What does Deuteronomy 18:8 mean?
"They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony." - Deuteronomy 18:8
Deuteronomy 18:8 - "They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony."
Deuteronomy 18:8 (KJV) states, "They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony." This verse is part of the larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy where Moses is instructing the Levites on their duties and role within the Israelite community. To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the themes, context, and symbolism present within the passage.
The overarching theme of the book of Deuteronomy is the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites. After spending 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites are on the cusp of entering the promised land. Moses, their leader, takes this opportunity to remind the people of their history, restate the laws and commandments given to them by God, and outline their responsibilities in maintaining their covenant relationship with God. In the specific passage of Deuteronomy 18, Moses addresses the Levites, who were set apart as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle and its rituals. Their role was to serve the spiritual needs of the people and to receive support from the community for their service.
The verse itself, "They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony," speaks to the provision for the Levites. It indicates that the Levites were entitled to a portion of the sacrifices and offerings made by the people, in addition to the sale of any property they may own. This provision allowed the Levites to sustain themselves and their families while fulfilling their duties as priests. It also reflects the idea of reciprocity and communal support within the Israelite community. The people were required to provide for the Levites, and in turn, the Levites were responsible for interceding on behalf of the people before God.
From a symbolic standpoint, the verse can also be interpreted as a representation of the principle of giving and receiving within the context of one's vocation or calling. In the religious context, the Levites were called to serve God and the community through their priestly duties. The support they received from the people allowed them to fully dedicate themselves to their calling without the distractions of worldly concerns. This serves as a model for understanding the importance of providing for those who have chosen a life of service to fulfill their calling, whether it be in a religious, charitable, or vocational capacity.
In a broader sense, this verse also highlights the biblical principle of stewardship and provision. The Israelites were called to be mindful of the needs of the Levites and to ensure that they were adequately provided for. This demonstrates the importance of taking care of those who are dedicated to serving God and the community, as well as the recognition that God provides for the needs of those who faithfully serve Him.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 18:8 (KJV) conveys a message of communal support, reciprocity, and provision for those who are called to serve in a religious or vocational capacity. It reflects the principles of stewardship, mutual care, and the recognition of God's provision. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those who have dedicated themselves to their calling and the need for reciprocity and provision within the community.
Deuteronomy 18:8 Artwork
Deuteronomy 18:8 - "They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony."
Deuteronomy 5:18 - "Neither shalt thou commit adultery."
Deuteronomy 18:11 - "Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer."
Deuteronomy 18:13 - "Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God."
Deuteronomy 8:18 - "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day."
Deuteronomy 22:18 - "And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him;"
Deuteronomy 14:18 - "And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat."
Deuteronomy 8:8 - "A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;"
Deuteronomy 2:18 - "Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day:"
Deuteronomy 18:17 - "And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken."
Deuteronomy 1:18 - "And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do."
Deuteronomy 23:8 - "The children that are begotten of them shall enter into the congregation of the LORD in their third generation."
Deuteronomy 32:18 - "Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee."
Deuteronomy 4:18 - "The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:"
Deuteronomy 33:18 - "¶ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents."
Deuteronomy 27:8 - "And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly."
Deuteronomy 10:18 - "He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment."
Deuteronomy 27:18 - "Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen."
Deuteronomy 18:21 - "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?"
1 Chronicles 8:18 - "Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal;"
Proverbs 8:18 - "Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness."
Deuteronomy 29:8 - "And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh."
Zechariah 8:18 - "¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,"
Deuteronomy 18:2 - "Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them."
Deuteronomy 28:18 - "Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep."
Deuteronomy 19:18 - "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;"
Numbers 8:18 - "And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel."
Proverbs 18:8 - "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
Deuteronomy 8:12 - "Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;"
Deuteronomy 8:6 - "Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him."