Levite land assignment

The passage for today recounts the assigning of land to the Levites. This was different than the giving of land to other tribes because the Levites had no tribal allotment. Their towns were scattered throughout the territories of the other 11 tribes and some were designated as "cities of refuge" (safe havens for those guilty of the unintentional death of another). Their jobs included maintaining these cities, teaching the people the Law, and serving in the temple through maintenance work, reading the Law, singing the psalms, and serving the priests. They owned no land and cold therefore not participate in agricultural pursuits. They were cared for through the tithe of the Israelites. The firstfruits of produce and most animal sacrifice could be consumed by the Levites.

Tomorrow's reading:Joshua 22-24