(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 18:1-13)

1 The Levitical priests—indeed, the whole tribe of Levi—are to have no allotment or inheritance with Israel. They shall live on the food offerings presented to the Lord, for that is their inheritance. 2 They shall have no inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the Lord is their inheritance, as he promised them.

How should the tribe of Levi, the tribe that produced Moses and Aaron, feel knowing that they have no allotment or inheritance with Israel? Should they feel left out, forgotten, pushed to the side? Of course not, because the Lord is their inheritance, as He promised. Isn’t this the best inheritance of them all?

They are not just inheriting land, but the Lord Himself, and in the Promised Land the Levites were dispersed teachers, worship leaders, and covenant guardians—serving all Israel while owning none of it. They were to serve the Lord, in His land, in His temple, and amongst His people.

What an amazing inheritance, to inherit the Lord Himself, and the privilege of serving Him full-time with their life. Yet, as we consider this, do we really see it as an amazing inheritance? Do we really see this as a blessing, or would we, if we were in their position, complain and say this is not fair.

The journey of Israel was not only to be the people of God, but it was a journey in search for land, possession, a place that they could call home. However, as the Levites would watch the other tribes inherit the land, and a home, would they look at them with envy, jealousy, and bitterness?

Do the desires of our hearts, like the desires of Israel to have a home, also take priority over God in our life? Do we only thank God if He gives us comfort, stability, and a place to call home, and if not respond with bitterness, dissatisfaction, and even anger?

The Lord is their inheritance, is the ultimate blessing, albeit comes with a great responsibility, but is that what the Levites truly desire? If they live for their desire over God, then will they consider the Lord is their inheritance as a curse rather than with great joy?

How do we view this blessing from the Lord? If the Lord blesses those around us with great fortune, but promises us that He will be our inheritance, would we rejoice that we have this privilege, or would we rather want to trade God in for the great fortune?

Let us consider the Levites, that the Lord is their inheritance, and examine our reaction to this inheritance, as we once again ask ourselves, is it the Lord what we desire, or is it the blessings of our hearts that we desire from the Lord?

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 18