Deuteronomy 10:9
Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֞ן
H3651
כֵּ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֧ה
H1961
הָיָ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
is his inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
is his inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֶחָ֑יו
with his brethren
H251
אֶחָ֑יו
with his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
9 of 17
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
יְהוָ֥ה
according as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
according as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 17
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
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
is his inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָת֔וֹ
is his inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֛ר
promised
H1696
דִּבֶּ֛ר
promised
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
14 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֥ה
according as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
according as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The Levitical consecration occurred after the golden calf incident when the Levites demonstrated loyalty to God by executing judgment on idolaters (Exodus 32:25-29). Their faithfulness resulted in their selection for permanent sacred service.
The Levites received no territorial inheritance in Canaan; instead, the Lord Himself was their inheritance, and they received support through tithes from the other tribes.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's sovereign choice of Levi teach about divine election to service?
- How does Levitical separation unto God foreshadow all believers' consecration?
- What privileges and responsibilities come with being set apart for God's service?
- Why was holiness required for those who bore the ark and ministered in God's presence?
- In what sense is the Lord the inheritance of those devoted to His service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi unto himself, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD. God's setting apart of Levi demonstrates divine prerogative in choosing servants for sacred ministry. This was not Levi's achievement but God's sovereign election to special service.
The phrase separated...unto himself indicates consecration - taken from common use for holy purpose. The Levites belonged peculiarly to God, devoted exclusively to His service. This foreshadows believers' call to be holy, separated from the world unto God.
Bearing the ark of the covenant was sacred trust, as the ark represented God's throne and presence. This duty required holiness, as those who approach God must be ceremonially and morally clean. The Levites' role pictured the privilege and responsibility of those who minister in God's presence.
Reformed theology sees priestly separation as type of believer-priests under the New Covenant. All Christians are separated unto God's service, though we serve through different callings and gifts.