Joshua 18:7

But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD [is] their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.

But the Levites {H3881} have no part {H2506} among {H7130} you; for the priesthood {H3550} of the LORD {H3068} is their inheritance {H5159}: and Gad {H1410}, and Reuben {H7205}, and half {H2677} the tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519}, have received {H3947} their inheritance {H5159} beyond {H5676} Jordan {H3383} on the east {H4217}, which Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} them.

But the L'vi'im have no share with you, because the office of cohen to ADONAI is their inheritance; and Gad and Re'uven and the half-tribe of M'nasheh have received their inheritance beyond the Yarden to the east, which Moshe the servant of ADONAI gave them."

The Levites, however, have no portion among you, because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan to the east.”

For the Levites have no portion among you; for the priesthood of Jehovah is their inheritance: and Gad and Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan eastward, which Moses the servant of Jehovah gave them.

Commentary

Context of Joshua 18:7

Joshua 18:7 is situated during the crucial phase of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. After the initial conquests, the tabernacle had been set up at Shiloh, and the time had come to distribute the remaining territory to the seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance. This verse serves as a clarifying statement, explaining two exceptions to the general land distribution.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Unique Inheritance: The verse highlights God's specific plan for the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other tribes who received territorial inheritances, the Levitical priesthood was their designated inheritance. This meant their sustenance and purpose were directly tied to their service to the LORD in the tabernacle, emphasizing a spiritual rather than a material endowment. They were to live among the other tribes, supported by tithes and offerings, focusing solely on their priestly duties.
  • Fulfillment of Moses' Instructions: It reiterates that the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This was in accordance with the prior arrangements made by Moses, "the servant of the LORD," before his death. This detail underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises and the faithful execution of divine commands through His chosen leaders.
  • Order and Structure in God's Plan: The verse, within the broader context of Joshua 18, showcases the meticulous and orderly nature of God's plan for His people. Each tribe had a specific place and purpose, ensuring the functioning of the entire nation, with the Levites at the spiritual core.

Linguistic Insights

The term "LORD" in the KJV consistently translates the Hebrew name Yahweh (YHWH), the covenant name of God, signifying His personal and redemptive relationship with Israel. When it states "the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance," it emphasizes that their calling and provision came directly from God Himself, not from human allocation.

Practical Application

Joshua 18:7 reminds believers today that not all "inheritance" is material. For the Levites, their greatest possession was their relationship with and service to God. This principle can be applied to Christian life: our most profound inheritance is found in our relationship with Christ and our participation in His kingdom. Just as the Levites were set apart for a specific spiritual purpose, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), serving God and living out our faith in a world that often prioritizes material gain. It encourages us to find our true wealth and satisfaction in spiritual pursuits and faithful service to the Lord.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 13:33 (5 votes)

    But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not [any] inheritance: the LORD God of Israel [was] their inheritance, as he said unto them.

  • Numbers 18:20 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

  • Joshua 13:8 (3 votes)

    With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, [even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

  • Joshua 13:31 (3 votes)

    And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

  • Numbers 18:23 (2 votes)

    But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: [it shall be] a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.

  • Deuteronomy 3:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

  • Deuteronomy 3:17 (2 votes)

    The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.