The Levites must not take a share in the spoils of war

Messiah Says

Messiah implicitly affirmed this commandment when He spoke about the Law:

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)

Pictures of Messiah

The Levitical priesthood pictures the perfect priesthood of Messiah. Just as the Levites were not allowed to benefit from the spoils of war (gained through war and bloodshed), so too, Messiah does not gain from the benefit of war and bloodshed: the work of men.

Instead Messiah is given all things by the Father (John 3:35).

G-d declared that He was the "portion" for the Levites (Numbers 18:20). Instead of inheriting Land that they would work in order to earn their living, they served G-d, who in turn provided for their needs through the tithe. So too, Messiah's portion was G-d and the service G-d had given to Him (John 4:34).

How Messiah Fulfilled

This commandment was only applicable to the Levites. Since Messiah was not a Levite it was not applicable to Him.

Traditional Observance

The commandment of Deuteronomy 18:1 states

The Levitical priests, the whole tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel;

Traditionally the "portion" is understood to mean a portion of the spoils of war and "inheritance" is understood to mean an inheritance of land.

Other Notes

Those of the tribe of Levi are able to fulfill this commandment today by not benefitting from war in property, goods, or money. Non-Levites are unable to fulfill this commandment at any time.

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