Study Bible

From the tribe of Asher
The tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's territory was located in the northern part of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. This region was known for its fertile land and olive oil production, fulfilling Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20, which speaks of Asher's food being rich and providing royal delicacies. The tribe's location and resources played a significant role in its economic prosperity.

they were given
This phrase refers to the allocation of cities to the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a specific territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities within the territories of the other tribes. This distribution ensured that the Levites were spread throughout Israel, facilitating their role in teaching the Law and maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. This system also fulfilled the command in Numbers 35:2-8, where God instructed Moses to allocate cities to the Levites.

Mishal
Mishal was a city located in the territory of Asher. Its exact location is uncertain today, but it is believed to have been near the Mediterranean coast. The allocation of Mishal to the Levites highlights the integration of religious leaders within the community, ensuring that spiritual guidance was accessible to all Israelites. The presence of Levites in Mishal would have provided the inhabitants with instruction in the Law and oversight of religious practices.

Abdon
Abdon was another city given to the Levites within the territory of Asher. Like Mishal, its precise location is not definitively known, but it is thought to have been situated in the northern part of Asher's territory. The inclusion of Abdon in the list of Levitical cities underscores the importance of having spiritual leaders distributed throughout the land. This arrangement allowed the Levites to fulfill their role as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices and teaching the commandments.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribe of Asher
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah. Known for its rich land and abundance of resources.

2. Mishal
A Levitical city given to the descendants of Levi, located in the territory of the tribe of Asher. It served as a place for the Levites to live and perform their priestly duties.

3. Abdon
Another Levitical city within the territory of Asher. Like Mishal, it was designated for the Levites, who were responsible for religious and priestly functions in Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we dedicate our lives to His service.

Community and Worship
The establishment of Levitical cities within each tribe's territory ensured that worship and religious instruction were accessible to all Israelites. This highlights the importance of integrating faith into community life.

Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises
The distribution of land to the tribes, including the Levites, is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well.

Interdependence Among God's People
The Levites depended on the other tribes for their sustenance, while the tribes depended on the Levites for spiritual guidance. This interdependence reflects the body of Christ, where each member has a role and relies on others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the provision of cities for the Levites reflect God's care for those who serve Him, and how can we apply this principle in our church communities today?

2. In what ways does the integration of Levitical cities within the tribal territories encourage us to incorporate faith into our daily lives and communities?

3. How does the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, including the Levites, strengthen your faith in His promises to you?

4. What can we learn from the interdependence between the Levites and the other tribes about the importance of community and collaboration in the church?

5. How can we ensure that spiritual guidance and worship remain central in our communities, similar to the role of the Levitical cities in ancient Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Levitical Cities
Numbers 35 outlines the provision of cities for the Levites, emphasizing their role and the importance of having designated places for them to live and serve.

Inheritance of the Tribes
Joshua 19 details the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, including Asher, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham.

Role of the Levites
Deuteronomy 18 discusses the role and inheritance of the Levites, underscoring their unique position among the tribes of Israel.