Although they have no inheritance among their brothersThe Levites, including the priests, were set apart for service to God and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. This was a unique arrangement that underscored their special role in the religious life of Israel. The absence of a land inheritance is significant because it highlights their dependence on God and the community for sustenance. This arrangement is first mentioned in
Numbers 18:20-24, where God explains that He is their portion and inheritance. The Levites were supported through the tithes and offerings of the people, which allowed them to focus on their duties in the tabernacle and later the temple. This system emphasized the importance of spiritual service over material possession.
the LORD is their inheritance
This phrase signifies a profound spiritual truth: the Levites' inheritance was not material but spiritual. God Himself was their portion, which elevated their status and role within the community. This concept is echoed inPsalm 16:5, where David declares, "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup." The idea of God being one's inheritance points to a relationship of trust and reliance on divine provision. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), with God as their ultimate reward and inheritance. This spiritual inheritance is a type of the eternal inheritance promised to all believers in Christ, as seen inEphesians 1:11.
as He promised them
The promise of God being the inheritance of the Levites is rooted in His covenantal faithfulness. This promise is part of the broader covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God repeatedly assures His people of His presence and provision. The fulfillment of this promise is seen throughout Israel's history, as the Levites were continually provided for through the tithes and offerings of the people. This assurance of God's provision is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting His unchanging nature and faithfulness to His word. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of a new covenant, ensuring that all believers have a secure inheritance in Him (Hebrews 9:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LevitesA tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service to God. They were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is the ultimate inheritance for the Levites.
3.
MosesThe leader and prophet who delivered God's laws and instructions to the Israelites, including the distribution of land and roles among the tribes.
4.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which was divided among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance, except for the Levites.
5.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, consisting of twelve tribes, each receiving a portion of the Promised Land, except the Levites.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Inheritance Over Material PossessionsThe Levites' inheritance being the LORD Himself teaches us the value of spiritual blessings over material wealth. As believers, our ultimate inheritance is our relationship with God.
Dependence on God’s ProvisionJust as the Levites depended on God and the tithes from the people for their sustenance, we are called to trust in God's provision for our needs.
Priestly Role of BelieversThe Levites' role as priests and servants of God foreshadows the New Testament teaching that all believers are a royal priesthood, called to serve and worship God.
Contentment in God’s PromisesThe Levites' contentment with their unique inheritance challenges us to find satisfaction in God's promises and His presence in our lives.
Community Support and ResponsibilityThe system of tithes supporting the Levites highlights the importance of community support and responsibility within the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 18:2?
2.How does Deuteronomy 18:2 emphasize the Levites' reliance on God's provision alone?
3.What does "the LORD is their inheritance" teach about spiritual versus material wealth?
4.How can Christians today prioritize spiritual inheritance over earthly possessions?
5.How does Deuteronomy 18:2 connect with Jesus' teachings on reliance on God?
6.In what ways can believers support those dedicated to full-time ministry today?
7.Why do the Levites receive no inheritance among their brothers in Deuteronomy 18:2?
8.How does Deuteronomy 18:2 reflect God's provision for the Levites?
9.What is the significance of the Lord being the Levites' inheritance in Deuteronomy 18:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 18?
11.What does being an heir mean in the Bible?
12.What defines vocational ministry?
13.What role did the Tribe of Levi serve biblically?
14.What was the Levitical Priesthood?What Does Deuteronomy 18:2 Mean
Although they have no inheritance among their brothers• Moses is speaking about the Levites, a tribe set apart for priestly service (Numbers 18:20;Deuteronomy 10:9).
• While every other tribe received a defined portion of land, the Levites were excluded from territorial allotments.
• This absence of farmland and real estate forced them to rely on God’s provision through tithes and offerings brought by the people (Deuteronomy 14:28–29).
• The arrangement underscored that their primary identity was not rooted in land ownership but in ministry at the tabernacle (later the temple).
the LORD is their inheritance• Instead of acres and borders, the Levites received something far greater: “the LORD Himself.”Psalm 16:5 echoes this theme—“The LORD is my portion and my cup; You maintain my lot.”
• Practical expressions of this inheritance included:
– Access to serve in God’s presence (Numbers 8:14–19).
– A share in the offerings (Leviticus 6:16–18).
– Cities scattered throughout Israel, ensuring spiritual influence in every region (Joshua 21:1–8).
• Spiritually, God pledged to satisfy and sustain them personally, reinforcing that genuine security comes from Him, not possessions.
as He promised them• The promise traces back to Sinai, where God declared the Levites “Mine” (Exodus 32:29).
• It is repeated consistently: “I am your share and your inheritance” (Numbers 18:20).
• God’s faithfulness to keep this word models how He fulfills every covenant, foreshadowing the believer’s inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11;1 Peter 1:4).
• The reliability of the promise also affirmed to Israel that setting apart an entire tribe for worship would never result in their neglect or poverty.
summaryThe Levites’ lack of land highlighted their distinctive calling: they would trade material inheritance for intimate service to God. In return, the LORD Himself became their portion, meeting every need and granting lasting security, exactly as He had pledged. The verse reminds believers that true inheritance is found not in earthly assets but in a faithful God who always keeps His promises.
Verses 2, 3. -
As he hath said unto them (cf.
Numbers 18:20).
The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw;
i.
e. the front leg, the two jaw-bones, and the rough stomach of ruminants, in which the digestion is completed. These were regarded as the choice parts of the animal, and were to be given to the priests in addition to the wave breast and heave leg of the peace offerings (
Leviticus 7:32, etc.;
Numbers 18:11), which belonged to the firings of Jehovah, mentioned in ver. 1. To these the priest had a rightful claim; they were his due (
מִשְׁפַט,
mishpat, right). "This right was probably accorded to the priests as a compensation for the falling off which would take place in their incomes in consequence of the repeal of the law that every animal was to be slaughtered at the sanctuary as a sacrifice (
Leviticus 17;
videDeuteronomy 12:15.
sqq.)"(
Keil). According to Josephus ('Antiq ,' 4:4, 4), Philo ('De Praemiis. Sacerdot.,' p. 832, Opp., tom. 2. p. 235, edit. Maugey), the Talmud, etc., this injunction relates to the slaying of animals at home for private use, and not such as were killed for sacrifice. But the use here of the sacrificial phraseology,
who offer a sacrifice (
זֹבְחֵי הַזֶּבַח, who slay victims for sacrifice - a phrase nowhere found except in connection with sacrificial rites) is adverse to this; and besides, how could such an enactment be carried out? How could people, residing at a distance, convey to the priests the portions due to them every time they slaughtered an animal for domestic use? At the same time, the sacrifices here referred to do not seem to be included in the offerings by fire above mentioned; and these gifts to the priest seem to have been something over and above his ordinary dues. There is probability, therefore, in the suggestion that "the reference is to the slaughtering of oxen, sheep, or goats, which were not intended for
shelamim in the more limited sense,
i.
e. for one of the three species of peace offerings (
Leviticus 7:15, 16), but for festal meals in the broader sense, which were held in connection with the sacrificial meals prepared from the
shelamim" (Keil).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Although they haveיִֽהְיֶה־(yih·yeh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, benoלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noinheritanceוְנַחֲלָ֥ה(wə·na·ḥă·lāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portionamongבְּקֶ֣רֶב(bə·qe·reḇ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7130:The nearest part, the centertheir brothers,אֶחָ֑יו(’e·ḥāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel[is] their inheritance,נַחֲלָת֔וֹ(na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5159:Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portionasכַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatHe promisedדִּבֶּר־(dib·ber-)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduethem.לֽוֹ׃(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew
Links
Deuteronomy 18:2 NIVDeuteronomy 18:2 NLTDeuteronomy 18:2 ESVDeuteronomy 18:2 NASBDeuteronomy 18:2 KJV
Deuteronomy 18:2 BibleApps.comDeuteronomy 18:2 Biblia ParalelaDeuteronomy 18:2 Chinese BibleDeuteronomy 18:2 French BibleDeuteronomy 18:2 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Deuteronomy 18:2 They shall have no inheritance among their (Deut. De Du) 
