Joshua 13 33

Joshua 13:33 kjv

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

Joshua 13:33 nkjv

But to the tribe of Levi Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as He had said to them.

Joshua 13:33 niv

But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.

Joshua 13:33 esv

But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, just as he said to them.

Joshua 13:33 nlt

But Moses gave no allotment of land to the tribe of Levi, for the LORD, the God of Israel, had promised that he himself would be their allotment.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 33 Meaning

Joshua 13:33 states that the tribe of Levi, unlike the other Israelite tribes, did not receive a tribal land inheritance in Canaan. Instead, their sustenance and provision were divinely ordained to come from the sacrifices and offerings made to the LORD, thus designating the LORD God of Israel Himself and the system of divine service as their inheritance, in accordance with what Moses had commanded them.

Joshua 13 33 Context

Joshua chapter 13 transitions from a summary of the unpossessed land (verses 1-7) to a detailed account of the land already allocated east of the Jordan and those designated for distribution west of the Jordan. The chapter provides specific allotments to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (verses 8-32). This particular verse, Joshua 13:33, serves as an important parenthetical statement, clarifying the exception regarding the tribe of Levi's inheritance amidst the general land distribution. Historically, this exclusion dates back to the wilderness wanderings and Moses' initial instructions to Israel regarding the role and sustenance of the Levitical tribe, separating them for direct service to the LORD and the Tabernacle, rather than engaging in agricultural pursuits on a physical land plot like the other tribes. This set the Levites apart, underscoring their unique spiritual commission within the nation of Israel.

Joshua 13 33 Word analysis

• But: (וְלִשְׁבֵט, vĕliśhvat) This conjunctive "but" marks a distinct contrast, highlighting that Levi's situation differs fundamentally from the other tribes who did receive territorial portions. It introduces an exception to the preceding descriptions of land allocations.
• to the tribe of Levi: (לֵוִי, Lewi) The descendants of Jacob's son, Levi, were designated by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This distinction began early in Israel's history due to their devotion at the golden calf incident and God's sovereign choice.
• Moses: (מֹשֶׁה, Mosheh) The emphasis on Moses as the one who "gave no inheritance" underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of this decree, as Moses was the one through whom God delivered His covenant laws to Israel. This instruction came directly from God through Moses.
• gave no inheritance: (לֹא נָתַן נַחֲלָה, lo natan nachalah)
  • nachalah (נַחֲלָה): This Hebrew word means "inheritance" or "possession," usually referring to land or property received through lineage. Its absence for Levi highlights their unique non-territorial status among the tribes. They were set apart from the common pursuit of land acquisition and agricultural life.
• the sacrifices: (אִשֵּׁי, ’ishshei, derived from אִשֶּׁה, ’ishsheh) More accurately rendered as "offerings by fire" or "food offerings of the LORD." This term refers to the portions of the various sacrifices and offerings presented to God through the sacrificial system that were then allotted to the priests and Levites for their sustenance. These portions were God's prescribed means of supporting those dedicated to His service.
• of the LORD God of Israel: (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, YHWH Elohei Yisrael)
  • YHWH: The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel and His commitment to His chosen people.
  • Elohei Yisrael: "God of Israel," reinforcing His unique identity as the sovereign God of this specific nation. The provision for Levi comes directly from His authority and covenant faithfulness to Israel.
• are their inheritance: (הֵם נַחֲלָתוֹ, hem nachalato) This repetition of "inheritance" (or "their inheritance") starkly contrasts with the "no inheritance" of land. It identifies their actual, divinely-provided heritage, linking their well-being directly to the worship and service of God. Their portion was intimately tied to the offerings that brought Israel into relationship with God.
• as he said to them: (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר לָהֶם, ka'asher dibber lahem) This phrase serves as an affirmation of prior divine command and historical truth. It validates that this arrangement was not an afterthought or human decision but part of the original covenant stipulations delivered by God through Moses (e.g., Numbers 18 and Deuteronomy 10). It highlights the faithfulness of the execution of God's word.

Words-group Analysis:

• "gave no inheritance" vs. "are their inheritance": This deliberate contrast highlights the paradox of Levi's tribal status. While they had no territorial portion like the other tribes, they received an even greater, sacred inheritance directly from God Himself, administered through the temple services. This sets a precedent for prioritizing spiritual devotion over worldly possessions.
• "the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel": This phrase pinpoints the source and nature of Levi's provision. It wasn't human generosity or government funds but God's sacred offerings, illustrating divine sustainment directly tied to divine worship. It emphasizes a sacred economy where those who serve the divine are cared for by divine means.

Joshua 13 33 Bonus section

• The Levitical Cities: While denied a tribal land inheritance, the Levites were not landless wanderers. Numbers 35 and Joshua 21 record that specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands were allocated to the Levites from among the territories of the other tribes. These were designated places to dwell, not tribal lands for agricultural profit, allowing them to be scattered throughout Israel to perform their duties.
• A Theocentric Model: The Levites' unique inheritance profoundly demonstrated a theocentric worldview for Israel. Their sustenance was not derived from their own efforts or from state grants, but directly from the offerings made to God, symbolizing that God Himself was their supreme source and treasure. This setup was designed to prevent worldly distractions and keep them singularly focused on their sacred duties.
• Anticipation of the Priesthood of All Believers: In a theological sense, the principle of God being the "inheritance" for the Levites foreshadows the spiritual inheritance offered to all believers in the New Covenant. Through Christ, every believer is part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9) and receives an imperishable spiritual inheritance (1 Pet 1:4), where our ultimate treasure is in God and His kingdom, transcending earthly possessions.

Joshua 13 33 Commentary

Joshua 13:33 serves as a pivotal summary concerning the Levitical tribe, reiterating a divine decree given decades earlier. It underlines a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law: the separation and unique provision for those dedicated to spiritual service. By receiving no land inheritance, the Levites were spared the earthly burdens of cultivating the land and warfare for territory. This enabled them to focus wholeheartedly on their spiritual duties: serving in the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching the Law, and ministering before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites. Their livelihood, sourced from the "offerings by fire" and tithes, ensured their complete dependence on God's provision through the worship of His people. This arrangement not only showcased God's faithful care for His dedicated servants but also served as a constant reminder to the entire nation of the central importance of their relationship with the LORD. This distinctive pattern for the Levites points toward a greater spiritual reality, foreshadowing that true believers in Christ find their ultimate inheritance not in temporal possessions, but in God Himself and the spiritual blessings of His eternal kingdom.