Deuteronomy 18:2
French (La Bible expliquée)
Ils n'auront pas de territoire parmi les Israélites, car ce qu'ils ont en partage, c'est le privilège de servir le Seigneur, comme il le leur a dit. Les prêtres-lévites forment la troisième classe de personnes en service au sein du peuple. L'origine et les fonctions de ces serviteurs du culte ont déjà été précisées en 10.6-9. Ici, le législateur se préoccupe de leur assurer des moyens de subsistance. Il semble d'ailleurs que la pratique ait évolué au cours de l'histoire. Le v. 8, en effet, suppose que les lévites peuvent posséder des biens fonciers, contrairement au principe énoncé dans le v. 1. Le rédacteur essaie de tenir compte de diverses pratiques, peut-être originaires des différentes régions d'Israël.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy says that the Levites, who serve God, will not receive land like other tribes. Instead, God himself is their inheritance. Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of God's promise to the Levites.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special job, like being a teacher in a school, and instead of having a house, your school gives you a whole building to live in. That's kind of what God did for the Levites. He made them special teachers, and instead of giving them land like everyone else, he became their home and their inheritance.
Historical Background
Moses wrote this part of the Bible around 1200-1400 BCE while leading the Israelites through the wilderness. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was their journey from Egypt to the promised land, with a focus on their laws and practices.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can think about what we value most. For some, career or possessions might seem like their inheritance, but for true followers of God, God himself is the ultimate inheritance and source of all that they need.
Topics
inheritanceservicepromiseGod's provisionLevitesfaith
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Levites mentioned in this verse?
The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, specifically chosen by God to serve in the temple and perform religious duties.
Why did the Levites not receive land?
The Levites were given a special role in religious service, and instead of land, they were to receive their sustenance and protection directly from God as their inheritance.
How does God being the inheritance relate to modern believers?
For modern believers, this teaches that God is the ultimate provider, and trusting in God for all needs is more important than any earthly possession.
What other passages in the Bible discuss the Levites' role?
Numbers 18:20 and Joshua 13:33 provide more details about the Levites' role and their inheritance from God.