8. At that time the Lord chose the tribe of Levi. They were to carry the Ark of the Covenant with the Lord. They were to serve the Lord. They were to bless the people in the Lord’s name. They still do this today.
9. That is why the Levites did not receive any land to own. Instead, they received the Lord himself as their gift. This is what the Lord your God told them.)
10. I stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights just like the first time. And the Lord listened to me this time also. He did not want to destroy you.
11. The Lord said to me, “Go. Lead the people. They will go in and take the land I promised their ancestors.”
12. Now, Israel, this is what the Lord wants you to do. Respect the Lord your God. Do what he has told you to do. Love him. Serve the Lord your God with your whole being.
13. And obey the Lord’s commands and laws. I am giving them to you today for your own good.
14. The Lord owns the world and everything in it. The heavens, even the highest heavens, are his.
15. But the Lord cared for and loved your ancestors. And he chose you, their descendants. He chose you over all the other nations. And it is this way today.
16. Give yourselves to serving the Lord. Do not be stubborn any longer.
17. The Lord your God is God of all gods. He is the Lord of all lords. He is the great God. He is strong and wonderful. He does not take sides. And he will not be talked into doing evil.
18. He helps orphans and widows. He loves foreigners. He gives them food and clothes.
19. You also must love foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.