The Levites (i.e. the disestablished local priests, see Deuteronomy 10:9 *) are on coming to Jerusalem to be accorded the status and emoluments of the priests of the central sanctuary. Contrast 2 Kings 23:9; perhaps the indiscriminate application of this law was found impracticable.
Deuteronomy 18:8. beside. patrimony: read and render (with Steuernagel) except those who acted as heathen priests and practised necromancy. The change in the Heb. is insignificant; the MT is bad Heb. and gives no suitable sense.