Ella 
Read the Bible Verse of the Day – Deuteronomy 18:3 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 18:3 is a verse that describes the portion of the sacrifice that belongs to the priests. It helps us understand how God provided for the spiritual leaders of Israel. Even though this may seem like a simple instruction, it reveals important truths about God’s care, order, and holiness.
The Context of Deuteronomy 18:3 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy: A Covenant Reminder
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It records Moses’ final words to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The people had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their disobedience. Now, a new generation stood ready to take the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Before they entered, Moses reminded them of God’s laws. The book repeats and expands on the laws given in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It is a book of covenant renewal. Moses wanted the people to obey God fully so they could be blessed in the land.
Deuteronomy Chapter 18: Provision for the Levites and Prophets
Deuteronomy 18 speaks about the tribe of Levi and their special duties. The Levites were set apart from the other tribes. They served in the tabernacle, taught God’s laws, and led worship. Since they had no land inheritance, God provided for them through the offerings brought by the people.
This chapter also talks about how prophets should be respected and how God would raise up a prophet like Moses in the future. But in the early verses, God lays out instructions for how the Levites, especially the priests, should be supported.
Deuteronomy 18:3 (KJV)
Let’s look at the verse itself in the King James Version:
“And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.” — Deuteronomy 18:3 (KJV)
This verse outlines what the priests were to receive from certain sacrifices brought by the people. It was part of God’s provision for His servants.
Deuteronomy 18:3 Meaning
“And this shall be the priest’s due from the people…”
This phrase shows that the instruction is not just a suggestion—it is a requirement. The word “due” means what is rightfully owed or assigned. God gave the priests this portion as their rightful share. It was not a favor from the people; it was a command from God.
This shows us that God set up a system to support the priests in their work. The people were to honor this system, recognizing the priests’ role as spiritual leaders.
“…from them that offer a sacrifice…”
The priests received their portion from those who brought offerings. These were usually sacrifices for sin, thanksgiving, peace offerings, or other types of worship. Whenever someone brought a sacrifice to God, a part of it was set aside for the priest.
This also meant that the priest’s livelihood was tied to the spiritual obedience of the people. If the people were faithful in bringing sacrifices, the priests would be cared for. If the people neglected God, the priests would suffer.
“…whether it be ox or sheep…”
This shows that the type of animal did not matter. Whether it was a large animal like an ox or a smaller animal like a sheep, the same rule applied. God made provision through all kinds of offerings, showing fairness and consistency.
This also reminded the people that every act of worship mattered. Whether they brought something small or large, the act of giving was holy. And part of that act included supporting those who served in God’s house.
“…and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.”
This part of the verse is specific. God did not leave it to chance. He told the people exactly what parts of the animal to give:
The shoulder: This was a strong, valuable part of the animal. It symbolized strength and effort. Giving the shoulder meant giving a worthy portion.
The two cheeks: These parts of the animal included the jaw and sometimes the tongue. This could symbolize speech or the word—fitting for those who taught God’s law.
The maw: This refers to the stomach or inner parts of the animal. It was a valuable portion, rich in fat and often considered a delicacy.
These parts were given to the priests to eat and use as part of their daily provision. It was not just about food—it was about honoring God’s servants with what was valuable.
Deuteronomy 18:3 Application in Life
Though we do not offer animal sacrifices today, the principles behind this verse still apply. Here are several ways we can live out the meaning of Deuteronomy 18:3 today.
1. Honor and Support God’s Servants
Just like the priests in the Old Testament, pastors and ministry leaders today work hard to serve God’s people. They preach, teach, counsel, and care for others. Many of them live by faith, trusting that God will provide through the generosity of the church.
This verse reminds us that it is our duty as believers to honor and support those who serve in ministry. Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 5:17–18:
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour… The labourer is worthy of his reward.”
God’s people should not withhold support from their spiritual leaders. Tithing, offerings, and acts of kindness are ways we can fulfill this principle.
2. Give God Your Best
The portions given to the priests were not scraps or leftovers. They were meaningful parts of the animal. This teaches us to give God and His servants our best—not just what is left over.
Whether it’s our time, money, talents, or effort, we should offer the best we have. God gave His best when He gave Jesus for us. We should respond by giving our best to Him.
3. Understand the Value of Spiritual Service
In today’s world, success is often measured by money, fame, or power. But in God’s eyes, faithful spiritual service is honorable and worthy of reward. The priests worked in the tabernacle, handled holy things, and served the people. Their work may not have brought riches, but it was pleasing to God.
If you are serving God in any way—teaching children, leading worship, helping others—you are doing something valuable. God sees your work, even if others do not. And He will reward you in His time.
4. Obey God’s Commands Fully
This verse is part of a larger set of instructions. The people of Israel were not free to decide how they wanted to worship or give. God gave them clear commands. Obeying those commands showed their love and respect for Him.
As Christians, we must also seek to obey God’s Word fully. Partial obedience is still disobedience. When we honor God in every area of life—including how we treat spiritual leaders—we show that we take His Word seriously.
5. Learn to Give with Joy
Giving can be hard if we view it as a burden. But Deuteronomy 18:3 teaches that giving is part of worship. It connects us to God and to others. When we give joyfully and generously, we reflect God’s heart.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says:
“God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Let’s not give with a grudging heart. Instead, let’s give as an act of worship and thanksgiving.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 18:3 may seem like an ancient rule about animal sacrifices, but it holds deep meaning. It shows us that God cares for His servants and provides for them through the obedience and generosity of His people.
The priests were not to beg for support. God made a clear way for them to receive what they needed. In the same way, God provides for those who serve Him today—often through the faithful giving of the church.
As modern believers, we are called to:
- Honor and support those who serve in ministry.
- Give our best to God.
- Obey His commands fully.
- Recognize the value of spiritual service.
- Give with joy.
When we do these things, we live out the heart of Deuteronomy 18:3. We show that we value God’s Word, God’s people, and God Himself.
Let us remember that everything we have comes from God. When we give to Him—whether it is through our offerings, our time, or our talents—we are simply returning a portion of what He has already given us.
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