Deuteronomy - Chapter 18

Deuteronomy 18.1 The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance. Deuteronomy 18.2 Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. Deuteronomy 18.3 And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. Deuteronomy 18.4 The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. Deuteronomy 18.5 For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever. Deuteronomy 18.6 And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose; Deuteronomy 18.7 Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD. Deuteronomy 18.8 They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony. Deuteronomy 18.9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. Deuteronomy 18.10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Deuteronomy 18.11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. Deuteronomy 18.13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 18.14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. Deuteronomy 18.15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; Deuteronomy 18.16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. Deuteronomy 18.17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. Deuteronomy 18.18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Deuteronomy 18.19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. Deuteronomy 18.20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. Deuteronomy 18.21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? Deuteronomy 18.22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Deuteronomy : Chapter 18

Deuteronomy Chapter 18: A Spiritual Guide

Deuteronomy chapter 18 addresses fundamental themes such as the support of spiritual leaders and the recognition of true prophecies. This sacred text reveals how God provides for the Levites and prophets, while detailing the provisions governing their role within the community.

The Sacred Role of Priests and Levites

This chapter highlights the responsibilities of priests and Levites, emphasizing their spiritual calling. They are called to serve God's people, to teach, and to offer sacrifices, thus ensuring the connection between heaven and earth.

Discerning True Prophets

Deuteronomy 18 also provides guidelines for discerning true prophets. It contains the promise of a prophet like Moses, who will come to guide the people. This passage strikes a balance between maintaining the ministry and protecting against false prophecy, establishing clear standards for spiritual leadership.

Five Enlightening Bible Passages

Let's examine five Bible passages that illustrate the enduring principles presented in this foundational chapter.

Acts 3:22-23

In this passage, Peter quotes Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19, stating: "The Lord God will raise up for them a Prophet like me from among their brothers, and he will be their God." Listen to him in all that he says to you. Whoever does not listen to this prophet will be destroyed from among his people." He identifies Jesus as the promised prophet, emphasizing the importance of listening to his word.

1 Samuel 28:7-8

This passage illustrates disobedience to the prohibition in Deuteronomy 18:10-11, which condemns the practice of necromancy. "Saul then commanded his servants, 'Seek out a woman who summons spirits...'" This account highlights the dangers of straying from God's commandments.

Jeremiah 14:14

The Lord warns: "The prophets prophesy lies in my name..." (Jeremiah 14:14). This verse recalls the warning in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 against false prophets, emphasizing the need for discernment when listening to spiritual messages.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14

The Apostle Paul refers to the provision regarding the Levites by stating: "Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat the things of the temple...?" (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). This passage applies the principle of support to ministers of the Gospel, recalling the importance of their vocation.

Hebrews 2:17

Finally, Hebrews 2:17 states: "For this reason, it was necessary for him to become like his brothers in every way..." This verse evokes the promise of a prophet among his brothers, referring to Jesus as our merciful High Priest, emphasizing his unique role in our redemption.

Meditating on these scriptures, we are invited to deepen our understanding of divine ministry and to recognize the authentic voice of God amidst the voices that surround.