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Atomic Bible
Deuteronomy 18:1-8·~1 min

Provision for Priests and Levites

The priests and the whole tribe of Levi receive no tribal inheritance because the LORD Himself is their inheritance. Israel is to sustain their ministry through sacrificial portions, firstfruits, and first wool, since the LORD has chosen them to serve in His name.

T1he Levitical priests — indeed the whole tribe of Levi — shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. 2Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. 3This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. 4You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock. 5For the LORD your God has chosen Levi and his sons out of all your tribes to stand and minister in His name for all time.

A Levite who comes from any town to the place the LORD chooses may serve there alongside the other Levites. He is to receive an equal share of the provisions, regardless of any family resources he may have.

6Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose, 7then he shall serve in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD. 8They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate.

Section summaryThis section gives the Levites their place in Israel by denying them landed inheritance and assigning them support from offerings and firstfruits. It also ensures that any Levite who comes to the central sanctuary may serve there and share equally.
Role in the chapterThe chapter begins by establishing a rightful, God-given means of ministry and provision inside Israel. Before warning against false spiritual practices, it names how those who minister before the LORD are to live and serve.