Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
H6256
בָּעֵ֣ת
At that time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 21
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִ֗וא
H1931
הַהִ֗וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 21
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הִבְדִּ֤יל
separated
H914
הִבְדִּ֤יל
separated
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
3 of 21
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֣בֶט
the tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֣בֶט
the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
6 of 21
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
8 of 21
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
11 of 21
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַֽעֲמֹד֩
to stand
H5975
לַֽעֲמֹד֩
to stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
13 of 21
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֨י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
14 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙
to minister
H8334
לְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙
to minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
16 of 21
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וּלְבָרֵ֣ךְ
unto him and to bless
H1288
וּלְבָרֵ֣ךְ
unto him and to bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
17 of 21
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ
in his name
H8034
בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ
in his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
18 of 21
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
19 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 21:5And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried:Deuteronomy 18:5For 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.Numbers 4:15And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.Numbers 3:6Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.Jeremiah 15:19Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.1 Chronicles 15:26And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Leviticus 9:22And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.2 Chronicles 30:27Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.
Historical Context
These locations were in the wilderness south of Canaan, part of Israel's forty-year journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The route included both barren desert and occasional oases where water could be found.
The wilderness journey served as testing ground where Israel learned dependence on God's provision and faithfulness despite harsh conditions.
Questions for Reflection
- What do the specific geographical details teach about Scripture's historical reliability?
- How does God's provision of water in the wilderness illustrate His care for His people?
- In what ways does Israel's wilderness journey typify the believer's spiritual pilgrimage?
- How does Jesus' promise of living water fulfill the type of physical water in the wilderness?
- Why is it significant that God works in real history rather than timeless myth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters. These geographical markers trace Israel's wilderness wandering, recording God's faithfulness in leading them despite their rebellions. Each location testified to divine provision and guidance.
The description a land of rivers of waters emphasizes God's provision in desert regions. Water represented life, and God continually supplied His people's needs despite the harsh environment. This recalls Jesus' promise of living water to all who believe (John 4:14).
The specific naming of locations demonstrates Scripture's historical reliability. These are not generic parables but actual journeys through identifiable places. God works in real history, not mythical time.
Israel's wandering path through the wilderness typologically represents the believer's journey from bondage to inheritance. Though the path includes difficulties and testing, God faithfully guides His people to their promised rest.