Deuteronomy 12:19

Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 12:12 commands including the Levite in rejoicing — the positive action that complements the warning not to forsake him.

Deuteronomy 12:18 again commands including the Levite in feasting — reinforcing the need to provide for him, which 12:19 warns against neglecting.

Deuteronomy 14:27-29 expands the command: provide for the Levite, stranger, orphan, and widow with the third-year tithe.

Deuteronomy 18:1 Historical context

Deuteronomy 18:1 explains why Levites have no inheritance — they live on offerings, which is the reason not to forsake them in 12:19.

2 Chronicles 31:4-21 records Hezekiah's reforms where the people faithfully gave provisions for the Levites, obeying the command.

Nehemiah 10:34-39 describes a covenant to bring tithes for the Levites, restoring the command to not forsake them.

1 Corinthians 9:10-14 applies the principle: those who preach the gospel should live from it, just as the Levites lived from offerings.

Joshua 13:14 Historical context

Joshua 13:14 confirms that Levites received no inheritance as per the law — showing the ongoing relevance of the command not to forsake them.

2 Chronicles 11:14 explains that Jeroboam rejected the Levites, causing them to leave—a direct violation of the command.

Luke 10:7 Parallel

In Luke 10:7, Jesus teaches that workers deserve support — echoing the Old Testament principle of providing for the Levites.

In Galatians 6:6, the call to share good things with teachers echoes the command not to forsake the Levite — both address supporting spiritual ministers.