This verse emphasizes the duty of providing for the needs of the Levites (see verse 12).

Take heed that you do not forsake …: in some languages a positive command will be more natural style; for example, “Be sure, also, that you take care of the Levites, as long….”

As long as you live in your land: see verse 1.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .