Deuteronomy 14:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 14:27
27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 14 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, worship, truth. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 14:27
27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
Analysis
And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him—The festival joy must include the tribe with no part nor inheritance in land. The Levites' 'portion' was the LORD Himself (Numbers 18:20), requiring others' support. Worship integrity includes economic justice.
Paul applies this principle: They which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). The labourer is worthy of his reward (1 Timothy 5:18). Yet Israel repeatedly 'forsook' Levites (Nehemiah 13:10), causing temple service collapse. Modern parallel: underfunding pastors while spending lavishly on personal comforts demonstrates disordered priorities. Supporting gospel workers is worship, not charity.
Historical Context
The Levites received no tribal land allotment, depending entirely on the other tribes' tithes (Numbers 18:21-24). When Israel neglected tithing, Levites abandoned temple service for subsistence farming (Nehemiah 13:10), crippling corporate worship and covenant instruction.
Reflection
- How does your church's support of pastors/missionaries reflect (or fail to reflect) God's priority on gospel ministry?
- What modern 'Levites' (those dedicating lives to ministry) might you be tempted to 'forsake' through financial neglect?
- In what ways does supporting gospel workers constitute worship rather than mere obligation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 12:12, 14:29, Numbers 18:20, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17