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Deuteronomy 14:27 - Support the landless Levite

Deuteronomy 14:27 - דברים 14:27

Hebrew Text

וְהַלֵּוִי אֲשֶׁר־בִּשְׁעָרֶיךָ לֹא תַעַזְבֶנּוּ כִּי אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה עִמָּךְ׃

English Translation

and the Levite who is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he has no part or inheritance with thee.

Transliteration

Vehalevi asher-bish'arecha lo ta'azvenu ki ein lo chelek venachala imach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַלֵּוִ֥י אֲשֶׁר־בִּשְׁעָרֶ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תַֽעַזְבֶ֑נּוּ כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין ל֛וֹ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְהַלֵּוִ֥י אֲשֶׁר־בִּשְׁעָרֶ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תַֽעַזְבֶ֑נּוּ כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין ל֛וֹ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 14:27) appears in the context of the mitzvah of ma'aser sheni (the second tithe) and the obligation to support the Levites, who were not allotted a portion of land in Eretz Yisrael. The Torah emphasizes the responsibility of the Israelites to provide for the Levites, as they dedicated their lives to Divine service in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 14:27) clarifies that this verse refers to the Levite who dwells among the Israelites in their cities. Since the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (Bamidbar 18:20), they were dependent on the tithes and gifts from the people. Rashi emphasizes the phrase "לֹא תַעַזְבֶנּוּ" ("thou shalt not forsake him") as a strong imperative to ensure the Levite is included in one's rejoicing and material support.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Matnos Aniyim (6:10), the Rambam codifies this mitzvah as part of the broader obligation to support the Levites. He explains that since the Levites were designated for Divine service and Torah study, the community must ensure their sustenance. This aligns with the principle in Brachos 35a, which states that those who devote themselves to Torah study should be supported by the community.

Midrashic Insight

The Sifri (Devarim 104) elaborates that the phrase "כִּי אֵין לוֹ חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה עִמָּךְ" ("for he has no part or inheritance with thee") serves as a reminder that the Levites' true inheritance is Hashem Himself (as stated in Devarim 10:9). Their lack of land inheritance was not a deficiency but a reflection of their elevated role in spiritual leadership.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The Chinuch (Mitzvah 360) lists this as one of the 613 mitzvos, requiring active support for Levites through tithes and other gifts.
  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 331) discusses the continuation of this obligation even after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, as Levites retain their sanctified status.
  • Modern applications include supporting Torah scholars and communal religious leaders, who fulfill a similar role to the Levites of old.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 131b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the rights and portions due to the Levites, emphasizing their dependence on the community for support since they have no land inheritance.
📖 Sotah 47b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligations towards Levites and the importance of not neglecting their welfare, as they are without a territorial inheritance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah say not to forsake the Levite?
A: The Torah commands us not to forsake the Levite because, unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a portion of land in Israel (Deuteronomy 10:9). Their role was to serve in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) and teach Torah to the people, so they relied on the tithes and gifts from the other tribes for their sustenance (Rashi on Deuteronomy 14:27).
Q: What does 'no part or inheritance' mean for the Levites?
A: When the Land of Israel was divided among the tribes, the Levites did not receive a portion of land as an inheritance (Numbers 18:20). Instead, their 'inheritance' was their sacred service to Hashem and their role in teaching Torah (Rambam, Hilchot Shemittah 13:12). This is why the other tribes were commanded to support them.
Q: How can we apply this verse today?
A: Although we no longer have the Beit HaMikdash, the principle of supporting Torah scholars and those who dedicate their lives to Torah study and communal service remains. This includes giving tzedakah (charity) to yeshivot, kollels, and Torah institutions (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 246:5).
Q: Why is the Levite mentioned specifically 'within thy gates'?
A: The phrase 'within thy gates' teaches that this mitzvah applies to any Levite living in your city or community, not just those serving in the Beit HaMikdash (Sifrei Devarim 103:1). It emphasizes our responsibility to support Torah scholars and teachers in our local communities.
Q: What is the connection between this verse and ma'aser (tithing)?
A: This verse is part of the discussion about ma'aser sheni (the second tithe) and teaches that after separating terumah (for the Kohanim) and ma'aser rishon (for the Levites), one must also share with the Levites from the remaining produce (Deuteronomy 14:22-27). The Rambam explains this as part of the broader system of supporting those who serve in spiritual roles (Hilchot Ma'aser 1:1).