Numbers 18:12

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.

All the best {H2459} of the oil {H3323}, and all the best {H2459} of the wine {H8492}, and of the wheat {H1715}, the firstfruits {H7225} of them which they shall offer {H5414} unto the LORD {H3068}, them have I given {H5414} thee.

All the best of the olive oil, wine and grain, the first portion of what they give to ADONAI, I have given to you.

I give you all the freshest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain that the Israelites give to the LORD as their firstfruits.

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first-fruits of them which they give unto Jehovah, to thee have I given them.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 18:12 (KJV)

This verse is part of God's instructions to Aaron regarding the provisions for the Levites and priests, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and had no territorial inheritance among the tribes of Israel. Their sustenance came directly from the offerings and tithes brought by the other Israelites.

Context

Numbers chapter 18 details the specific duties and privileges of the priests and Levites. Following a rebellion against the authority of Aaron and the Levites, God reaffirms their unique role and establishes the means by which they are to be supported. This verse specifies that the best of the agricultural produce offered as firstfruits belongs to the priests. This system ensured that those dedicated to serving God full-time were cared for by the community, reflecting the principle that those who minister in sacred things should be supported by those they serve.

Key Themes

  • Support for the Priesthood: God ordained a system where the priests received a portion of the people's offerings, enabling them to focus on their sacred duties without needing to farm or engage in secular labor for survival.
  • The Principle of Firstfruits: The emphasis on taking "the best" and "the firstfruits" highlights the importance of giving God the initial and finest portion of one's harvest and increase, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings.
  • God's Provision: This verse demonstrates God's meticulous care in providing for those who serve Him, establishing clear guidelines for their sustenance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "best" here is often related to the richest portion or fat (`cheleb`), signifying not just quantity but supreme quality. "Firstfruits" (`reshith`) refers to the very beginning or initial produce of the harvest. Offering the `reshith` was a tangible expression of faith, trusting that God would provide the rest of the harvest.

Related Scriptures

The concept of offering firstfruits is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament law (see Exodus 23:19) and is also mentioned in the wisdom literature (Proverbs 3:9 encourages honoring the Lord with the firstfruits). The support system for the priests and Levites is further detailed in other parts of the Pentateuch, such as Deuteronomy 18:4.

Reflection and Application

While the specific system of priestly support under the Mosaic Law is no longer in effect for New Testament believers, the underlying principles remain relevant. The idea of giving our "first and best" to God, whether in our finances, time, or talents, is a timeless expression of devotion and trust. Furthermore, the principle of supporting those who minister the Gospel is echoed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 9:14 states that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel). Numbers 18:12 reminds us that true worship involves giving generously and prioritizing God with the finest of what He has entrusted to us.

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

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 18:4

    The firstfruit [also] of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

  • Exodus 23:19

    The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • Exodus 34:26

    The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

  • Exodus 22:29

    Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

  • Leviticus 23:20

    And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits [for] a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.

  • Leviticus 23:17

    Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

  • Nehemiah 10:35

    And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
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