Deuteronomy Chapter 18 · Verse 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;
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵֽאַחַ֤ד
from any
H259
מֵֽאַחַ֤ד
from any
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִכָּל
H3605
מִכָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
out of all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
out of all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 20
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
גָּ֣ר
where he sojourned
H1481
גָּ֣ר
where he sojourned
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
of his mind
H5315
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
of his mind
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
הַמָּק֖וֹם
unto the place
H4725
הַמָּק֖וֹם
unto the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
17 of 20
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This law anticipated Israel's settlement in Canaan with a central sanctuary (eventually Jerusalem). During the judges period, Levites did travel seeking service (Judges 17-19, showing both the practice and its potential abuses). When Jeroboam established rival sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-31), he violated this centralization principle, appointing non-Levitical priests and fragmenting worship. Faithful Levites migrated to Judah, strengthening Jerusalem's orthodoxy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision for itinerant ministers challenge churches to support missionaries and traveling ministries?
- What does the phrase 'with all the desire of his mind' teach about the heart attitude required for ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
If a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned (וְכִי־יָבוֹא הַלֵּוִי מֵאַחַד שְׁעָרֶיךָ)—this protects itinerant Levites' rights. Though Levites received 48 cities (Numbers 35:1-8), many lived scattered throughout Israel teaching the law. The phrase with all the desire of his mind (bechol-avvat nafsho) shows passionate devotion—literally "with all the desire of his soul." This wasn't mercenary service but wholehearted commitment.
Unto the place which the LORD shall choose refers to the central sanctuary—first the tabernacle, later Jerusalem's temple. Before Solomon's temple, Shiloh served this function (Joshua 18:1). The law ensures that any Levite, regardless of where he lived in Israel, could come to the central sanctuary to serve and receive equal treatment with resident priests.
This prevented a two-tier priesthood—local vs. temple priests—ensuring equality based on tribal calling, not geography or connections. It also protected against impoverishment of rural Levites who might lack adequate local support. 2 Chronicles 31:2-19 describes Hezekiah implementing this provision, registering all Levites by genealogy to ensure fair distribution of offerings.