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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;

Deuteronomy 18:6 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the emphasis is placed on the significance of the Levites in the worship of the Lord. The Levites were a tribe designated by God to serve as priests and assistants in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They were responsible for leading the people in worship, offering sacrifices, and conducting various religious ceremonies. When a Levite traveled from their own city to the central sanctuary chosen by God for worship, it symbolized their commitment and dedication to serving the Lord with all their heart and soul. Their journey was not just physical but also spiritual, as they came with a sincere desire to worship and honor God. This verse underscores the importance of coming before the Lord with a pure heart and genuine intentions, and serves as a reminder of the reverence and devotion that should characterize our worship. It highlights the idea that true worship is not just about outward actions, but about the inner motivation and attitude of the worshipper.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Deuteronomy, the concept of desire is emphasized in the context of a Levite coming to worship at the chosen place of the Lord. The word "desire" in this passage has theological implications, pointing to the importance of heartfelt and sincere worship. The Hebrew word used here, "chaphets," conveys not just a casual interest, but a deep longing or delight. This highlights the significance of believers approaching God with a genuine desire to worship and seek Him with all their heart, soul, and mind. The verse also underscores the Levite's voluntary action to come and worship the Lord, emphasizing the importance of personal motivation in serving and worshiping God. This passage, when studied closely, reveals the intimate connection between the inner disposition of the heart and true worship, encouraging believers to approach God with sincere desire and devotion.

Deuteronomy 18:6 in other translations

American Standard Version

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;

World English Bible

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

Douay-Rheims

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,

Geneva Bible (1599)

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,