Numbers 18:18

KJV

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the flesh {H1320} of them shall be thine, as the wave {H8573} breast {H2373} and as the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785} are thine.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their meat will be yours, like the breast that is waved and the right thigh - they will be yours.

Berean Standard Bible

And their meat belongs to you, just as the breast and right thigh of the wave offering belong to you.

American Standard Version

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave-breast and as the right thigh, it shall be thine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:18 delineates specific portions of sacrificial offerings designated for the Israelite priests, Aaron and his descendants, affirming their divine entitlement. This verse underscores God's meticulous provision for those consecrated to His service in the Tabernacle, linking these provisions to previously established allocations like the wave breast and right shoulder, thereby reinforcing the certainty and permanence of their sustenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18 is a pivotal chapter following the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the miraculous confirmation of Aaron's priesthood through his budding staff (Numbers 17). Having firmly re-established the divine appointment and authority of the Aaronic priesthood, this chapter meticulously outlines their sacred duties and, crucially, their divine provisions. Verses 8-19 specifically detail the "holy gifts" and "heave offerings" that were to be the priests' perpetual due, emphasizing that these provisions were a "covenant of salt," signifying an unbreakable and enduring agreement, as stated in [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - The Covenant of Salt"). Numbers 18:18 specifically reiterates the entitlement to certain parts of various sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the well-known wave breast and right shoulder from peace offerings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, the nation is in the wilderness, with the Tabernacle serving as the central hub of their worship and national identity. The Levitical tribe, particularly the priestly family of Aaron, was uniquely set apart for sacred service. Unlike the other tribes, they received no tribal land inheritance in Canaan. Instead, their sustenance was divinely ordained to come directly from the offerings, tithes, and firstfruits brought by the other Israelite tribes. This arrangement ensured their full-time devotion to their sacred duties—mediating between God and the people, performing sacrifices, and teaching the Law—without the need to engage in agriculture or other secular trades. The sacrificial system was the primary mode of worship, atonement, and communion with God, and the precise allocation of portions was integral to maintaining holiness and order within this system.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision for Ministry**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in sustaining those He calls to His service. This principle is foundational to understanding God's care for those dedicated to His work, a theme echoed in the New Testament concerning the [support for ministers](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13 - Support for those who serve the altar") and gospel workers ([1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel")). Secondly, it underscores the **Sacred Distinction of the Priesthood**. The specific portions allocated to the priests underscored their unique and holy role; they were set apart, and even their food was distinct, coming directly from offerings made to God. This included portions of sin offerings ([Leviticus 6:26](/leviticus/6-26 "Leviticus 6:26 - The Sin Offering")) and trespass offerings ([Leviticus 7:6](/leviticus/7-6 "Leviticus 7:6 - The Trespass Offering")). Thirdly, it reinforces **Covenantal Faithfulness**, as God's provision is part of His enduring covenant with Israel and the Aaronic priesthood, often referred to as a "covenant of salt" ([Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - The Covenant of Salt")). Finally, it exemplifies the **Order and Structure in Worship** that God meticulously established, ensuring that every aspect of Tabernacle service, down to the priests' sustenance, was divinely regulated.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _basar'_):** In the context of sacrificial law, "flesh" refers to the meat of the sacrificial animals. Here, it specifically denotes those edible portions that were not consumed by fire on the altar as a burnt offering or fat, but were designated by divine decree for the priests to eat. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the priests' unique privilege of partaking in that which was presented to God, symbolizing their communion with Him and their sustenance from His holy provisions.
* **Wave breast (Hebrew, _chazeh hat-tenufah'_):** This refers to the breast portion of a sacrificial animal, particularly from the peace offering, which was ritually presented before the Lord. The act of "waving" (Hebrew _tenufah_) involved a horizontal motion performed by the priest, symbolizing the offering's presentation to God and its subsequent reception back from God as a gift to the priests. It was a highly symbolic act emphasizing divine ownership and delegation.
* **Right shoulder (Hebrew, _shoq hat-terumah'_):** This refers to the right thigh or shoulder portion of a sacrificial animal, also typically from the peace offering. The act of "heaving" (Hebrew _terumah_) involved lifting the offering upwards before the Lord. Similar to the wave breast, this ritual action underscored the dedication of the portion to God and its subsequent return as a holy provision for the priests. Both the wave breast and heave shoulder were considered the priests' permanent due.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the flesh of them shall be thine":** This clause establishes a general principle concerning the priests' entitlement to specific portions of various sacrifices. While the verse immediately follows a discussion of "most holy" offerings (Numbers 18:9-10) and "holy gifts" (Numbers 18:11-17), this phrase broadens the scope to include "flesh" from other offerings where portions were designated for the priests, such as parts of the sin offering ([Leviticus 6:26](/leviticus/6-26 "Leviticus 6:26 - The Sin Offering")) and trespass offering ([Leviticus 7:6](/leviticus/7-6 "Leviticus 7:6 - The Trespass Offering")). It emphatically declares these provisions as the priests' rightful possession.
* **"as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine":** This clause serves as a clarifying analogy, illustrating the certainty and permanence of the priests' right to the "flesh" mentioned previously. The wave breast and right shoulder (or heave shoulder/thigh) were well-established and universally recognized portions from the peace offerings ([Leviticus 7:34](/leviticus/7-34 "Leviticus 7:34 - Priests' Share of Peace Offerings")). By comparing the general "flesh" to these specific, already-mandated entitlements, the verse reinforces that the priests' claim to these provisions is equally undisputed, divinely ordained, and perpetually guaranteed. It emphasizes that these are not mere gifts from the people but consecrated items given by God to His priests.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:18 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Analogy** or **Simile**, evident in the phrase "as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine." By likening the general "flesh" designated for the priests to these two specific, well-known, and ritually significant portions, the text clarifies the nature and certainty of the priests' entitlement. This draws upon established sacrificial practices, making the new or reiterated provision immediately understandable and indisputable. The use of "flesh" can also be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where a general term ("flesh") stands for specific, edible portions of the sacrifices designated for the priests, rather than just any meat. Furthermore, the repetition of the possessive "thine" (or "are thine") creates **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine decree and the unwavering, permanent nature of God's provision for the Aaronic priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:18 is a profound testament to God's meticulous care and covenantal faithfulness towards those consecrated for His service. It highlights the principle that divine calling is accompanied by divine provision, ensuring that those who minister can devote themselves fully to their sacred duties without worldly distraction. The specific allocation of holy portions underscores the unique and set-apart nature of the priesthood, whose very sustenance was interwoven with the acts of worship and sacrifice. This arrangement not only provided for the priests but also served as a constant reminder to the people of Israel of the sacredness of the Tabernacle service and their responsibility to support it as an act of worship and obedience to God. The verse ultimately speaks to God's desire for an orderly and sustained ministry, where His servants are honored and cared for through the offerings of His people.

* [Leviticus 7:34](/leviticus/7-34 "Leviticus 7:34 - The Priests' Share of Peace Offerings")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - Priests and Levites Have No Inheritance")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sacrificial system of the Old Covenant no longer applies to believers today, the timeless principles embedded in Numbers 18:18 remain profoundly relevant for the Christian life and the church. This verse calls us to reflect on God's unwavering faithfulness in providing for His work and His workers. Just as the priests were sustained by the offerings of the people, so too are Christian ministers and ministries often supported by the voluntary contributions of believers, enabling them to devote themselves fully to spiritual service. This passage reminds us of the importance of generosity and faithful stewardship, recognizing that our giving to God's work is an act of worship, obedience, and partnership in the advancement of His kingdom. It challenges us to consider how we can contribute to the health and outreach of our spiritual community, ensuring that those called to full-time ministry are adequately supported and free to focus on their divine calling, trusting in God's provision through His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of His care for those in ministry today?**
* **What is our role as believers in supporting the work of the Gospel and those who minister?**
* **In what ways can we, like the priests, live a life wholly devoted to God, trusting in His provision for our needs?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "wave breast" and "right shoulder"?**

Answer: The "wave breast" and "right shoulder" (or "heave shoulder/thigh") were specific, highly significant portions of the peace offering ([Leviticus 7:34](/leviticus/7-34 "Leviticus 7:34 - Priests' Portion of Peace Offerings")) that were ritually presented to the Lord and then given to the priests. The "waving" (horizontal motion) and "heaving" (lifting up) were symbolic actions that emphasized the offering's dedication to God and its subsequent return as a holy provision for His priests. They were not merely gifts from the people but were considered the priests' permanent due, signifying their unique status and God's direct, unwavering provision for their sustenance and ministry. These portions represented the best of the offering, underscoring the honor God bestowed upon His consecrated servants.

**Why did the priests not receive a land inheritance like other tribes?**

Answer: The tribe of Levi, and specifically the Aaronic priesthood, was set apart by God for full-time, exclusive service in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). Their inheritance was not a portion of the land, but the Lord Himself, as stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance"): "I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites." This arrangement ensured that they could dedicate themselves entirely to their sacred duties—mediating sacrifices, teaching the Law, and ministering before God—without the distractions of farming, commerce, or other secular pursuits. Their sustenance came directly from the offerings, tithes, and firstfruits brought by the other tribes, as commanded by God, thereby highlighting their unique spiritual inheritance and dependence on divine provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:18, with its detailed provisions for the Levitical priesthood, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly priests, sustained by portions of animal sacrifices, foreshadowed Christ, the Great High Priest, who required no such sustenance because His priesthood is eternal and His sacrifice perfect. He is "a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ a Priest Forever")), transcending the temporary Levitical system. Unlike the multiple, imperfect sacrifices from which the priests received their share, Christ offered Himself as the "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice")), by which He "perfected forever those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfecting Sacrifice")). The "flesh" given to the priests prefigured the ultimate "flesh" given for the life of the world—the body of Christ, broken for us, as commemorated in the Lord's Supper ([Matthew 26:26](/matthew/26-26 "Matthew 26:26 - The Lord's Supper")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, all believers are constituted a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called not to offer animal sacrifices but to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, good deeds, and surrendered lives ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")). Our sustenance and provision for this priestly service come not from earthly offerings, but from Christ Himself—His righteousness, His indwelling Spirit, and His inexhaustible grace, enabling us to live lives wholly devoted to God.

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 7:31

And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.

Leviticus 7:34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

Exodus 29:26

And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.

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.