Charles Ellicott Commentary Deuteronomy 18

Deuteronomy 18:1–5.

THE PRIESTS’ DUE.

The priests the Levites, (and) all the tribe of Levi. —The fact that there is no “and” here in the original, and the look of the sentence in English, might lead a superficial reader to find some basis here for the theory that priest and Levite are not distinguished in Deuteronomy. No such idea occurred to Rashi. He says, “all the tribe of Levi, not only those that are perfect (who can serve), but those who have a blemish (and cannot).” The distinction between priest and Levite has already been sufficiently noted on Deuteronomy 11:6; Deuteronomy 17:9. The passage is evidently along the same lines as Numbers 18:18-21 (see also this passage).

The shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. —This would be from the peace offering. The shoulder is assigned to them in Leviticus 7:32-33 . The “two cheeks and the maw” are not mentioned elsewhere, and the latter word is found in this place only. They are not a valuable part of the sacrifice. An absurd reason for the gift is assigned by Rashi. We know that in the time of Eli, the priests varied their requirements as they pleased, and in the face of the law (see 1 Samuel 2:13). The “priests’ due” here, and “the priests’ custom” there, are the same word in Hebrew, which we have elsewhere translated “requirement.”

The firstfruit also of thy corn. —See Numbers 18:12. The first of the wool is mentioned here only. The quantity in all these cases has been defined by the Rabbis, on grounds somewhat arbitrary.

To stand to minister in the name of the Lord. —This is the office of the priests. The Levites are said, “to stand before the congregation to minister unto them” (Numbers 16:9). If the writer of Deuteronomy knew no distinction between priest and Levite, it is difficult to see how the Jews could have derived the distinctive privileges of the priests from these enactments.

And if a Levite come. — The Levites with the priests were to receive forty-eight cities in Israel, with their suburbs (Numbers 35:7). There was still 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 this is that of the child Samuel. His father, Elkanah, was a descendant of Korah. He lived in Mount Ephraim and came up to Shiloh year by year. But Samuel was dedicated by his mother to perpetual service there. 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.

They shall have like portions to eat, beside that. —The Levite thus dedicated was to have the same allowance from tithes as the rest who served at the tabernacle, besides the proceeds of the patrimony which he would have had in his own Levitical city.

Certain forms of idolatry are to be avoided, especially unlawful means of communication with the unseen world.

To pass through the fire. —See Leviticus 18:21.

Uses divination —(Numbers 22:7), possibly by sacrifices.

Observer of times. —This is the Rabbinical explanation of the word. In Hebrew the idea of “time” is not so clear. It seems to mean practising hidden arts .

Enchanter. —Whisperer, or serpent charmer .

Witch. —One who uses charms or spells (Exodus 7:11).