Numbers 18:20

ยถ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I [am] thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto Aaron {H175}, Thou shalt have no inheritance {H5157} in their land {H776}, neither shalt thou have any part {H2506} among {H8432} them: I am thy part {H2506} and thine inheritance {H5159} among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

ADONAI said to Aharon, "You are not to have any inheritance or portion in their land; I am your portion and inheritance among the people of Isra'el.

Then the LORD said to Aaron, โ€œYou will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.

And Jehovah said unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any portion among them: I am thy portion and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

Commentary

Numbers 18:20 is a foundational verse in understanding God's unique provision and relationship with the Levitical priesthood, specifically Aaron and his descendants. It establishes a divine principle of dependence and spiritual inheritance for those set apart for sacred service.

Context

This verse comes within the broader context of Numbers chapter 18, where the LORD is outlining the responsibilities and provisions for the priests (Aaron and his sons) and the Levites. Following a rebellion challenging the authority of Aaron's priesthood (Numbers 16), God reaffirms His chosen leaders and clarifies their distinct role within Israel. Unlike the other eleven tribes, who would receive a territorial inheritance when they entered the Promised Land, the Levites, including Aaron's priestly line, were set apart for Tabernacle and Temple service. Their sustenance would not come from land ownership or agriculture, but directly from the tithes and offerings given by the other tribes to the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The LORD explicitly states He is Aaron's "part" and "inheritance." This highlights God's absolute commitment to sustaining those who serve Him, ensuring their needs are met not through worldly means but through His direct arrangement.
  • Separation for Service: By having no land inheritance, the priests were freed from the concerns of farming, land disputes, and tribal politics. This allowed them to fully dedicate themselves to their sacred duties: ministering before God, teaching the law, and offering sacrifices on behalf of the people.
  • God as the Ultimate Inheritance: This is the profound spiritual truth of the verse. More valuable than any plot of land or material wealth, the priests' greatest possession was the LORD Himself. This profound declaration echoes sentiments found elsewhere, such as in Psalm 16:5, "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance", emphasizing a deep, personal relationship and trust in God's faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two key terms: "part" and "inheritance." The Hebrew word for "inheritance" is nachalah (ื ึทื—ึฒืœึธื”), which typically refers to a landed possession passed down through generations. Its application to God Himself here is a powerful theological statement, elevating the spiritual above the material. The word for "part" is cheleq (ื—ึตืœึถืง), meaning a "portion" or "share," often of spoils or goods. By declaring Himself both Aaron's cheleq and nachalah, God signifies His complete sufficiency and the unique, intimate relationship He offers to His chosen servants.

Practical Application

While the specific Levitical system is unique to Old Testament Israel, the principle of Numbers 18:20 holds profound relevance for believers today. It teaches us that true security and fulfillment are found not in material possessions, worldly status, or earthly inheritances, but in God Himself. For those in full-time ministry, it serves as a reminder to trust in God's provision, even when traditional forms of income or security are absent. For all believers, it encourages a shift in perspective, prioritizing our relationship with God and His spiritual blessings above all else. It reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other necessary things will be added. Our greatest treasure, our ultimate inheritance, is the LORD.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 44:28

    And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I [am] their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I [am] their possession.

  • Deuteronomy 10:9

    Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD [is] his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

  • Joshua 13:33

    But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not [any] inheritance: the LORD God of Israel [was] their inheritance, as he said unto them.

  • Deuteronomy 18:1

    ยถ The priests the Levites, [and] all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.

  • Deuteronomy 18:2

    Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the LORD [is] their inheritance, as he hath said unto them.

  • Lamentations 3:24

    The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

  • Deuteronomy 12:12

    And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that [is] within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.
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