Deuteronomy 18:6

Deuteronomy 18:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose,

King James Version KJV

¶ And 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;

American Standard Version ASV

And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourneth, and come with all the desire of his soul unto the place which Jehovah shall choose;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And if a Levite, moved by a strong desire, comes from any town in all Israel where he is living to the place marked out by the Lord;

Free Bible Version FBV

If a Levite is convinced he should move from any Israelite town and goes to the place the Lord will choose,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also when a Leuite shall come out of any of thy cities of all Israel, where hee remained, and come with all the desire of his heart vnto the place, which the Lord shall chuse,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'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,

World English Bible WEB

If a Levite comes from any of your gates out of all Israel where he lives, and comes with all the desire of his soul to the place which the LORD shall choose,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And if a Levite shall come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind to the place which the LORD shall choose;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If a Levite go out of any one of the cities throughout all Israel, in which he dwelleth, and have a longing mind to come to the place which the Lord shall choose,

Translation for Translators T4T

“If any man from the tribe of Levi who has been living in one of the towns in Israel wants to come from there to the place of worship that Yahweh has chosen, and start living there,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 18:6

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 18:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/כִֽי יָבֹ֨א הַ/לֵּוִ֜י מֵ/אַחַ֤ד שְׁעָרֶ֨י/ךָ֙ מִ/כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁר ה֖וּא גָּ֣ר שָׁ֑ם וּ/בָא֙ בְּ/כָל אַוַּ֣ת נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ אֶל הַ/מָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר יִבְחַ֥ר יְהוָֽה

וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj

יָבֹ֨א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

הַ/לֵּוִ֜י Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmsa

מֵ/אַחַ֤ד ʼechâd H259 one Prep | Adj

שְׁעָרֶ֨י/ךָ֙ shaʻar H8179 gate N-mp | Suff

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

גָּ֣ר gûwr H1481 to sojourn V-Qal

שָׁ֑ם shâm H8033 there Adv

וּ/בָא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-3ms

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

אַוַּ֣ת ʼavvâh H185 desire N-fs

נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מָּק֖וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִבְחַ֥ר bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 18:6

וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj | Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יָבֹ֨א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הַ/לֵּוִ֜י Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmsa

A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.

Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.

מֵ/אַחַ֤ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Prep | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

שְׁעָרֶ֨י/ךָ֙ shaʻar H8179 "gate" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.

Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven

Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

מִ/כָּל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

גָּ֣ר gûwr H1481 "to sojourn" V-Qal

This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.

Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.

שָׁ֑ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

וּ/בָא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

אַוַּ֣ת ʼavvâh H185 "desire" N-fs

Avvah is a strong desire or longing, which can be good or bad. In Genesis 3:6, Eve desired the forbidden fruit, while in Psalm 38:9, David expressed his desire for God's help. This concept is about intense wanting.

Definition: desire, lust, will (not necessarily evil)

Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: desire, lust after, pleasure. See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Deuteronomy 18:6; Jeremiah 2:24.

נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מָּק֖וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Art | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

יִבְחַ֥ר bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.

Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 18:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:6
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:6
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6
Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:6

Context — Provision for Priests and Levites

4You are to give them the firstfruits of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the first wool sheared from your flock. 5For 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.

6Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose,

7then he shall serve in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD. 8They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 35:2–3	“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock.
2	Deuteronomy 12:5	Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.
3	Deuteronomy 16:2	You are to offer to the LORD your God the Passover sacrifice from the herd or flock in the place the LORD will choose as a dwelling for His Name.
4	Psalms 63:1–2	O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory.
5	1 Peter 5:2	Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
6	Psalms 27:4	One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.
7	Psalms 26:8	O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides.
8	1 Timothy 3:1	This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.
9	Psalms 84:5	Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
10	Psalms 84:10	For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Deuteronomy 18:6 Summary

This verse is talking about the Levites, who were a group of people chosen by God to serve Him in a special way, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:5. If a Levite wanted to serve God in the place where He was worshiped, they had to move there and be fully committed to serving Him, as seen in the example of Abraham's obedience in Genesis 12:1-4. This shows us that serving God requires dedication and a willingness to follow His lead, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By studying the Levites' example, we can learn more about what it means to serve God with our whole hearts and lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a Levite to move 'in all earnestness' to the place the Lord will choose?

This phrase suggests a deep sense of commitment and dedication, as seen in the example of Abraham's obedience to God's call in Genesis 12:1-4, and highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion in serving the Lord.

Why would a Levite need to move to the place the Lord will choose?

According to Deuteronomy 12:5, the Lord had chosen a specific place where His people would worship Him, and the Levites were to serve there, as also mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:5, emphasizing the importance of centralized worship and service.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in Deuteronomy?

This verse is part of a larger discussion on the importance of proper worship and the role of the Levites in Deuteronomy 12-19, and is connected to the commands in Exodus 20:24 and Leviticus 17:8-9, which emphasize the need for worship to be centered in the place God chooses.

What can we learn from the Levites' example about our own service to God?

The Levites' dedication to serving the Lord in the place He chooses can inspire us to seek out opportunities to serve God with similar earnestness, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, and to prioritize our service to Him above other pursuits.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to serve the Lord 'in all earnestness', and how can I apply this principle to my own life and service?
How can I discern the place or role where God is calling me to serve, just as the Levites were called to serve in the place the Lord chose?
What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to serving God, just as the Levites did by moving to the place the Lord chose?
How can I balance my own desires and plans with the call to serve God, as seen in the example of the Levites in Deuteronomy 18:6-8?
In what ways can I support and encourage others who are serving the Lord, just as the Levites supported one another in their service?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:6

And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of Israel, where he sojourned,.... In any of the cities through the land, for they were dispersed all over the country, and employed in instructing and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:6

And 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; If a Levite come ... with all the desire of his mind.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6

Either for any private occasions, or to sojourn there for a season, or rather with full purpose to fix his abode, and to spend his whole time and strength in the service of God, as appears by the sale of his patrimony, mentioned . It seems probable that the several priests were to come from their cities to the temple by turns before David’ s time, and it is certain they did so after it. But if any of them were not contented with this seldom attendance upon God in his tabernacle or temple, and desired more entirely and constantly to devote himself to God’ s service there, he was permitted so to do, because this was an eminent act of piety joined with self-denial to part with those great conveniencies which he could and did enjoy in the city of his possession, and to oblige himself to more constant and laborious work about the sacrifices, &c.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6

Deuteronomy 18:6 And 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;Ver. 6. With all the desire of his mind.] To do God better service. A good heart holds the best he can do, but a little of that much that he could gladly give the Lord, and is still devising what to do more.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6

(6-8) And if a Levite come.—The Levites with the priests were to receive forty-eight cities in Israel, with the suburbs (Numbers 35:7). There was as yet no provision made by which all could serve in turn at the tabernacle. When David divided them all into courses, priests, Levites, singers (and porters?) alike, there was no longer any need for this provision. The institutions of David prove its antiquity. The only case in history that illustrates it is that of the child Samuel. His father, Elkanah, was a descendant of Korah. He dwelt in Mount Ephraim, and came up to Shiloh year by year. But Samuel was dedicated by his mother to perpetual service there, and as long as the tabernacle continued in Shiloh, the child Samuel “ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest”—not as a priest, but as a Levite in attendance upon the priests.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:6

6. a Levite … from any of thy gates] any of the tribe who had ministered at any of the rural sanctuaries now disestablished by the concentration of the cultus at Jerusalem. Thy gates, see Deuteronomy 12:12. Out of all Israel, emphatic addition to the usual phrase. where he sojourneth] Heb. is a gçr, a landless resident, without portion or inheritance. So in Judges 17:7; Judges 19:1. D knows nothing of the Levitical cities of P, Numbers 35:1-8, Joshua 21. and come with all the desire of his soul] The construction is uncertain. Some begin the apodosis of this conditional sentence here, then he may come, etc. (Steuern., Berth.), which is not probable; others preferably with the beginning of Deu 18:7 (EVV., Wellh., Addis, Marti); others not till the beginning of Deu 18:8 (Dillm., Driv.). Desire of his soul, see Deuteronomy 12:15. unto the place, etc.] See on Deuteronomy 12:5.

Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:6

These verses presuppose that part of the Levites only will be in residence and officiating at the place of the sanctuary, the others of course dwelling at their own homes in the Levitical cities, or

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:6

6. If a Levite come from any of thy gates — The Levites, so called in contrast with the priests, are to be entitled to a share of the offerings. Not only priests but Levites were employed in the tabernacle and temple service.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:6

	Sermon	Description
	Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Deuteronomy by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby discusses the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing its moral warnings and the importance of Israel's obedience to God's commandments as they stand on the brink of Can
	"neither... nor... but..." by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative nature of worship in his sermon 'neither... nor... but...', highlighting Jesus' declaration that true worship is not confined to spec
	How Deep Is Your Digging by Wesley H. Wakefield	In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just abou
	(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 1-7 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting in God's ability to do His work without the need for excessive promotion or striving. He contrasts the constant ef
	It's Time to Seek the Lord by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of seeking the Lord in good times. He refers to the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 as an example of seeking God's bless
	God's Chosen People Have Forgotten Him by Bob Jones III	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God in our lives. He warns against becoming complacent and forgetting the source of our bless
	(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 1 by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting upon God and seeking His face. They reference the story of David sitting before the Lord and how it can be an encou