Deuteronomy 21:5

Context

Deuteronomy chapter 21 presents a series of laws concerning the purity and justice of the Israelite community, ranging from the expiation of an unsolved murder to regulations on family matters and social order. Verse 5 specifically addresses the crucial role of the priests, the sons of Levi, within this legal and ceremonial framework. In the context of the unsolved murder ritual (vv. 1-9), the priests are central to the ceremony of atonement, but their authority extends far beyond this specific instance, encompassing general legal and spiritual oversight for the nation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Appointment and Sacred Service: The verse explicitly states that the LORD God "hath chosen" the Levites to minister unto Him. This highlights the divine origin of their authority and the sacred nature of their calling. Their role was not self-appointed but a direct ordination from God, emphasizing their unique position as mediators and servants in Israel.
• Dual Role of Blessing and Judgment: The priests were empowered "to bless in the name of the LORD," conveying God's favor and peace upon the people. Simultaneously, they held a vital judicial function: "by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]." This means they were responsible for discerning truth, resolving disputes, and making definitive judgments on matters of law, purity, and justice within the community.
• Upholding Justice and Purity: The presence and judgment of the priests ensured that legal and social matters were handled according to divine standards, aiming to maintain the purity of the land and the integrity of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. They were guardians of the law and arbiters of truth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "every controversy and every stroke be tried" is significant. The Hebrew word translated "tried" comes from the root patar (פָּטַר), which can mean "to open," "to make distinct," or "to decide/judge." In this context, it conveys the idea of clarifying, discerning, and rendering a definitive judgment. It implies the priests' responsibility to investigate, distinguish between right and wrong, and provide a binding resolution based on divine law, ensuring that justice was not only sought but also properly administered.

Related Scriptures

• The divine choice of the Levites for ministry is also seen in Numbers 3:6 and Numbers 8:14.
• Their authority to bless the people is famously detailed in the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27.
• The judicial role of the priests, often alongside judges, in resolving difficult legal cases is further elaborated in Deuteronomy 17:8-13.

Practical Application

While the specific judicial functions of the Levitical priesthood have been fulfilled through the coming of Christ, who serves as our Great High Priest (Hebrews 7:11-28), the principles embedded in this verse remain relevant. It underscores the importance of:

1. God-ordained Leadership: The need for spiritual leaders to be chosen and empowered by God, serving His purposes and ministering to His people with integrity.
2. Impartial Justice and Wise Counsel: The value of seeking objective, biblically informed guidance and resolution in matters of conflict and dispute, whether personal or communal.
3. The Church's Role: In a broader sense, the church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a source of blessing, truth, and reconciliation in the world, often providing avenues for resolving conflicts according to biblical principles, as seen in passages like Matthew 18:15-17.