“The cohanim, who are L’vi’im, and indeed the whole tribe of Levi, is not to have a share or an inheritance with Israel. Instead, their support will come from the food offered by fire to Adonai and from whatever else becomes his. They will have no inheritance with their brothers, because Adonai is their inheritance — as he has said to them.”-Deuteronomy 18:1-2
In order to be God’s servants and priests, the Levites were separated away from the 12 Tribes of Israel and blessed with a higher-than-everyone-else holiness status.
BUT…
…they paid a mighty heavy price for that election.
What was that price?
The price was that they would not be given hereditary tribal land holdings in Israel as the other 12 tribes received.
If you were to take a look at a map from the days of Joshua or even a map of Israel from several hundred years after, what you’d find are clearly defined boundaries or districts of land that were assigned to each of the twelve tribes of Israel as “eternal” holdings.
However, another thing you’d distinctly notice is that nowhere on any ancient map in Israel was there any territory designated for the Tribe of Levites.
Why?
Because instead, the Levites were given 48 cities scattered throughout the 12 tribal districts.
They were also given a few acres of pastureland just outside the walls of those cities but that was about it.
Because of the Levites’ status and their lack of land (which was the main form of wealth in those days), the tribes of Israel were to respond by providing economic support.
And in return for receiving this support, the Levites were to serve as servants at the central sanctuary, the local courts and as teachers of God’s Holy Word.
Without a doubt, the operative phrase in the verses dealing with this topic is “because Adonai is their inheritance”.
There’s a huge spiritual takeaway or lesson here and I hope you’re catching it.
The Levites weren’t given any of the traditional forms of wealth or inheritance such as land holdings.
Instead, they were given Adonai Himself as their inheritance.
Do you realize what a tremendous blessing and honor this was?
Let me ask you this.
In this crazy world that worships only two things, namely money and sex, how would you feel if God told you as He told the Levites that you’re not going to receive any of the traditional forms of wealth the gentiles lust after…
…but that instead He Himself (God) would be your inheritance?
Deep down inside, how would you feel about that?
Because if you’re a believer who has been grafted into the commonwealth of Israel through your faith, the truth is that HASHEM is your inheritance!
Rejoice and be glad!!!
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Yeshua said to him,
‘If you wish to be perfect,
go, sell your possessions,
and give the money to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven;
then come, follow me.'”
-Matthew 19:21
“Sell your possessions, and give alms.
Make purses for yourselves
that do not wear out,
an unfailing treasure in heaven,
where no thief comes near
and no moth destroys.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.”
-Luke 12:33-34
“As for those who in the
present age are rich,
command them not to be haughty,
or to set their hopes
on the uncertainty of riches,
but rather on God who richly provides us
with everything for our enjoyment.
They are to do good,
to be rich in good works,
generous, and ready to share.”
–1 Timothy 6:17-18
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