Deuteronomy Chapter 18

Provision for Priests and Levites

(1 Corinthians 9:1-18)

1The 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. 2Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.

3And 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. 4The 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. 5For 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.

6And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose; 7Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD. 8They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.

Sorcery Forbidden

(Acts 8:9-25)

9When 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. 10There 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, 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12For 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. 13Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 14For 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.

A New Prophet

15The 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; 16According 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. 17And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18I 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. 19And 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. 20But 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. 21And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22When 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.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Provision for Priests and Levites
(1 Corinthians 9:1–18)

1 The priests the Levites, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and his inheritance. 2 They shall have no inheritance among their brothers: Yahweh is their inheritance, as he has spoken to them.

3 This shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. 4 The first fruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, you shall give him. 5 For Yahweh your God has chosen him out of all your tribes, to stand to minister in the name of Yahweh, him and his sons for ever.

6 If a Levite comes from any of your gates out of all Israel, where he lives as a foreigner, and comes with all the desire of his soul to the place which Yahweh shall choose; 7 then he shall minister in the name of Yahweh his God, as all his brothers the Levites do, who stand there before Yahweh. 8 They shall have like portions to eat, besides that which comes of the sale of his patrimony.

Sorcery Forbidden
(Acts 8:9–25)

9 When you have come into the land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, 11 or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you. 13 You shall be perfect with Yahweh your God. 14 For these nations, that you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice sorcery, and to diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not allowed you so to do.

A Prophet Like Moses
(Acts 3:11–26)

15 Yahweh your God will raise up to you a prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him. 16 This is according to all that you desired of Yahweh your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, “Let me not hear again the voice of Yahweh my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I not die.” 17 Yahweh said to me, “They have well said that which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brothers, like you; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him. 19 It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet, who shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” 21 If you say in your heart, “How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?” 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing doesn’t follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him.

Provision for Priests and Levites
(1 Corinthians 9:1–18)

1 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the offerings made by fire to the LORD; that is their inheritance. 2 Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.

3 This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. 4 You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock. 5 For the LORD your God has chosen Levi and his sons out of all your tribes to stand and minister in His name for all time.

6 Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose, 7 then he shall serve in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD. 8 They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate.

Sorcery Forbidden
(Acts 8:9–25)

9 When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, a practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, 11 casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you.

13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God. 14 Though these nations, which you will dispossess, listen to conjurers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.

A Prophet Like Moses
(Acts 3:11–26)

15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. b 16 This is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb c on the day of the assembly, when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God or see this great fire anymore, so that we will not die!”

17 Then the LORD said to me, “They have spoken well. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19 And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. d 20 But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”

21 You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” 22 When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Footnotes:

10 a Literally makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire
15 b Cited in Acts 3:22
16 c That is, Mount Sinai, or possibly a mountain in the range containing Mount Sinai
19 d See Acts 3:23.

Provision for Priests and Levites

(1 Corinthians 9:1-18)

1'There is not to the priests the Levites -- all the tribe of Levi -- a portion and inheritance with Israel; fire-offerings of Jehovah, even His inheritance, they eat, 2and he hath no inheritance in the midst of his brethren; Jehovah Himself is his inheritance, as He hath spoken to him.

3'And this is the priest's right from the people, from those sacrificing a sacrifice, whether ox or sheep, he hath even given to the priest the leg, and the two cheeks, and the stomach; 4the first of thy corn, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy flock, thou dost give to him; 5for on him hath Jehovah thy God fixed, out of all thy tribes, to stand to serve in the name of Jehovah, He and his sons continually.

6'And when the Levite cometh from one of thy cities out of all Israel, where he hath sojourned, and hath come with all the desire of his soul unto the place which Jehovah doth choose, 7then he hath ministered in the name of Jehovah his God, like all his brethren, the Levites, who are standing there before Jehovah, 8portion as portion they do eat, apart from his sold things, with the fathers.

Sorcery Forbidden

(Acts 8:9-25)

9'When thou art coming in unto the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee, thou dost not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations: 10there is not found in thee one causing his son and his daughter to pass over into fire, a user of divinations, an observer of clouds, and an enchanter, and a sorcerer, 11and a charmer, and one asking at a familiar spirit, and a wizard, and one seeking unto the dead. 12For the abomination of Jehovah is every one doing these, and because of these abominations is Jehovah thy God dispossessing them from thy presence. 13Perfect thou art with Jehovah thy God, 14for these nations whom thou art possessing, unto observers of clouds, and unto diviners, do hearken; and thou -- not so hath Jehovah thy God suffered thee.

A New Prophet

15'A prophet out of thy midst, out of thy brethren, like to me, doth Jehovah thy God raise up to thee -- unto him ye hearken; 16according to all that thou didst ask from Jehovah thy God, in Horeb, in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not add to hear the voice of Jehovah my God, and this great fire let me not see any more, and I die not; 17and Jehovah saith unto me, They have done well that they have spoken; 18a prophet I raise up to them, out of the midst of their brethren, like to thee; and I have given my words in his mouth, and he hath spoken unto them all that which I command him; 19and it hath been -- the man who doth not hearken unto My words which he doth speak in My name, I require it of him. 20'Only, the prophet who presumeth to speak a word in My name -- that which I have not commanded him to speak -- and who speaketh in the name of other gods -- even that prophet hath died. 21'And when thou sayest in thy heart, How do we know the word which Jehovah hath not spoken? -- 22that which the prophet speaketh in the name of Jehovah, and the thing is not, and cometh not -- it is the word which Jehovah hath not spoken; in presumption hath the prophet spoken it; -- thou art not afraid of him.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 18?

1.1Introduction to Deuteronomy 18

1.2Context of Deuteronomy 18

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Deuteronomy 18 Unique Insights

1.6Deuteronomy 18 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Deuteronomy 18 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Deuteronomy 18 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 18?

Introduction to Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18 stands as a pivotal chapter in the Torah, establishing crucial guidelines for spiritual leadership and divine communication in Israel. This chapter draws a sharp distinction between the occult practices of the Canaanites and the pure worship of יהוה (Yahweh), while also containing one of the most significant messianic prophecies in the Torah – the promise of a prophet like Moses who would arise to lead God’s people.

The chapter’s enduring significance lies in its dual focus: practical provisions for the Levitical priesthood and prophetic revelation about the coming Messiah. These instructions continue to shape our understanding of spiritual authority, divine communication, and the nature of true prophecy versus counterfeit spiritual practices.

Context of Deuteronomy 18

Within the immediate context of Deuteronomy, chapter 18 follows Moses’ instructions about judges and kings (chapter 17) and precedes laws about cities of refuge (chapter 19). This placement is significant as it completes the triangle of Israel’s leadership structure: judicial, royal, and spiritual. The chapter naturally divides into two main sections: provisions for priests and Levites (verses 1-8) and regulations concerning prophets and prophecy (verses 9-22).

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter serves as a crucial bridge between the Mosaic covenant and the future messianic age. It establishes the pattern for legitimate spiritual authority and divine revelation that would continue throughout Israel’s history. The prophecy of a coming prophet like Moses (verses 15-19) creates a messianic expectation that threads through the entire Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua the Messiah, as confirmed in Acts 3:22-23.

The chapter’s teachings about false prophecy and occult practices remain particularly relevant today, as they address humanity’s perpetual temptation to seek supernatural guidance from sources other than God. This context helps us understand why the New Testament so frequently references these principles when discussing spiritual discernment and false teaching.

Ancient Key Word Study

Portion (נַחֲלָה / nachalah): This term in verse 1 goes beyond mere physical inheritance to describe the special relationship between יהוה and His servants. The Levites’ portion was not land but יהוה Himself, emphasizing the spiritual over the material in true ministry.
Inheritance (חֵלֶק / chelek): Used in verse 2, this word differs slightly from nachalah, emphasizing the ongoing nature of God’s provision. It suggests active participation rather than passive receiving, highlighting the dynamic relationship between the priests and יהוה.
Due (מִשְׁפָּט / mishpat): Appearing in verse 3, this term technically means “judgment” but here carries the sense of established right or proper portion. It emphasizes that the priests’ provision wasn’t charity but their rightful share in God’s economy.
Abominations (תּוֹעֵבָה / toevah): Found in verse 9, this powerful term denotes something that causes spiritual and moral revulsion to יהוה. Its use here emphasizes the absolute incompatibility between pagan practices and true worship.
Divination (קֶסֶם / qesem): Mentioned in verse 10, this term refers to attempts to discover hidden knowledge through mechanical means or ritual. It represents human attempts to manipulate spiritual forces rather than submitting to God’s revelation.
Prophet (נָבִיא / navi): The key term in verse 15, it derives from a root meaning “to bubble up” like a spring, suggesting divine inspiration rather than human initiative. This term takes on special significance in the messianic prophecy.
Like me (כָּמֹנִי / kamoni): Used by Moses in verse 15, this comparison becomes the standard for authenticating true prophets and ultimately points to the Messiah. The phrase suggests similarity in function and authority, not merely in nature.
Raise up (יָקִים / yakim): This verb in verse 15 implies divine appointment and empowerment. It’s in the imperfect tense, suggesting an ongoing process culminating in the Messiah.
Listen to (שָׁמַע / shama): In verse 15, this word implies more than hearing; it demands obedience. The same root appears in the Shema, Israel’s central confession of faith.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s declaration that the Levites “shall have no inheritance” isn’t merely about land distribution. The Hebrew could have used ירש (yarash – to possess) instead of נַחֲלָה (nachalah – inheritance), but nachalah was chosen to emphasize their spiritual inheritance rather than mere possession. This wordplay highlights the superior nature of their portion in יהוה.
The phrase “pass through the fire” in verse 10 uses the causative form (הַעֲבִיר / ha’avir) rather than the simple form (עָבַר / avar). This intensified form emphasizes the deliberate, ritualistic nature of child sacrifice, making the prohibition more severe.
In verse 13, “blamish” (תָּמִים / tamim) is used rather than צַדִּיק (tzaddik – righteous). This choice emphasizes complete devotion rather than mere legal righteousness, calling for wholehearted commitment to יהוה.
The prophecy about the coming prophet (verse 15) uses אָחִים (achim – brothers) rather than בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (b’nei yisrael – children of Israel), suggesting the Messiah’s genuine human nature while maintaining His divine authority.
Verse 20’s warning about false prophets uses מות יומת (mot yumat – shall surely die) rather than simply ימות (yamut – shall die), emphasizing the severity of false prophecy through this emphatic Hebrew construction.

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Deuteronomy 18 Unique Insights

The chapter contains a fascinating structural parallel between the priests and the promised prophet. Both receive their authority directly from יהוה, both serve as intermediaries between God and the people, and both are sustained by God’s provision rather than normal economic means. This parallel suggests that the ultimate prophet (the Messiah) would also serve in a priestly capacity, foreshadowing Yeshua’s dual role as prophet and high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The Talmud (Yoma 71b) notes an interesting connection between the priests’ portion and their service, suggesting that the specific parts of the sacrifice given to the priests (shoulder, cheeks, and stomach) correspond to their duties: the shoulder for carrying the ark, the cheeks for praying, and the stomach for studying Torah. This rabbinic insight, while not specifically messianic, helps us appreciate how every detail of the priestly service pointed to spiritual realities.

The prohibition against occult practices in verses 9-14 uses a comprehensive list of terms that, according to ancient Jewish sources, covers every known form of divination in the ancient world. The rabbis counted exactly ten prohibited practices, corresponding to the ten expressions of prophecy granted to Israel, suggesting that God provides a legitimate alternative for every human spiritual need.

Some early messianic Jewish believers noted that the phrase “prophet like Moses” contains exactly seven Hebrew words (נָבִיא מִקִּרְבְּךָ מֵאַחֶיךָ כָּמֹנִי יָקִים לְךָ יְהוָה), potentially alluding to the perfect nature of this prophecy’s fulfillment in the Messiah.

Deuteronomy 18 Connections to Yeshua

The central messianic prophecy of verses 15-19 finds its complete fulfillment in Yeshua the Messiah. Like Moses, He delivered God’s people (from sin rather than Egypt), established a covenant (the New Covenant in His blood), performed mighty signs, and spoke God’s words with authority. The apostle Peter explicitly applied this prophecy to Yeshua in Acts 3:22-23.

The chapter’s emphasis on the priests having יהוה as their inheritance foreshadows how believers in Yeshua, as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), find their ultimate portion in God Himself. This spiritual inheritance is secured through the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice and high priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:17).

Deuteronomy 18 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s provisions for the priests resonate with 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, where Paul applies the principle to support for gospel ministers. The prohibition of pagan practices connects to Acts 19:18-20, where new believers abandoned their occult practices.

The promise of a prophet like Moses finds echoes throughout Scripture, from Joshua’s leadership to Samuel’s prophecies, each partially fulfilling the role until its complete realization in Yeshua. This thread runs through passages like Malachi 4:5 and John 1:21, showing how Israel continued to anticipate this prophet’s coming.

The warning against false prophets connects with Yeshua’s cautions in Matthew 24:24 and Paul’s warnings in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these principles.

Deuteronomy 18 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our sources of spiritual guidance. Just as ancient Israel was tempted to seek supernatural insight from pagan sources, we too might be tempted to look for direction in places other than God’s Word and His Spirit. The chapter calls us to maintain pure devotion to יהוה and seek His guidance through the means He has established.

The priests’ reliance on יהוה as their portion teaches us about true spiritual contentment. In a world obsessed with material prosperity, we’re reminded that our greatest inheritance is God Himself. This truth invites us to evaluate our priorities and find our satisfaction in our relationship with Him.

The prophecy about the coming prophet reminds us that God has spoken definitively through His Son, Yeshua. We have the privilege of knowing this prophet who is greater than Moses, and we’re called to listen to and obey His words. This should motivate us to study Scripture diligently and align our lives with His teachings.

Did You Know

The list of prohibited occult practices in verses 10-11 corresponds exactly to the number of legitimate prophetic offices in ancient Israel, suggesting God provides a proper channel for every spiritual need.
The Hebrew phrase for “prophet like me” (נָבִיא כָּמֹנִי) appears only once in the entire Torah, emphasizing the unique nature of this messianic prophecy.
The specific parts of the sacrifice given to priests (shoulder, cheeks, and stomach) were chosen because they represented the best portions from different categories of meat, ensuring the priests received high-quality sustenance.
The term “familiar spirit” (אוֹב / ov) may derive from an ancient word for a leather bottle, possibly referring to the hollow sound made by ventriloquist mediums.
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the prevalence of each occult practice mentioned in verses 10-11 among Israel’s Canaanite neighbors.
The phrase “from the midst of you” (מִקִּרְבְּךָ) appears twice in this chapter, emphasizing both the internal nature of true prophecy and the danger of internal corruption.
The Hebrew word for “perfect” (תָּמִים) in verse 13 is the same word used to describe the required condition of sacrificial animals, suggesting spiritual wholeness.
The test for false prophets given in verses 21-22 became the basis for rabbinic discussions about prophecy that continue to influence Jewish thought today.
The prohibition against divination using “arrows” (verse 10) refers to a specific practice where arrows were marked with possible choices and drawn at random, similar to modern fortune-telling cards.

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