“Not one of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass” (v. 45). Our God is a promise-giving God and promise-keeping God.

God gives promises and He is faithful to fulfill all the promises.

(v41-42) Levites received 48 towns, each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it.
Blessed are those who serve the Lord, keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart (Psalm 119:2).
-(v44) The Lord gave Israelites rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. (v45) Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

God was very faithful in keeping his promise.

When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness the Levites camped all around the tabernacle. They were responsible for setting it up and tearing it down for transport and doing all the work in it. Now they are spread out throughout the conquered land.  What was their job now?

Though it looks like a happy ending with God keeping his side of the covenant we know very well that the Israelites failed to keep their part. They allowed the inhabitants of Canaan to stay among them throughout the land and faced the consequences.

Numbers 33-35 gives some kind of context for the book of Joshua. It gives a summary of their journey and also the Lord’s instructions regarding the inhabitants. They were supposed to Drive out the inhabitants, Destroy their images and idols, Demolish their high places and Distribute the land (Num 33:52-54). This has the cause for the destruction of Canaan. They were being punished for their idolatry, as all nations should be, rightly. It also has a dire warning for the Israelites, “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants…I will do to you what I plan to do to them” (Num 33:55-56).

The learning I get from Sam’s post is ‘however small the evil thought that may be, to be removed from the root, else we will go towards destruction’

God’s perfect fulfilment of his word.

The Levites were spread out across the land to be a sign or reminder of God’s people to other Israelites. They were allowed to be the priest and were supposed to prevent syncretism from occurring in thoughts, religion, and customs. They were supposed to infiltrate the tribes and teach them the law AND be priest on the altar.

Churches are the outpost of Gods redeeming kingdom work in the world. Josh 21 reminds us of his fidelity to his covenant. I am astonished when I think of Abraham burying his wife Sarah and thinking of Gods covenant. Looks at v (43,44) it was not merely a promise it was SWORN. More closer to a covenant