The allocation of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel is a significant event, reflecting both practical and spiritual considerations. Joseph, one of Jacob's twelve sons, receives a special blessing through his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who each become a tribe. This effectively gives Joseph a double inheritance, highlighting his favored status and the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing. This division also maintains the symbolic number of twelve tribes, despite Levi's unique role.
The Levites, descendants of Levi, are set apart for religious service, including duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their lack of a designated tribal territory underscores their dependence on God and the community for sustenance. Instead of land, they receive towns and pasturelands, which provide for their physical needs while allowing them to focus on their spiritual responsibilities. This arrangement emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and the community's role in supporting those who serve God.
