Leviticus 7:36

Translation
King James Version
Which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them, by a statute for ever throughout their generations.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Which the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 to be given H5414 them of the children H1121 of Israel H3478, in the day H3117 that he anointed H4886 them, by a statute H2708 for ever H5769 throughout their generations H1755.
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Complete Jewish Bible
On the day they were anointed, ADONAI ordered that this be given to them by the people of Isra'el. It is their share forever through all their generations.
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Berean Standard Bible
On the day they were anointed, the LORD commanded that this be given them by the sons of Israel. It is a permanent portion for the generations to come.
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American Standard Version
which Jehovah commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them. It is their portion for ever throughout their generations.
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World English Bible Messianic
which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them. It is their portion forever throughout their generations.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The which portions the Lord commanded to giue them in the day that he anointed them from among the children of Israel, by a statute for euer in their generations.
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Young's Literal Translation
which Jehovah hath commanded to give to them in the day of His anointing them, from the sons of Israel--a statute age-during to their generations.
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See also
Leviticus 8:12Leviticus 8:30Exodus 40:13Exodus 40:15
In the KJVVerse 2,916 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Leviticus 7:36 culminates the detailed instructions regarding the priests' divinely appointed portions from the various sacrifices, specifically emphasizing the perpetual and non-negotiable nature of their sustenance. This verse underscores that the provision for the Levitical priesthood was not a voluntary offering but a God-ordained statute, ensuring their financial support from the children of Israel from the very day of their anointing, thereby enabling them to faithfully execute their sacred duties throughout all generations.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Leviticus 7:36 serves as the concluding verse to a significant section (Leviticus 6:8-7:38) that meticulously outlines the laws concerning the priests' portions from the various offerings. Following the general sacrificial laws (Leviticus 1-5), chapters 6 and 7 delve into the specific entitlements and responsibilities of the Aaronic priesthood. This particular verse caps the detailed regulations for the peace offering (Leviticus 7:11-36), highlighting the "wave breast" and "heave shoulder" as perpetual provisions for the priests. It solidifies the divine basis for their sustenance, ensuring that those who served at the altar were adequately cared for by the community they represented before God, thereby maintaining the integrity and continuity of the sacrificial system.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the Levitical priests, unlike the other tribes, were not allotted a territorial inheritance when the land of Canaan was divided. This unique arrangement, explicitly stated in passages like Numbers 18:20, meant their inheritance was to be the LORD Himself, and their livelihood was to be derived directly from the offerings brought by the people. This ensured their full dedication to sacred service without the distractions of agricultural or land management. The phrase "in the day that he anointed them" directly references the solemn ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons, detailed in Leviticus 8 and Exodus 29, where they were set apart for their priestly office. This anointing marked the official commencement of their duties and, crucially, their entitlement to these divinely commanded provisions, establishing a system of support that was integral to the functioning of the tabernacle and Israel's worship life.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Provision and Covenant Faithfulness, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His appointed servants within the covenant framework. It highlights the principle that those dedicated to sacred service are to be sustained by the community they serve, a concept also seen in the broader support for the Levites in Numbers 18. Another prominent theme is Holiness and Separation for Service, as the priests' anointing set them apart for a unique and holy role, requiring a distinct means of sustenance that freed them to focus solely on their sacred duties. Finally, the emphasis on a "statute for ever throughout their generations" underscores the Perpetuity of God's Ordinances and the enduring structure of the Mosaic covenant, ensuring the continuity of the sacrificial system and the priesthood until its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Commanded (Hebrew, tsâvâh', H6680): This verb (H6680) signifies a strong, authoritative injunction or decree from God. It emphasizes that the provision for the priests was not a suggestion, a voluntary contribution, or a charitable option, but a non-negotiable divine mandate. This highlights God's sovereignty and His meticulous care for His appointed servants, establishing their sustenance as a matter of divine law and covenant obligation.
  • Anointed (Hebrew, mâshach', H4886): This term (H4886) refers to the act of consecration, where oil was poured upon individuals or objects to set them apart for sacred service. In this context, it specifically points to the ceremonial ordination of Aaron and his sons, as described in Leviticus 8. This act marked their official induction into the priesthood, signifying their divine authorization for ministry and, crucially, the commencement of their entitlement to the divinely commanded provisions.
  • Statute (Hebrew, chuqqâh', H2708): This feminine noun (H2708) denotes an established rule, decree, or ordinance. When combined with "for ever" (H5769, ʻôwlâm), it conveys a perpetual, unchangeable, or enduring law. This term underscores the binding and permanent nature of this provision within the Mosaic covenant, ensuring its continuation throughout all generations of Israel, emphasizing the stability and reliability of God's covenantal arrangements.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Which the LORD commanded to be given them of the children of Israel": This initial clause explicitly states the divine origin of the priests' sustenance. It was not a human invention or a voluntary contribution, but a direct command from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) Himself, obligating the entire community of Israel (H3478, Yisrâʼêl) to provide for their spiritual leaders. This highlights God's ownership of the priests and His responsibility for their care, establishing a reciprocal relationship where the people support those who serve God on their behalf.
  • "in the day that he anointed them": This phrase pinpoints the precise moment from which this provision became effective. It refers to the solemn day (H3117, yôwm) of the priests' consecration and ordination, as detailed in Leviticus 8. From the very inception of their sacred office, their sustenance was divinely guaranteed, underscoring the immediate, foundational, and non-negotiable nature of this provision as an integral part of their priestly appointment.
  • "[by] a statute for ever throughout their generations": This concluding phrase emphasizes the enduring and perpetual nature of this divine command. The provision for the priesthood was not temporary but an unchangeable, binding ordinance (H2708, chuqqâh) for all future generations (H1755, dôwr) of Israel under the Mosaic covenant. It speaks to God's faithfulness in sustaining His servants and the enduring structure of the sacrificial system, ensuring that the means of worship and atonement would always be maintained.

Literary Devices

Leviticus 7:36 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Legalistic Language, evident in terms like "commanded" and "statute," which underscore the absolute authority and binding nature of God's decrees. This precision ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the divine origin and perpetual obligation of supporting the priesthood. The phrase "throughout their generations" functions as a form of Repetition and Emphasis, reinforcing the eternal and unchanging quality of this ordinance, ensuring its continuous application across time and highlighting God's enduring covenant faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses Symbolism; the physical provisions (portions of sacrifices) symbolize God's faithful provision for those dedicated to His service, and by extension, the community's participation in upholding God's established order. The structure of the verse, concluding a detailed section on offerings, also demonstrates Climax and Conclusion, bringing a sense of finality and divine authority to the preceding regulations and solidifying the divine mandate for priestly sustenance.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Leviticus 7:36 powerfully articulates the theological principle of divine provision for ministry. God, who calls individuals to serve Him, also ensures their sustenance, establishing a clear mandate for the community to support those dedicated to sacred service. This was not merely a practical arrangement to alleviate the priests' burdens but a profound theological statement about God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His appointed mediators. The perpetual nature of this "statute for ever" underscores God's unchanging faithfulness and the enduring importance of a sustained, dedicated priesthood in the life of Israel. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, finding new expression in the New Testament's teaching on supporting those who minister the Gospel, recognizing that those who sow spiritual things are entitled to reap material things, thereby enabling them to devote themselves fully to their spiritual calling.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Leviticus 7:36, though rooted in the ancient sacrificial system, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers concerning the support of those in spiritual leadership. It profoundly reminds us that God Himself orchestrates the provision for those He calls into full-time ministry, establishing a sacred obligation on the community of faith to actively and consistently support their spiritual leaders. Such support is not merely charity but an act of obedience to God's established order and an investment in the propagation of His Kingdom. Just as the Israelites were commanded to sustain their priests, so too are believers today called to ensure that those who labor in the Word and doctrine are free to dedicate themselves fully to their calling, without the burden of material lack. This fosters a healthy ecosystem within the church, where ministers are cared for, and the congregation participates in the work of the Gospel through their generosity, thereby enabling the flourishing of ministry and the spiritual growth of the body.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does understanding God's command for priestly provision in the Old Testament shape my view of supporting spiritual leaders today?
  • In what tangible ways can I contribute to the sustenance and flourishing of those who minister the Gospel in my community or beyond, recognizing this as a divine mandate?
  • What does this verse teach me about God's faithfulness to those He calls, and His expectation for His people to participate in His divine economy and the work of His Kingdom?

FAQ

Why did the priests not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel?

Answer: The Levitical priests, unlike the other eleven tribes, were explicitly excluded from receiving a territorial land inheritance in Canaan. This was a deliberate divine design, as stated in Numbers 18:20, where the LORD declared, "I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel." Their inheritance was to be the LORD Himself, and their sustenance was to come from the offerings and tithes of the people. This arrangement ensured their complete devotion to their sacred duties at the tabernacle and later the temple, freeing them from agricultural labor or land management, and allowing them to focus entirely on mediating between God and His people and teaching God's law to the nation.

Does the "statute for ever" in Leviticus 7:36 mean that the specific Old Testament sacrificial system is still in effect today?

Answer: The phrase "a statute for ever" (ḥōq ʿôlām) signifies a perpetual ordinance within the context of the Mosaic covenant. While the specific sacrificial system, including the peace offering and its priestly portions, was indeed a permanent fixture of that covenant, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The New Testament teaches that Christ's once-for-all sacrifice has superseded the need for animal sacrifices (as seen in Hebrews 10:1-10 and Hebrews 9:23-28). Therefore, the specific ritualistic practices are no longer in effect. However, the underlying principle of divine provision for those in ministry, as well as God's unchanging faithfulness, remains eternally valid, re-expressed through the New Covenant's principles of supporting gospel ministers (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:14 and Galatians 6:6).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Leviticus 7:36, with its emphasis on God's perpetual provision for the Levitical priesthood, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As our Great High Priest, Christ did not merely receive portions from sacrifices; He Himself became the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, offering His own body and blood to secure our eternal redemption (as detailed in Hebrews 9:11-14). Unlike the Levitical priests, who were sustained by the people's offerings, Christ's sustenance came from His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, declaring, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34). Furthermore, the principle of divine provision for ministry, established in the Old Covenant, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who provides for His New Covenant ministers—the church—through the outpouring of His Spirit and the generosity of His people, enabling them to proclaim the "good news" that He Himself inaugurated (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, the perpetual statute of priestly provision points forward to Christ's eternal priesthood, His ongoing, faithful provision for His church, and the ultimate fulfillment of all covenant promises in Him, the true Lamb of God (John 1:29).

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Commentary on Leviticus 7 verses 35–38

Here is the conclusion of these laws concerning the sacrifices, though some of them are afterwards repeated and explained. The are to be considered, 1. As a grant to the priests, Lev 7:35, Lev 7:36. In the day they were ordained to that work and office this provision was made for their comfortable maintenance. Note, God will take care that those who are employed for him be well paid and well provided for. Those that receive the anointing of the Spirit to minister unto the Lord shall have their portion, and it shall be a worthy portion, out of the offerings of the Lord; for God's work is its own wages, and there is a present reward of obedience in obedience. 2. As a statute for ever to the people, that they should bring these offerings according to the rules prescribed, and cheerfully give the priests their share out of them. God commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations, Lev 7:38. Note, The solemn acts religious worship are commanded. They are not things that we are left to our liberty in, and which we may do or not do at our pleasure; but we are under indispensable obligations to perform them in their season, and it is at our peril if we omit them. The observance of the laws of Christ cannot be less necessary than the observance of the laws of Moses was.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 35–38. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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