In today's Scripture passage, Joshua converses with the leaders of the tribe of Levi (Joshua 21:1-2) and, following what Moses had commanded (Numbers 35:1-8), assigns the cities of refuge and 42 additional cities for them to share.

Of these, 10 cities lie east of the Jordan River within the lands of the tribes of East Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad (Joshua 21:27, 36-39). They zigzag from south (Kedemoth, south of Bezer) to north (Ashtaroth, north of Golan).

The other 38 cities lie west of the Jordan River. In the southern half of that region, 21 cities come from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Dan (vv. 9-24). In the northern half are 17 cities that come from the tribes of West Manasseh, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Zebulun (vv. 25, 28-32, 34).

What's important about these Levitical cities is that they are shared, not exclusive. For instance, Bezer, a city of refuge, is inhabited by both Reubenites (20:8) and Levites (21:36).

Unlike other Israelite tribes, the Levites do not receive territory or cities for three primary reasons. First, their patriarch Jacob had said they would be ″dispersed . . . in Israel″ (Genesis 49:7). Second, the Levites serve the Lord and therefore receive the tithes of the other tribes (Numbers 18:21, 24; Deuteronomy 18:1; Joshua 13:14). Third, the Lord has said that He is their inheritance (Deuteronomy 10:9; Joshua 13:14, 33).

After the exodus from Egypt, Aaron served as the new nation's high priest for nearly four decades. Like his descendants, Aaron had days of incredible faith and obedience–and days of spectacular disbelief and disobedience. Other great biblical heroes from the tribe of Levi include Moses and Miriam; centuries later, Hilkiah and his grandson Ezra; and many centuries later, Elizabeth, Zachariah, and their son John the Baptist.

Don't miss the very last verse in today's Bible reading: ″Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled″ (Joshua 21:45). If we believe this fully, we will have the courage and confidence to go through the toughest storms of life. And, when we fail, let's remember that we have a great High Priest in heaven, Jesus, who is able to ″feel sympathy for our weaknesses″ (Hebrews 4:14-15) and ″is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them″ (7:25). What a Saviour!