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;
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.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.