Deuteronomy 18:1 - Levites: Divine service, no land

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Hebrew Text

לֹא־יִהְיֶה לַכֹּהֲנִים הַלְוִיִּם כָּל־שֵׁבֶט לֵוִי חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל אִשֵּׁי יְהוָה וְנַחֲלָתוֹ יֹאכֵלוּן׃

English Translation

The priests the Levites, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part or inheritance with Yisra᾽el: the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and his dues shall they eat.

Transliteration

Lo-yihyeh la-kohanim ha-leviim kol-shevet Levi chelek ve-nachala im-Yisrael ishei Adonai ve-nachalato yocheilun.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־יִ֠הְיֶ֠ה לַכֹּהֲנִ֨ים הַלְוִיִּ֜ם כׇּל־שֵׁ֧בֶט לֵוִ֛י חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִשֵּׁ֧י יְהֹוָ֛ה וְנַחֲלָת֖וֹ יֹאכֵלֽוּן׃

Parasha Commentary

The Levites' Unique Role and Inheritance

The verse (Devarim 18:1) establishes that the tribe of Levi, including the Kohanim (priests), does not receive a territorial inheritance in Eretz Yisrael like the other tribes. Instead, their portion is the service of Hashem and the offerings brought to Him. Rashi explains that this arrangement ensures the Levites remain dedicated to spiritual pursuits without the distractions of agricultural labor or land ownership.

Spiritual Inheritance vs. Physical Land

Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel 13:12) elaborates that since the Levites were chosen for Divine service, they were separated from worldly concerns. Their "inheritance" is the privilege to serve in the Beit HaMikdash and receive terumah, ma'aser, and other sacred gifts. The Sforno adds that this distinction elevates their role, as their sustenance comes directly from Hashem's table (Shulchan Gavoha).

Dependence on the Community

The Gemara (Chullin 131b) teaches that the Levites' lack of land fosters interdependence—the people provide for them, and in turn, the Levites provide spiritual guidance and atonement through Temple service.
The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 10) compares this relationship to a king who sustains his loyal soldiers, ensuring they remain undistracted by other occupations.

The Divine Promise of Sustenance

The phrase "אִשֵּׁי ה' וְנַחֲלָתוֹ יֹאכֵלוּן" ("the offerings of the Lord... shall they eat") emphasizes that their livelihood is sacred. The Kli Yakar notes that this arrangement tests both the Levites' faith (relying on uncertain offerings) and the nation's commitment to supporting Torah leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 39a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly duties and their sustenance from the offerings.

📖 Chullin 132a

The verse is cited in the context of discussing the portions allocated to the priests and Levites.

📖 Bava Batra 122a

The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the inheritance rights of the Levites and their exclusion from land inheritance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why don't the Levites receive a portion of land in Israel?
A: The Levites were set apart for holy service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Since their role was to serve Hashem and teach Torah to the people, they did not receive a physical portion of land like the other tribes. Instead, their 'inheritance' was Hashem Himself, as they lived off the tithes and offerings brought by the rest of Israel (Rashi on Deuteronomy 18:1).

Q: What does it mean that the Levites eat 'the offerings of the Lord'?
A: The Torah designates certain portions of sacrifices (like parts of sin offerings and peace offerings) and agricultural gifts (terumah, ma'aser) as food for the Kohanim and Levi'im. This sustains them so they can focus on their spiritual duties without worrying about farming or business (Rambam, Hilchot Ma'aser 1:1).

Q: How does this law apply today without the Temple?
A: Today, since we lack the Beit HaMikdash, most offerings aren't brought. However, certain agricultural gifts (like terumah and ma'aser) still apply in Israel according to halacha. Kohanim also retain some special rights and responsibilities in Jewish life (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 61).

Q: What lesson can we learn from the Levites not receiving land?
A: This teaches that spiritual service is its own reward. Just as the Levi'im trusted Hashem to provide through the people's generosity, we learn to value Torah and divine service over material possessions (Sifrei on Deuteronomy 18:2).

Q: Were all Levites forbidden from owning land?
A: While the tribe of Levi didn't receive a tribal portion, individual Levites could own personal property (like houses). The prohibition was specifically against receiving agricultural land as an inheritance like other tribes (Talmud Yevamot 86b).