Numbers 18:14

KJV

Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every thing devoted {H2764} in Israel {H3478} shall be thine.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Everything in Isra'el which has been consecrated unconditionally is to be yours.

Berean Standard Bible

Every devoted thing in Israel belongs to you.

American Standard Version

Everything devoted in Israel shall be thine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:14 is a foundational declaration within the Mosaic Law, establishing a divine provision for the Aaronic priesthood. It specifies that all items irrevocably "devoted" or consecrated to the Lord by the Israelites were to become the exclusive property of the priests. This mandate ensured the material sustenance of those set apart for sacred service in the Tabernacle, allowing them to focus entirely on their holy duties without the need for a tribal land inheritance or secular labor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18:14 is situated within a lengthy passage (Numbers 18:8-20) that meticulously details the portions and privileges assigned to the priests and Levites. This chapter immediately follows the dramatic rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16), which challenged the divinely appointed authority of Aaron and his sons. God's miraculous confirmation of Aaron's priesthood through the budding of his staff (Numbers 17) sets the stage for chapter 18, where the Lord re-emphasizes the unique responsibilities of the priestly family and, crucially, outlines their means of support. The specific mention of "devoted" things in verse 14 is part of a comprehensive list of offerings, including the best of the oil, wine, grain, firstfruits, and firstborn, all designated for the priests' sustenance. This detailed provision underscores the Lord's commitment to those who serve Him, ensuring their livelihood as they minister on behalf of the entire nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this decree, the Israelites were encamped in the wilderness, preparing for their entry into the Promised Land. Unlike the other eleven tribes, the tribe of Levi, from which the priests (Aaron's descendants) were drawn, was not to receive a territorial inheritance in Canaan. Their inheritance was to be the Lord Himself and the offerings of the people (as stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance")). This unique arrangement necessitated a robust system of divine provision. The concept of "devoted" things (`ḥērem`) was well-understood in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often referring to something irrevocably set apart, either for destruction or for exclusive dedication to a deity. In Israel, it represented the highest form of consecration, signifying an item or person completely surrendered to God. The allocation of such highly sacred items to the priests reinforced their elevated status and intimate connection to the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 18:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision for Service**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to care for those consecrated to His work. The priests' dependence on the offerings of the people highlights a principle of mutual responsibility within the covenant community: the people support those who minister, enabling them to focus on spiritual duties, a concept echoed in the New Testament concerning those who proclaim the Gospel (e.g., [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Ministers")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**. Items declared `ḥērem` were considered "most holy" ([Leviticus 27:28](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28 - Devoted Things are Most Holy")), emphasizing the sanctity of what is given to God and, by extension, the sacred nature of the priestly office itself. Finally, this provision reinforces the broader theme of **The Lord as Inheritance**, as the material provisions were merely the tangible expression of God's direct care and ownership of His priestly family, allowing them to truly live by faith in His sustaining power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devoted (Hebrew, _ḥērem'_):** This powerful Hebrew term signifies something irrevocably set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to the Lord. While `ḥērem` can sometimes denote things designated for utter destruction (as seen with cities like Jericho in [Joshua 6:17](/joshua/6-17 "Joshua 6:17 - Jericho and the Devoted Things")), in the context of Numbers 18:14 and [Leviticus 27:28-29](/leviticus/27-28 "Leviticus 27:28-29 - The Law of Devoted Things"), it refers to items, persons, or property that individuals had solemnly vowed or dedicated to God. Once declared `ḥērem`, these items could not be redeemed or used for common purposes; they became "most holy unto the LORD" and were therefore designated as the exclusive property of the priests. This highlights the absolute nature of such dedication and the sanctity of the objects.
* **thine (Hebrew, _lāḵā'_):** This pronoun directly addresses Aaron, representing the entire Aaronic priesthood. It signifies the exclusive and divinely ordained right of the priests to receive and utilize these consecrated items for their sustenance. This is not a gift from the people, but a direct allocation from God Himself, emphasizing the divine authority behind the priestly support system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every thing devoted":** This phrase translates the Hebrew `kol-ḥērem`, encompassing all items, property, or even persons that had been irrevocably consecrated to the Lord by individuals in Israel. This refers to a specific category of offering, distinct from tithes or other sacrifices, characterized by its absolute and unredeemable dedication to God.
* **"in Israel":** This specifies the source of these devoted things—they originate from the people of Israel, who, in acts of profound piety or in fulfillment of special vows, would set apart certain possessions for God's exclusive use. This highlights the community's role in supporting the sacred economy.
* **"shall be thine":** This declarative statement directly assigns ownership of these `ḥērem` items to Aaron and his priestly descendants. It establishes a divine right, ensuring that the priests, who had no land inheritance, would have a guaranteed source of livelihood from the most sacred offerings made by the people, enabling them to fulfill their unique role as mediators between God and Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:14 primarily functions as a **Divine Decree** and a piece of **Legal Language**. As a divine decree, it is a direct pronouncement from the Lord, carrying absolute authority and establishing an immutable law for the governance of the priestly support system. The use of plain, direct language ("shall be thine") reflects its nature as a binding legal statute within the Mosaic covenant. It is also a **Provisionary Statement**, explicitly outlining the means by which the priests would be sustained, thereby assuring their livelihood and capacity to serve. The verse's concise nature, yet profound implications for the sacred economy of Israel, demonstrates its foundational importance within the broader legal framework of the Pentateuch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:14 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for those consecrated to His service, establishing a system where the most sacred offerings of the people directly sustained the priesthood. This arrangement underscored the principle that those who minister on behalf of God should be fully supported, allowing them to devote themselves entirely to their sacred calling. It also highlights the sanctity of what is given to God; items deemed "devoted" were not to be taken lightly but were considered holy and thus appropriately channeled to those who served in the holy place. This divine provision not only ensured the priests' physical needs were met but also served as a tangible reminder that their ultimate inheritance and source of sustenance was the Lord Himself, manifested through the generosity and obedience of His people.

* [Leviticus 27:28-29](/leviticus/27-28 "The Law of Devoted Things")
* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Aaronic priesthood and the system of `ḥērem` offerings no longer exist in the New Covenant, the underlying principles of Numbers 18:14 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to reflect on the sacredness of our dedication to God and our responsibility to support those who minister the Gospel. Just as God meticulously provided for His ancient priests, He continues to provide for His servants in various forms of ministry today, often through the faithful giving of His people. Our "devoted" resources—whether time, talent, or treasure—are not merely contributions but acts of worship, set apart for God's purposes. This passage challenges us to consider our own stewardship: are we truly dedicating our "first and best" to the Lord, recognizing that what is given to Him is holy and intended to advance His kingdom through those He has called? It fosters a spirit of generosity and reverence, reminding us that supporting ministry is an act of obedience and partnership in God's ongoing work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "devoted" things (ḥērem) challenge my understanding of what it means to truly consecrate something to God in my own life?**
* **In what ways do I currently support those who minister the Gospel or serve in full-time ministry, reflecting the principle of divine provision for service?**
* **What "firstfruits" or "devoted" aspects of my life (time, talents, resources) might God be calling me to set apart more fully for His exclusive purposes?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the priests having no land inheritance?**

Answer: The absence of a tribal land inheritance for the priests and Levites was a crucial aspect of God's design, explicitly stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance") and [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "No Inheritance for Levi"). It signified that "the Lord Himself was their inheritance." This arrangement ensured their complete dependence on God's provision through the offerings of the people, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties in the Tabernacle without the distractions of agriculture or other secular pursuits. It underscored their unique spiritual calling and their direct relationship with the divine, making them a living testament to God's faithfulness to sustain those who serve Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:14, with its emphasis on "devoted" things becoming the provision for the priesthood, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the supreme "devoted" one, the ultimate `ḥērem` offering, irrevocably set apart by God for the salvation of humanity. Unlike the material offerings that sustained the Old Testament priests, Christ's entire life, death, and resurrection constitute the one perfect and complete sacrifice, utterly consecrated to God's will ([Hebrews 10:5-10](/hebrews/10-5 "Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills the Law")). Through His perfect devotion, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing eternal spiritual sustenance for all who believe. Furthermore, just as the devoted things provided for the physical sustenance of the Aaronic priesthood, Christ Himself, as our Great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus Our Great High Priest")), is the spiritual "inheritance" and provision for the New Covenant believer. We, as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Royal Priesthood")), are sustained not by earthly offerings, but by the inexhaustible grace and finished work of Christ, who is our life and our all-sufficient portion ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Christ Our Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 27:28

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:29

They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.