Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why didn't the tribe of Levi receive a portion of land in Israel?
A: The tribe of Levi was set apart for holy service to Hashem, including working in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Since their role was spiritual rather than agricultural, they did not receive a physical portion of land like the other tribes. Instead, as the verse states, 'Hashem is his inheritance' - meaning their sustenance came from tithes and their spiritual connection to Hashem (Rashi on Deuteronomy 10:9).
Q: What does it mean that 'Hashem is his inheritance' for the Levites?
A: This means that while other tribes worked the land for physical sustenance, the Levites' primary role was serving Hashem and teaching Torah to the people. Their 'inheritance' was spiritual - they received tithes (ma'aser) from the other tribes for their livelihood, and their reward was the privilege of closeness to Hashem through their sacred service (Rambam, Hilchot Shemitta 13:12-13).
Q: How is the Levites' situation relevant to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, this teaches that spiritual pursuits require material support. Just as the Levites were supported to focus on Torah and service, today we support Torah scholars and institutions so they can devote themselves fully to learning and teaching. Every Jew also has a 'Levite' aspect - we must make time for spiritual growth amidst our material pursuits (based on Sifri Devarim).
Q: Where in the Torah was this promise to the Levites first mentioned?
A: This promise was first stated when the Levites demonstrated loyalty to Hashem during the incident of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:26-29). Later, in Numbers 18:20, Hashem tells Aaron that the Levites wouldn't receive land because 'I am your portion and your inheritance.' Our verse in Devarim reaffirms this earlier promise (Rashi on Deuteronomy 10:9).
Q: Did the Levites live anywhere specific if they had no land inheritance?
A: Yes, the Levites were given 48 cities scattered throughout all the tribal territories (Numbers 35:1-8). These were not private land holdings, but places to live while they served the spiritual needs of the people. The cities included open land for animals but weren't agricultural estates like other tribes received (Mishnah, Arachin 9:8).
The Levites' Unique Portion
The verse (Devarim 10:9) states that the tribe of Levi does not receive a physical portion in the Land of Israel like the other tribes. Instead, "Hashem is his inheritance". Rashi explains that since the Levites were designated for Divine service in the Mishkan and later the Beis HaMikdash, they were not given agricultural land like the other tribes. Their sustenance came from tithes (Terumah and Maaser) given by the other tribes, and their "inheritance" was their sacred role in serving Hashem.
Spiritual vs. Physical Inheritance
The Rambam (Hilchos Shemittah 13:12) elaborates that the Levites' lack of physical inheritance was actually an elevation of their status. While the other tribes were occupied with working the land, the Levites were free to devote themselves entirely to Torah study and Divine service. Their inheritance was not material but spiritual - closeness to Hashem. The Sifrei comments that this arrangement reflects the principle that "those who engage in the work of Heaven should not be distracted by worldly concerns."
The Historical Context
The Midrash (Tanchuma Korach 12) connects this verse to the episode of the Golden Calf. When Moshe called "Whoever is for Hashem, come to me!" (Shemos 32:26), the tribe of Levi responded wholeheartedly. As a result, they were chosen for special service. The lack of physical inheritance was thus both a consequence and reward for their complete dedication to Hashem.
Practical Implications