After addressing leaders, officers, judges, kings and
priests, Moses revisited his own official position... that of "the
prophet." Earlier in his discourse to Israel (in Deuteronomy 13:1-5) Moses
had spoken of prophets who would have real spiritual power but who would teach
men to forsake Jehovah. Here he contrasts the ministry of Satan through his
false prophets with the ministry of God through true prophets.
This chapter begins with a reminder that the priestly tribe
was to be sustained through the gifts that the other tribes gave to God. Not
only were sacrificial cheeks (jowls) and maws (stomachs) of oxen and sheep
given to the Levites, but also shoulders, the first-fruits of corn, wine &
oil and the first fleece of the sheep. Since
He didn't give them an inheritance of property in the land, this was God's gift
to the Levites. Every other tribe had
their own region, but not Levi. They
were the religious leaders during that era (Deuteronomy 18:1-6).
In every case that we have examined (prophets, priests, kings,
etc.) there are 2 different angles to consider in examining the legitimacy of
the individual in power: 1). God's perspective & 2). Men's perspective -
consider Romans 13:1, I Samuel 8:22 & Psalm 75:6 & 7. God gives
individuals the right and the power to rule over others... but stewardship is
the responsibility of those leaders, and of their followers. Rulers may
abdicate their responsibility. Followers may rebel. But, we will all answer to
God for how we have responded to all of the opportunities with which our God
has endowed us... especially in relation to His Son (Hebrews 10:28 & 29).
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