Deuteronomy 12:19
Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.
Original Language Analysis
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר
Take heed
H8104
הִשָּׁ֣מֶר
Take heed
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
פֶּֽן
H6435
פֶּֽן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
תַּעֲזֹ֖ב
to thyself that thou forsake
H5800
תַּעֲזֹ֖ב
to thyself that thou forsake
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
4 of 10
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יָמֶ֖יךָ
as long as thou livest
H3117
יָמֶ֖יךָ
as long as thou livest
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Historical Context
Malachi 3:8-10 indicts Israel for 'robbing God' by withholding tithes that supported Levites. Nehemiah 13:10-13 describes Levites abandoning temple service to work fields because people failed to support them. Later Judaism developed elaborate tithe systems. Early church support of apostles and elders (1 Timothy 5:17-18; Philippians 4:15-18) continues this principle. Covenant communities must sustain those devoted to spiritual ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What responsibility do believers have to support those in full-time ministry?
- How does neglecting ministers of God's word reflect ingratitude toward God Himself?
- What balance should exist between voluntary giving and obligatory support for church leadership?
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Analysis & Commentary
The warning regarding Levites: 'Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.' The emphatic hishamer (הִשָּׁמֶר, 'guard yourself') warns against neglecting Levites. Their landlessness made them economically dependent on tithes and fellowship offerings. The temporal extent 'as long as thou livest' indicates permanent obligation. Supporting ministers of God isn't optional charity but covenant duty. This principle extends to New Testament: 'they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel' (1 Corinthians 9:14). Neglecting those who serve God spiritually violates covenant obligation.