Deuteronomy 10 9

Deuteronomy 10:9 kjv

Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

Deuteronomy 10:9 nkjv

Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, just as the LORD your God promised him.)

Deuteronomy 10:9 niv

That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the LORD is their inheritance, as the LORD your God told them.)

Deuteronomy 10:9 esv

Therefore Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God said to him.)

Deuteronomy 10:9 nlt

That is why the Levites have no share of property or possession of land among the other Israelite tribes. The LORD himself is their special possession, as the LORD your God told them.)

Deuteronomy 10 verses

Deuteronomy 10 9 Meaning

Deuteronomy 10:9 clarifies the unique status of the tribe of Levi within Israel. Unlike the other tribes, Levi was not allotted a territorial inheritance or portion of the land when Canaan was divided. Instead, the LORD Himself was designated as their "inheritance," meaning He would be their direct sustenance, provision, and focus. This signified their complete dedication to serving Him and ministering in the tabernacle, and later the Temple, being supported through tithes, offerings, and specific cities designated for their dwelling among the other tribes.

Deuteronomy 10 9 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 10 is part of Moses' second major speech to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deut 10:1-5) recount God's gracious restoration of the covenant, signified by the re-engraving of the Ten Commandments on new stone tablets after the incident of the golden calf. This highlights God's faithfulness despite Israel's failure. Following this, Moses details the Lord's special selection of the tribe of Levi (Deut 10:8) to carry the ark of the covenant, minister to the Lord, and bless His name. Verse 9 logically follows from this divine appointment, explaining the consequence of Levi's sacred role: they would not have a worldly inheritance like the other tribes, because their "inheritance" was to be the Lord Himself. This sets them apart entirely for spiritual service, rather than agricultural or commercial pursuits, demonstrating God's provision for those wholly dedicated to Him.

Deuteronomy 10 9 Word analysis

• Therefore (עַל־כֵּן, al-ken): Signifies a direct consequence or logical deduction. Because of Levi's distinct appointment by God for sacred service, this particular outcome regarding their inheritance followed. It connects their unique calling (mentioned in Deut 10:8) with their unique provision.
• Levi (לֵוִי, Levi): Refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This tribe was chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle/temple as priests (Aaronic lineage) and assistants (other Levites). Their primary identity and role were defined by their spiritual function. This designation underscores a unique and holy separation for God's purposes.
• has no portion (חֵלֶק, chelek): Literally means "share" or "divided part." This signifies they were not allotted a standard territorial tract of land as the other tribes received in Canaan. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, land ownership was foundational to identity, security, and prosperity. Lacking a chelek meant a radical departure from the norm, indicating a distinct economy for their survival. This also subtly stands against the idea that material possessions define one's standing.
• nor inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term emphasizes a permanent, ancestral possession, often land passed down through generations. Levi having no nachalah means they had no tribal territory, nor did they pass down land rights through their families in the same way other tribes did. Their existence was nomadic around central sanctuaries initially and later in cities spread amongst the other tribes, rather than centered on their own geographical domain. This highlights their transient and spiritual focus.
• with his brethren: Refers to the other eleven tribes of Israel (e.g., Reuben, Simeon, Judah, etc.). This phrase emphasizes the uniqueness of Levi's situation; they stood distinct from the societal and economic structure of the rest of the nation. It highlights a divine arrangement that set them apart for specialized service.
• the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH or Jehovah): This is the covenant name of God, indicating His self-existent, faithful, and personal nature. This is the crucial point of the verse, directly counteracting the lack of earthly portion. God Himself became their sole source of provision and identity, signifying an intimacy and reliance not equally demanded of other tribes.
• is his inheritance (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): The same word used to denote absence of land-inheritance, now redefined as God Himself. This is a profound theological statement. Their inheritance was not something physical but a direct, exclusive relationship with the Almighty God. This signifies a profound blessing and privilege—a spiritual abundance replacing material possession. It teaches that one's ultimate security and fulfillment are found in God, not in worldly gains, a subtle polemic against material covetousness prevalent in ancient societies.
• just as the LORD your God promised him (דִּבֶּר־לוֹ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, dibber-lo YHWH Eloheika): This refers to previous divine declarations (e.g., Num 18:20-24) establishing the Levitical arrangement. It affirms God's faithfulness to His word and covenant. It removes any suggestion of injustice or misfortune in Levi's situation, reframing it as a pre-ordained divine blessing and fulfillment of a sacred agreement. This demonstrates divine intentionality and long-term care for those dedicated to His service.

Deuteronomy 10 9 Bonus section

The concept of the LORD being Levi's inheritance implies a direct, intimate, and covenantal relationship that supersedes material gain. It establishes a theological precedent: for those devoted fully to God's work, their sufficiency and wealth are found directly in Him. This contrasts sharply with the polytheistic views of surrounding nations, where gods were often associated with specific land parcels or material prosperity bestowed through rituals. Here, Yahweh transcends geographical boundaries and is the universal sustainer. The provision for Levi also teaches stewardship, as the tithes given by other tribes were an act of worship to God, simultaneously fulfilling His command to care for those in ministry. This shared responsibility cemented a bond of dependence and interconnectedness among all tribes under God's supreme authority.

Deuteronomy 10 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 10:9 encapsulates a fundamental truth about divine service and provision within the Old Covenant, holding timeless lessons for all believers. The verse reveals that the tribe of Levi was distinctively chosen by God, not to accumulate land and wealth like their brethren, but to be wholly dedicated to the Lord's service. Their lack of an earthly "portion" or "inheritance" was not a deprivation but a designation to a higher calling, compensated by the unique blessing of having the Lord Himself as their inheritance.

This meant their sustenance came directly from God through the offerings and tithes of the other tribes, which were given to God and then to Levi. It symbolized a relationship where their well-being was entirely dependent on their devotion to God's sanctuary and the faithfulness of the nation to God's commands. This setup underscores profound spiritual principles: the ultimate source of true security and prosperity is not in earthly possessions but in God Himself; genuine service to God requires a relinquishing of worldly attachments; and God unfailingly provides for those who wholly commit themselves to His will. This commitment and God's corresponding provision are often seen as a privilege, an elevated position that allows for singular focus on spiritual duties, unencumbered by the cares of land management or trade. It illustrates that spiritual blessings surpass material ones.

For instance, this can be seen practically today where believers are called to prioritize spiritual over material things. A person might give up a high-paying career to enter full-time ministry, trusting God for provision. Or, an individual facing material scarcity might find profound peace and satisfaction by identifying their greatest "inheritance" as their relationship with God.