That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. That is why LeviThe tribe of Levi holds a unique position among the tribes of Israel. Historically, the Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to God. The Hebrew root for Levi, "לֵוִי" (Levi), is associated with the idea of being joined or attached, reflecting their role in being closely connected to the spiritual life of Israel. This connection is not just familial but deeply spiritual, as they are joined to the service of God. has no portion or inheritance
In the context of ancient Israel, a "portion" or "inheritance" typically referred to land, which was a critical aspect of identity and survival. The Hebrew word for "portion" is "חֵלֶק" (chelek), and "inheritance" is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah). The Levites' lack of a physical inheritance signifies their reliance on God and the community for sustenance, emphasizing a life of faith and dependence on divine provision rather than material wealth. among his brothers
The phrase "among his brothers" highlights the Levites' distinct role within the larger family of Israel. While they are part of the community, their calling sets them apart. This separation is not one of exclusion but of purpose, as they serve as mediators between God and the people, reinforcing the idea of spiritual leadership and service. the LORD is his inheritance
This profound statement underscores the Levites' unique relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God, indicating a personal and covenantal relationship. The concept of God being their "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) suggests that their true wealth and security lie in their spiritual connection and service to God, rather than in earthly possessions. as the LORD your God promised him
This phrase reaffirms the divine promise and covenantal faithfulness of God. The Hebrew word for "promised" is "דִּבֶּר" (diber), which conveys the idea of speaking or declaring. God's promises are sure and steadfast, providing assurance and hope. This promise to the Levites is a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His plans for them, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and faithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. LeviThe third son of Jacob and Leah, whose descendants became the tribe of Levi. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service to God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel. 3. InheritanceIn the context of ancient Israel, inheritance typically referred to the land allotted to each tribe. The Levites were unique in that they did not receive a land inheritance. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivered God's laws and instructions, including the allocation of land and duties among the tribes. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points God as Our InheritanceJust as the Levites found their inheritance in God, believers today are called to find their ultimate satisfaction and identity in their relationship with God rather than in material possessions. Service Over PossessionThe Levites' role emphasizes the importance of service to God and others over the accumulation of wealth or land. Christians are encouraged to prioritize serving God and His kingdom. Trust in God's ProvisionThe Levites relied on God's provision through the tithes of the other tribes. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and faithfulness, even when we lack material security. Spiritual InheritanceBelievers are reminded that their true inheritance is spiritual, found in Christ and the eternal life He offers, rather than in earthly possessions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of God being our inheritance challenge our modern views on wealth and possessions? 2. In what ways can we, like the Levites, serve God and others in our daily lives? 3. How does understanding the Levites' reliance on God's provision encourage us to trust God in our own financial or material needs? 4. What parallels can we draw between the Levites' role in Israel and the role of believers as described in 1 Peter 2:9? 5. How can we cultivate a mindset that values spiritual inheritance over earthly possessions in our personal and community life? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 18:20-24This passage explains that the Levites' inheritance is the LORD Himself, and they are given the tithes of Israel as their provision. Joshua 13:33Reiterates that the tribe of Levi received no land inheritance because the LORD is their inheritance. 1 Peter 2:9Describes believers as a royal priesthood, drawing a parallel to the Levites' role as priests and servants of God. People Aaron, Eleazar, Jaakanites, Jakan, Levi, MosesPlaces Beeroth Bene-jaakan, Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Jotbathah, Moserah, SinaiTopics Brethren, Brothers, Heritage, Inheritance, Levi, Portion, Promised, Reason, Share, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 10:9 5661 brothers
5705 inheritance, spiritual Deuteronomy 10:8-9 1350 covenant, with Israel's priests Library Election and Holiness
Now, this morning it may be that some of you will not approve of what I have to say. You will remember, however, that I do not seek your approbation, that it will be sufficient for me if I have cleared my conscience concerning a grand truth and have preached the gospel faithfully. I am not accountable to you, nor you to me. You are accountable to God, if you reject a truth; I am accountable to Him if I preach an error. I am not afraid to stand before His bar with regard to the great doctrines which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration.
{hebrew} In every passage of Scripture where thou findest the Majesty of God, thou also findest close by His Condescension (Humility). So it is written down in the Law [Deut. x. 17, followed by verse 18], repeated in the Prophets [Is. lvii. 15], and reiterated in the Hagiographa [Ps. lxviii. 4, followed by verse 5].' - Megill 31 a. …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 10:9 NIVDeuteronomy 10:9 NLTDeuteronomy 10:9 ESVDeuteronomy 10:9 NASBDeuteronomy 10:9 KJV
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