Numbers 18:11

And this [is] thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

And this is thine; the heave offering {H8641} of their gift {H4976}, with all the wave offerings {H8573} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: I have given {H5414} them unto thee, and to thy sons {H1121} and to thy daughters {H1323} with thee, by a statute {H2706} for ever {H5769}: every one that is clean {H2889} in thy house {H1004} shall eat {H398} of it.

"Also yours is the contribution the people of Isra'el give in the form of wave offerings. I have given these to you, your sons and your daughters with you; this is a perpetual law. Everyone in your family who is clean may eat it.

And this is yours as well: the offering of their gifts, along with all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I have given this to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat it.

And this is thine: the heave-offering of their gift, even all the wave-offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, as a portion for ever; every one that is clean in thy house shall eat thereof.

Commentary

Numbers 18:11 is a crucial verse detailing God's provision for the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring their sustenance as they performed their sacred duties in the tabernacle. It highlights the specific types of offerings designated for their support and the conditions under which these provisions could be consumed.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in Numbers chapter 18, where the Lord meticulously outlines the responsibilities and privileges of the Levites and, more specifically, the priests (Aaron and his sons). Following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Numbers 16, God reaffirmed Aaron's exclusive right to the priesthood and established clear guidelines for the maintenance of those serving Him. This chapter emphasizes the divine mandate for the priests' livelihood, distinguishing their portion from that of the general Israelite population and even the other Levites, as seen in Numbers 18:7.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: God Himself ordains and provides for those consecrated to His service. The offerings given by the people were ultimately seen as given to the Lord, who then designated a portion for His priests. This principle underscores God's faithfulness to sustain those who are obedient to His call, a concept echoed throughout scripture regarding divine provision for those who serve.
  • Sacred Offerings as Sustenance: The verse specifically mentions the "heave offering" and "wave offerings." These were portions of sacrifices and gifts presented to God by the people, which were then given to the priests. This system ensured that the priests, who had no tribal land inheritance, were supported directly by the offerings of the community.
  • Purity and Holiness: The stipulation that "every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it" emphasizes the paramount importance of ritual purity for those partaking of holy things. These offerings were considered holy, and only those in a state of ceremonial cleanness could consume them, reinforcing the sanctity of God's presence and provisions. This requirement served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness in approaching God, a theme central to the Mosaic Law.
  • Perpetual Statute: The phrase "by a statute for ever" signifies the enduring nature of this divine decree. It was not a temporary arrangement but a permanent ordinance for the Aaronic priesthood through generations, signifying God's unchanging covenant with them regarding their service and support.

Linguistic Insights

  • The "heave offering" is from the Hebrew word terumah (ืชึฐึผืจื•ึผืžึธื”), meaning "a contribution" or "something lifted up." It refers to a portion of an offering lifted up or set apart for God and then designated for the priests.
  • The "wave offering" is from the Hebrew tenufah (ืชึฐึผื ื•ึผืคึธื”), meaning "a waving" or "a swing." This offering was presented by being waved before the Lord, symbolizing its dedication to Him and then given to the priests.
  • The term "clean" (Hebrew: tahor, ื˜ึธื”ื•ึนืจ) refers to a state of ritual purity, free from ceremonial defilement. This was distinct from moral purity but was essential for participating in sacred acts or consuming sacred food, highlighting the strict requirements for interacting with holy items under the Old Covenant.

Practical Application

While the specific Levitical laws regarding sacrifices and offerings are fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind Numbers 18:11 remain relevant for believers today. The passage teaches us about:

  • God's Care for His Servants: Just as God provided for the Old Testament priesthood, He continues to provide for those dedicated to full-time ministry today. This encourages believers to support those who minister the Word and serve in spiritual leadership (1 Corinthians 9:14).
  • The Importance of Holiness: The requirement of "cleanliness" for eating the holy offerings reminds us that those who serve God, and indeed all believers who partake in the spiritual blessings of Christ, are called to a life of holiness. This is no longer merely ritual purity but spiritual and moral purity, reflecting the character of God (1 Peter 1:16).
  • The Principle of Giving: The verse also highlights the importance of the community's role in supporting those who minister. It serves as a foundational text for the practice of tithing and offerings, which enable the work of God's kingdom and ensure that those dedicated to ministry can focus on their calling.
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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

  • Deuteronomy 18:3

    And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether [it be] ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

  • Leviticus 10:14

    And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for [they be] thy due, and thy sons' due, [which] are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 29:27

    And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, [even] of [that] which [is] for Aaron, and of [that] which is for his sons:

  • Exodus 29:28

    And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it [is] an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, [even] their heave offering unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:14

    And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation [for] an heave offering unto the LORD, [and] it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings.

  • Leviticus 22:1

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Leviticus 22:16

    Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them.
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