Deuteronomy 18:8 - They shall have like portions to eat, in addition to that which comes from the sale of his family possessions.
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What does "Deuteronomy 18:8" mean?
This verse in Deuteronomy 18:8 refers to the rights and provisions for Levites who chose to serve at the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"They": This refers to Levites who leave their home towns and move to the central sanctuary (likely Jerusalem) to serve as priests or temple workers. Deuteronomy outlines that the Levites, being a priestly tribe, were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. They were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people.
"Shall have like portions to eat": This means that all Levites serving at the sanctuary, regardless of where they came from, should receive equal shares of the food offerings and tithes brought to the sanctuary. This ensured that Levites who chose to relocate to the central sanctuary wouldn't be penalized financially.
"In addition to that which comes from the sale of his family possessions": This is a key point. A Levite who moved to the central sanctuary might have needed to sell their property or possessions in their home town in order to relocate. This phrase implies that the income from these sales was theirs to keep. They were not required to contribute this money to the common fund or have it factored into their allotted portion of the sanctuary's provisions. This ensured they would not be penalized for taking a financial loss when they sold their inheritance.
In summary, the verse guarantees equal access to resources for all Levites serving at the central sanctuary, while also protecting the personal resources of those who had to sell their property to relocate.
Significance and Context:
Fairness and Equity: This verse reflects a concern for fairness and equity in the distribution of resources within the Levite community.
Centralization of Worship: Deuteronomy emphasized the centralization of worship at a single sanctuary (Jerusalem). This verse encourages and supports Levites to move there and participate in the centralized religious system.
Support for the Priesthood: It underscores the responsibility of the Israelite community to support the Levites who dedicated themselves to religious service.
Protection of Personal Property: The verse highlights that personal property owned by the Levites were their own and did not need to be shared or given away.
The verse reinforces the idea that all Levites who ministered in the temple were to be treated equally, regardless of their financial situation before arriving at the temple. They would receive their share of the sacrifices, and in addition, retain whatever possessions they were able to sell from their family home. This enabled them to perform their duties without worrying about having the resources to support themselves.
Deuteronomy 18:8 - They shall have like portions to eat, in addition to that which comes from the sale of his family possessions.
What does "Deuteronomy 18:8" mean?
This verse in Deuteronomy 18:8 refers to the rights and provisions for Levites who chose to serve at the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:
"They": This refers to Levites who leave their home towns and move to the central sanctuary (likely Jerusalem) to serve as priests or temple workers. Deuteronomy outlines that the Levites, being a priestly tribe, were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. They were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people.
"Shall have like portions to eat": This means that all Levites serving at the sanctuary, regardless of where they came from, should receive equal shares of the food offerings and tithes brought to the sanctuary. This ensured that Levites who chose to relocate to the central sanctuary wouldn't be penalized financially.
"In addition to that which comes from the sale of his family possessions": This is a key point. A Levite who moved to the central sanctuary might have needed to sell their property or possessions in their home town in order to relocate. This phrase implies that the income from these sales was theirs to keep. They were not required to contribute this money to the common fund or have it factored into their allotted portion of the sanctuary's provisions. This ensured they would not be penalized for taking a financial loss when they sold their inheritance.
In summary, the verse guarantees equal access to resources for all Levites serving at the central sanctuary, while also protecting the personal resources of those who had to sell their property to relocate.
Significance and Context:
Fairness and Equity: This verse reflects a concern for fairness and equity in the distribution of resources within the Levite community.
Centralization of Worship: Deuteronomy emphasized the centralization of worship at a single sanctuary (Jerusalem). This verse encourages and supports Levites to move there and participate in the centralized religious system.
Support for the Priesthood: It underscores the responsibility of the Israelite community to support the Levites who dedicated themselves to religious service.
Protection of Personal Property: The verse highlights that personal property owned by the Levites were their own and did not need to be shared or given away.
The verse reinforces the idea that all Levites who ministered in the temple were to be treated equally, regardless of their financial situation before arriving at the temple. They would receive their share of the sacrifices, and in addition, retain whatever possessions they were able to sell from their family home. This enabled them to perform their duties without worrying about having the resources to support themselves.