Deuteronomy 18:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites [do], which stand there before the LORD.

Complete Jewish Bible:

then he will serve there in the name of ADONAI his God, just like his kinsmen the L'vi'im who stand and serve in the presence of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible:

then he shall serve in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD.

American Standard Version:

then he shall minister in the name of Jehovah his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, who stand there before Jehovah.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then he shall minister^{H8334} in the name^{H8034} of the LORD^{H3068} his God^{H430}, as all his brethren^{H251} the Levites^{H3881} do, which stand^{H5975} there before^{H6440} the LORD^{H3068}.

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 18:7

Deuteronomy 18:7 is part of the Old Testament, specifically the third book of the Pentateuch, which is traditionally attributed to Moses. This verse falls within a section that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, as well as the regulations for prophets and other religious leaders.

**Themes:**
1. **Priestly Duties:** The verse emphasizes the role of the Levites in serving before the Lord, highlighting the importance of priestly functions in Israelite society.
2. **Divine Authority:** The phrase "in the name of the LORD his God" underscores the concept that the Levites' authority and function are derived from God, not from any human institution or personal ambition.
3. **Equality Among Priests:** By stating that the Levite shall minister "as all his brethren the Levites," the verse suggests a sense of equality and shared responsibility among the priests.
4. **Religious Service:** The verse reflects the broader theme of service to God, which is a central aspect of Israel's religious life.

**Historical Context:**
The book of Deuteronomy is presented as a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites as they are poised to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The laws and instructions given, including those concerning the Levites, aim to guide the people in maintaining their covenant with God in the new land.

During this time, the Levites were set apart from the other tribes of Israel to perform religious duties, care for the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and teach the Law to the people. They did not receive a territorial allotment like the other tribes but were supported by the tithes and offerings of the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 18:7, therefore, reflects the establishment of a professional priestly class with specific duties and a unique relationship with God, which was central to the religious and social structure of ancient Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H8334
   There are 92 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁרַת
   Transliteration: shârath
   Pronunciation: shaw-rath'
   Description: a primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to; minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
5. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3881
   There are 258 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵוִיִּי
   Transliteration: Lêvîyîy
   Pronunciation: lay-vee-ee'
   Description: or לֵוִי; patronymically from לֵוִי; a Levite or descendant of Levi; Leviite.
   
7. Strong's Number: H5975
   There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמַד
   Transliteration: ʻâmad
   Pronunciation: aw-mad'
   Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
   
8. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.