“They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses. It consists of his final addresses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In chapter 33, Moses blesses the twelve tribes of Israel before his death.
The Tribe of Levi:In this verse, Moses blesses the tribe of Levi. The Levites were set apart by God to serve as priests and to minister before Him in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They were responsible for teaching the people God’s judgments and laws, offering incense, and presenting sacrifices on the altar.
Teaching God’s Judgments and Laws:The Levites were entrusted with the responsibility of instructing the people of Israel in God’s ways. They were to be well-versed in the laws given by God and were to teach them to the people, ensuring that the Israelites understood God’s standards of righteousness and justice.
Offering Incense:Incense was a symbolic act of worship in the Old Testament. It represented the prayers of the people ascending to God. The Levites were given the privilege of presenting incense before God, interceding for the nation and seeking God’s favour on their behalf.
Whole Burnt Sacrifice:The Levites were also responsible for offering whole burnt sacrifices on the altar. These sacrifices were completely consumed by fire and were a way of demonstrating the people’s devotion to God and their recognition of His holiness. The burnt offerings symbolized surrendering everything to God.
Spiritual Lessons:This verse teaches us several spiritual lessons. Firstly, it highlights the importance of teaching and instructing others in God’s ways. We have a responsibility to share God’s truths and help others grow in their understanding of Him. Secondly, it emphasizes the significance of worship and prayer in our relationship with God. The act of offering incense reminds us of the need for intercession and seeking God’s presence. Lastly, the concept of the burnt sacrifice challenges us to surrender our lives fully to God, offering ourselves as a living sacrifice in devotion to Him (Romans 12:1).
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 33:10 speaks of the role and responsibilities of the tribe of Levi in teaching God’s judgments and laws, offering incense, and presenting sacrifices. It reminds us of the importance of teaching others, engaging in worship and prayer, and surrendering ourselves completely to God.
