The Eighth Commandment: Statutes and Precepts (10)
Deuteronomy 12.19
“‘Take heed to yourself that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.’”
Deuteronomy 14.27
“‘You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.’”
1 Corinthians 9.3-14
The Levites, including priests, were busy with the work of the Lord all day long and had but little time to care for their own physical needs. These were the responsibility of the people, who were served in their own walk with the Lord by the ministries of the Levites.
Part of each sacrifice went to the Levites, as did part of the system of tithes. The people were not to begrudge caring for their pastors, but were to regard this duty as an offering to the Lord – as, indeed, payment to the Levites often was.
Paul applied these statutes to his own support as a minister of the Gospel. Again we can see the ongoing relevance of the Law of God for order and justice among the people of God today.
T. M. Moore
The Law of God is the soil which, fertilized by the rest of God’s Word and watered by His Spirit, brings forth the fruit of Christian life. If you’d like to understand this process better, and how to make best use of the Law in your walk with and work for the Lord, order the book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, from our online store.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
