“And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy that provides instructions for the Israelites regarding various aspects of their society, including the role of the Levitical priests. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning and significance.
The Role of the Priests:The verse begins by highlighting the role of the priests, who are the sons of Levi. In the Old Testament, the Levites were a tribe set apart for the service of God in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They were responsible for various religious duties, including offering sacrifices, leading worship, and teaching the Law to the people. The verse emphasizes that the priests have been chosen by God to minister to Him and to bless in His name.
Ministry and Blessing:The verse states that the priests were chosen by God to minister to Him. This refers to their sacred service and their role in facilitating the worship of God’s people. Additionally, the priests were tasked with pronouncing blessings in the name of the Lord. They served as mediators between God and the people, conveying God’s favour, approval, and blessings upon them.
Resolving Disputes:The latter part of the verse states that “by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried.” This indicates that the priests played a judicial role in Israel, serving as judges or arbitrators in settling disputes among the people. They were entrusted with the authority to pronounce judgment and make decisions based on the Word of God. Their role was important in maintaining justice and ensuring that conflicts were resolved according to God’s laws.
Overall, Deuteronomy 21:5 emphasises the special role of the Levitical priests in Israelite society. They were chosen by God to minister to Him, bless the people, and serve as arbiters of justice. This verse underscores the significance of the priests’ authority and their responsibility to uphold God’s laws and promote righteousness among the people.
It is worth noting that while this verse is specific to the Old Testament context, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is considered the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), fulfilling the role of the Levitical priests and providing access to God’s grace and forgiveness for all believers.
