Deuteronomy 12:12

And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.

And ye shall rejoice {H8055} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, ye, and your sons {H1121}, and your daughters {H1323}, and your menservants {H5650}, and your maidservants {H519}, and the Levite {H3881} that is within your gates {H8179}; forasmuch {H3588} as he hath no part {H2506} nor inheritance {H5159} with you.

and you will rejoice in the presence of ADONAI your God - you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves and the Levi staying with you, inasmuch as he has no share or inheritance with you.

And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you.

And ye shall rejoice before Jehovah your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and the Levite that is within your gates, forasmuch as he hath no portion nor inheritance with you.

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 12:12 is part of Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter focuses on the command to worship God in a single, centralized location chosen by Him, rather than at various local altars. This centralization was crucial to prevent the adoption of pagan practices common among the Canaanites, ensuring the purity of Israel's worship. The verses leading up to this emphasize bringing tithes, offerings, and sacrifices to this designated place, fostering national unity in devotion to the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Joyful Worship: The verse emphasizes a spirit of rejoicing in God's presence. Worship was not to be a mere duty but a joyous celebration of God's provision and presence. This joy is a recurring theme in Israelite worship, signifying a right relationship with God.
  • Inclusivity in Worship: The command extends to the entire household: "ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants." This highlights that worship and participation in God's blessings were for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status within the household. Even servants were to partake in the communal rejoicing.
  • Care for the Levites: Crucially, the Levite is included in this communal rejoicing. The phrase "forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you" underscores the unique position of the tribe of Levi. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a territorial inheritance in the land; instead, the LORD Himself was their inheritance, and they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes. Therefore, including them in these festive occasions was not just an act of charity but a fulfillment of God's command to provide for those dedicated to His service.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rejoice" here is samach (שָׂמַח), which conveys a deep sense of gladness, delight, and festivity. It's not a superficial happiness but a profound joy rooted in one's relationship with God and participation in His blessings. The phrase "no part nor inheritance" (חֵלֶק וְנַחֲלָה - chelek v'nachalah) clearly distinguishes the Levites' economic and social standing from the other tribes, reinforcing their dependence on the community's faithful giving and the Lord's provision.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 12:12 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Worship as Joyful Celebration: Our worship of God should be characterized by genuine joy and thanksgiving, recognizing His goodness and provision in our lives.
  • Inclusive Community: The principle of inclusivity remains vital. The church community should strive to be a place where everyone—regardless of background, age, or social standing—feels welcome to participate fully in worship and communal life. This echoes the New Testament's emphasis on unity in Christ.
  • Support for Ministry: Just as the Levites were dependent on the offerings of the people, those who dedicate their lives to vocational ministry today often rely on the support of the wider church community. This verse reminds us of the importance of caring for and including those who serve the Lord full-time, ensuring they can also rejoice in God's blessings.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 12:7

    And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

  • Deuteronomy 26:12

    ¶ When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, [which is] the year of tithing, and hast given [it] unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

  • Deuteronomy 10:9

    Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD [is] his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

  • Deuteronomy 12:19

    Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

  • Deuteronomy 14:29

    And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

  • Joshua 14:4

    For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:21

    ¶ And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, [singing] with loud instruments unto the LORD.
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