Deuteronomy 18: The Provision for Priests and the Promise of a Prophet

Executive Summary ✨

Deuteronomy 18, a cornerstone of Mosaic Law, details the provisions for the Levitical priests and the condemnation of pagan practices. It emphasizes that the priests, having no land inheritance, are to be sustained by the offerings and sacrifices of the people, ensuring their full dedication to serving God. More profoundly, the chapter culminates in a prophecy, a beacon of hope, foretelling the coming of a Prophet like Moses, to whom the people must listen. This chapter profoundly resonates with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of priesthood, sacrifice, and the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ. This commentary will explore the depths of this chapter, drawing upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers and applying its timeless truths to our modern spiritual journey. Understanding the **provision for priests and the coming prophet** allows us to appreciate the order God established and the hope He continually offers.

This chapter from Deuteronomy lays out critical instructions regarding the support of the priesthood and delivers a monumental prophecy. From the allocation of sacrifices to the severe prohibition of divination, Deuteronomy 18 establishes a clear distinction between God’s chosen way and the abominable practices of surrounding nations. This distinction highlights God’s holiness and His desire for His people to remain untainted by idolatry. This commentary aims to unpack these directives, offering a Coptic Orthodox perspective enriched by patristic insights and practical applications for contemporary life.

Commentary Sections 📖

Deuteronomy 18:1-2 – The Levites’ Portion

KJV: The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance. Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.

NKJV: The priests, the Levites—all the tribe of Levi—shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire and His portion. Therefore they shall have no inheritance among their brethren; the Lord is their inheritance, as He said to them.

The text clearly states that the Levitical priests, unlike the other tribes, were not allocated land within Israel. Their inheritance, instead, was the Lord Himself, and their sustenance was derived from the offerings made to God. This arrangement underscored their complete dedication to priestly service. The absence of land ownership freed them from worldly concerns, enabling them to focus entirely on their spiritual duties. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this concept resonates with the monastic ideal, where renunciation of worldly possessions allows for a deeper communion with God. St. Anthony the Great, for instance, exemplified this principle. As the fathers have taught us, the true inheritance is not earthly, but heavenly.

Spiritual Application: Consider what distractions are preventing you from fully dedicating yourself to God. What “earthly inheritance” must you relinquish to embrace the Lord as your ultimate reward? How can you live a life more focused on spiritual duties, recognizing that true fulfillment lies not in material possessions, but in a deep relationship with Christ? Explore services to help you find your path on our site.

Deuteronomy 18:3-5 – The Priests’ Due

KJV: And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

NKJV: And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it is bull or sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the stomach. The firstfruits of your grain and your new wine and your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him. For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever.

This passage meticulously details the priest’s portion from the sacrifices and the firstfruits. The specification of the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach, along with the firstfruits of the harvest, highlights the comprehensive nature of their provision. It emphasizes that the people were obligated to support their priests not merely out of obligation, but out of recognition of their sacred role. This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of tithing and offering support to the Church and its clergy. These offerings are seen as acts of worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s blessings and supporting those who dedicate their lives to His service. St. Athanasius said, “Διὰ τούτου γὰρ ἐγνώσθη ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν, ὅτι αὐτὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἔθηκεν: καὶ ἡμεῖς ὀφείλομεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδελφῶν τὰς ψυχὰς τιθέναι.” (Dia toutou gar egnōsthē hē agapē tou theou en hēmin, hoti autos hyper hēmōn tēn psychēn autou ethēken: kai hēmeis opheilomen hyper tōn adelphōn tas psychas tithenai. “By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” – 1 John 3:16). This underscores the sacrificial nature of love and support within the Christian community.

Spiritual Application: How do you support your church and its clergy? Do you give willingly and generously, recognizing the importance of their ministry? Consider your attitude towards giving – is it a burden or a blessing? Reflect on how you can better support those who dedicate their lives to serving God, understanding that your offerings are an act of worship and thanksgiving.

Deuteronomy 18:6-8 – The Levite’s Service Anywhere

KJV: And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourneth, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose; Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD. They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.

NKJV: If a Levite comes from any of your gates, from wherever he dwells in all Israel, and comes with all the desire of his heart to the place which the Lord chooses, then he may serve in the name of the Lord his God as all his brethren the Levites do, who stand there before the Lord. They shall have equal portions to eat, besides what comes from the sale of his inheritance.

These verses provide flexibility for Levites who resided outside the central sanctuary. They were permitted to serve at the designated place of worship if they desired, and were to receive equal provisions with the Levites already serving there. This demonstrated the inclusivity of the Levitical priesthood and ensured that all Levites, regardless of their location, had the opportunity to serve God. This reflects the Coptic Orthodox understanding of the universal call to ministry. While not all are ordained clergy, every member of the Church is called to serve God in some capacity. This passage highlights the importance of welcoming and integrating those who desire to serve, regardless of their background or experience.

Spiritual Application: How do you welcome and integrate new members into your church community? Do you create opportunities for them to serve and contribute? Reflect on how you can foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment, recognizing that every member has a unique gift to offer to the Body of Christ.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 – Detestable Practices

KJV: When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

NKJV: When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices divination, or a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.

This section forcefully condemns the pagan practices prevalent in the surrounding nations. It lists a series of abominations, including child sacrifice, divination, sorcery, and necromancy. These practices were considered detestable to God, and Israel was warned against imitating them. The reason for their expulsion of the Canaanites was not simply conquest, but spiritual cleansing. The call to be “perfect” (or blameless) with the Lord underscores the importance of moral purity and unwavering loyalty to God. This passage is directly relevant to the Coptic Orthodox Church’s firm stance against occult practices and reliance on anything other than God. The Church emphasizes seeking guidance solely through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. St. Cyprian of Carthage warned against seeking knowledge through demonic means, stating that true knowledge comes from God. These abominations are still practiced today in subtle and overt forms.

Spiritual Application: Are you tempted to seek answers or guidance through occult practices or sources other than God? Recognize the dangers of these practices and commit to seeking guidance solely through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. Strive to be blameless before the Lord, rejecting all forms of idolatry and spiritual impurity.

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 – The Prophet Like Moses – Focus Key Phrase

KJV: The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

NKJV: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you desired of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’ And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

This is the pivotal prophecy of Deuteronomy 18, foretelling the coming of a Prophet like Moses. This prophecy is understood in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, and by many Christian denominations, as a Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The people desired a mediator between themselves and God, and God promised to provide one in the form of this coming Prophet. Jesus Christ, as the Word of God incarnate, fulfills this prophecy perfectly. He is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, speaking the very words of God. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on the Gospel of John, extensively discusses how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, including this one. He is the Prophet like Moses, but also infinitely greater, being the Son of God Himself. Jesus is truly the fulfillment of the **provision for priests and the coming prophet**.

Spiritual Application: Do you listen to the words of Jesus Christ, as revealed in Scripture and through the teachings of the Church? Recognize that He is the ultimate Prophet and Mediator, and that obedience to His words is essential for salvation. Strive to follow His example and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 – False Prophets

KJV: But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

NKJV: But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

This passage provides a clear criterion for distinguishing between true and false prophets. A true prophet speaks only the words that God commands, while a false prophet speaks presumptuously, either in God’s name or in the name of other gods. The test of a true prophet is that his prophecies come to pass. This warning against false prophets remains relevant today. In the Coptic Orthodox Church, discernment is highly valued. The Church encourages its members to test all teachings and claims against the standard of Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers. The discernment of spirits is considered a gift from God, enabling believers to distinguish between truth and falsehood. The fathers have often warned of false teachers.

Spiritual Application: How do you discern between true and false teachings? Do you rely on Scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Be vigilant against false prophets and those who distort the truth. Test all things and hold fast to that which is good.

Subtopic: The Significance of “Like Moses” 💡

The phrase “like Moses” carries profound significance. It implies a prophet with unique authority, a mediator between God and the people, and a deliverer. Consider these key reflections:

• Authority: Moses spoke with the authority of God, delivering the Law and leading the Israelites out of slavery. The coming Prophet would also speak with divine authority.
• Mediation: Moses was a mediator between God and the Israelites, interceding on their behalf. The coming Prophet would be the ultimate mediator, reconciling humanity to God.
• Deliverance: Moses delivered the Israelites from physical slavery in Egypt. The coming Prophet would deliver humanity from spiritual slavery to sin and death.
• Lawgiver: Moses gave the Law. Christ fulfilled the Law and gave a new commandment: to love one another.
• Revelation: Moses saw the glory of God (albeit partially). Christ *is* the glory of God, fully revealed to humanity.
• Miracles: Moses performed miracles. Christ performed even greater miracles, demonstrating His divinity.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why were the Levites not given a land inheritance?
A: The Levites’ primary responsibility was to serve in the sanctuary and administer the religious life of Israel. To ensure their full devotion to this task, they were not burdened with the responsibilities of land ownership, instead relying on the offerings and tithes of the people. God Himself was their inheritance.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 18:15 relate to Jesus Christ?
A: Christians interpret Deuteronomy 18:15 as a prophecy of the Messiah. Jesus Christ fulfills this prophecy by being a prophet like Moses, a mediator between God and humanity, and the ultimate deliverer of His people from sin.

Q: What are some examples of divination that are condemned in this chapter?
A: Divination includes practices such as consulting with familiar spirits, witchcraft, necromancy (communicating with the dead), and interpreting omens. All these practices are condemned as abominations because they seek knowledge and guidance from sources other than God.

Q: How can we apply the warning against false prophets in our modern lives?
A: We can apply this warning by being discerning about the teachings we encounter, testing them against the standard of Scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We should be wary of those who claim special knowledge or authority apart from these sources.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 18 offers profound insights into the divinely ordained structure of ancient Israel and the prophetic promise of a coming deliverer. The detailed instructions regarding the **provision for priests and the coming prophet** highlight God’s care for those dedicated to His service and His ongoing revelation of Himself to humanity. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we recognize the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Understanding this chapter deepens our appreciation for the role of the priesthood, the dangers of idolatry, and the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Ultimately, this chapter calls us to listen attentively to the voice of Christ, reject all forms of occultism and false teaching, and dedicate our lives to serving God with unwavering devotion.

Tags

Deuteronomy 18, Levitical Priesthood, Prophet Like Moses, Messianic Prophecy, Coptic Orthodox Theology, False Prophets, Idolatry, Tithing, Old Testament Prophecy, Jesus Christ

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Explore Deuteronomy 18, a crucial chapter on the provision for priests and the coming prophet, from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover its profound Messianic significance and practical applications.