Deuteronomy 18:7
Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְשֵׁרֵ֕ת
Then he shall minister
H8334
וְשֵׁרֵ֕ת
Then he shall minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
1 of 11
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
in the name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֖ם
in the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָ֑יו
his God
H430
אֱלֹהָ֑יו
his God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כְּכָל
H3605
כְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֶחָיו֙
as all his brethren
H251
אֶחָיו֙
as all his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
6 of 11
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
הָעֹֽמְדִ֥ים
do which stand
H5975
הָעֹֽמְדִ֥ים
do which stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
8 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Historical Context
This law combated natural human tendencies toward favoritism and hierarchy. In practice, certain priestly families did gain prominence (like Zadok's line under David and Solomon), but the principle of equal access and support remained normative. When Israel's worship became corrupt, this egalitarian ideal was often violated—as when Jeroboam installed non-Levitical priests based on political loyalty rather than divine calling (1 Kings 12:31).
Questions for Reflection
- How can churches ensure equal honor and support for all who serve faithfully, regardless of background or connections?
- What does it mean to 'stand before the LORD' in ministry, and how should that awareness shape pastoral practice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God (וְשֵׁרֵת בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיו)—the same privilege and authority given to all Levites. As all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD (kechol-echav haleviyyim ha'omedim sham lifnei YHWH) establishes equality. Geographic origin doesn't diminish calling or rights.
The phrase stand there before the LORD (ha'omedim lifnei YHWH) describes the priestly posture of service in God's immediate presence. This standing contrasts with the people who approached only at a distance. Levites had proximity to the Holy of Holies that others lacked—privilege requiring holiness (Leviticus 21-22). All Levites shared this sacred access equally.
This principle prevents ministerial hierarchy based on human factors—wealth, family connections, location. God's calling creates equality. Paul's instruction that churches support itinerant apostles and teachers (1 Corinthians 9:11-14, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17-18) reflects this Levitical pattern: those who minister the word deserve material support without discrimination based on geography or favoritism.