Albert Barnes Commentary Deuteronomy 18

Better, “there shall not be for the priests, the Levites, even the whole tribe of Levi, any inheritance, and so on.”

And his inheritance – that is, God’s inheritance, what in making a grant to His people of the promised land with its earthly blessings He had reserved for Himself; more specifically, the sacrifices and the holy gifts, such as tithes and first-fruits.

These were God’s portion of the possessions of Israel; and as the Levites were His portion of the people of Israel, it was fitting that the Levites should be sustained from these. Concerning the principle set forth here, compare (1 Corinthians 9:13–14).

For “maw” read stomach, which was regarded as one of the richest and choicest parts. As the animal killed may be considered to consist of three principal parts, head, feet, and body, a portion of each is by this regulation to be given to the priest, thus representing the consecration of the whole; or, as some ancient commentators think, the dedication of the worshipper's words, acts, and appetites to God.

The text probably refers to peace-offerings, and animals killed for the sacrificial meals held in connection with the peace-offerings.

These verses presuppose that only part of the Levites will be residing and officiating at the sanctuary, while the others, of course, live in their own homes in the Levitical cities or are “sojourning” elsewhere; compare the marginal references. But if any Levite, out of love for the service of the sanctuary, chose to go to it when he could have resided in his own home, he was to have his share in the support provided for those ministering in the order of their service (Deuteronomy 18:8).

Besides what comes from the sale of his patrimony — The Levites indeed had no part nor inheritance with Israel, but they might individually possess property, and in fact, often did so (Compare 1 Kings 2:26; Jeremiah 32:7; Acts 4:36). The Levite who desired to settle at the sanctuary would probably sell his patrimony when leaving his former home. The text directs that, despite any such private resources, he should rightfully enjoy his share of the provisions for the ministers at the sanctuary. As he was waiting at the altar, he should be a partaker with the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13).

To pass through the fire - that is, to Moloch; compare the (Leviticus 20:2) note.

That uses divination - Compare (Numbers 23:23) note.

Observer of times ... enchanter - Compare (Leviticus 19:26) note.

Witch - Rather “sorcerer,” compare the (Exodus 7:11) note.

A charmer – that is, one who fascinates and subdues noxious animals or people, such as the famous serpent-charmers of the East (Psalms 58:4–5).

A consulter with familiar spirits ... a wizard – Compare (Leviticus 19:31; see note).

Necromancer – literally, “one who interrogates the dead.” The purpose of the text is obviously to group together all the known words belonging to the practices in question. Compare (2 Chronicles 33:6).