“If a Levi from one of your towns anywhere in Israel where he is living comes, highly motivated, to the place which Adonai will choose, then he will serve there in the name of Adonai his God, just like his kinsmen the Levites who stand and serve in the presence of Adonai. Such a Levi will receive the same share as they do, in addition to what he may receive from selling his inherited ancestral property.”-Deuteronomy 18:6-8
In verse 6 we encounter this somewhat cryptic verse that states if a Levite is “highly motivated”, he is free to go to the place the Lord has chosen.
What exactly does this mean?
Actually, this is quite easy to explain.
During Bible times, most Levites dwelled in small towns and cities in the remote areas of the various Israelite tribal territories.
I’m referring to the 48 cities that were especially set aside for the Levites to live and serve in.
However, here’s the thing.
The seat of religious power was the awesome central sanctuary situated in Jerusalem.
Rather than always be serving at some local village and dealing with ho-hum mundane matters, many Levites dreamed of serving at the main place which Scripture refers to as “the place which Adonai has chosen”.
Well, in response to this desire, God is making it clear that any Levite who so wishes is free to participate at the Tabernacle.
Later on, we’ll see that an interesting system of “tour programs” was set up whereby Levites hailing from different areas of Israel would gather together, form a group and then as one unit travel to the Temple to officiate on a rotation basis.
Finally, notice verse 8 where it says “Such a Levi will receive the same share as they do”.
The point is clear.
All the Levites shall share and share alike from the holy offerings.
No one is to get more than another and no is to be left out.
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