Numbers 18:19

KJV

All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the heave offerings {H8641} of the holy things {H6944}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} offer {H7311} unto the LORD {H3068}, have I given {H5414} thee, and thy sons {H1121} and thy daughters {H1323} with thee, by a statute {H2706} for ever {H5769}: it is a covenant {H1285} of salt {H4417} for ever {H5769} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} unto thee and to thy seed {H2233} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the contributions of holy things which the people of Isra'el offer to ADONAI I have given to you, your sons and your daughters with you; this is a perpetual law, an eternal covenant of salt before ADONAI for you and your descendants with you."

Berean Standard Bible

All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”

American Standard Version

All the heave-offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto Jehovah, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, as a portion for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before Jehovah unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:19 stands as a profound declaration of divine provision and an eternal covenant established for the Aaronic priesthood. It meticulously details how the "heave offerings" – sacred portions of the Israelites' gifts to the LORD – are designated as the perpetual inheritance for Aaron and his descendants, including his sons and daughters. This verse not only secures the livelihood of those dedicated to Tabernacle service but also underscores the immutable and enduring nature of God's commitment to His chosen ministers, sealed by the powerful symbol of a "covenant of salt."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18 is a pivotal chapter within the book, meticulously delineating the distinct responsibilities and privileges of the Levites and the Aaronic priesthood. Following the severe challenges to priestly authority, particularly Korah's rebellion in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion") and the divine vindication of Aaron's rod in [Numbers 17](/numbers/17 "Numbers 17 - Aaron's Rod Buds"), this chapter re-establishes and reinforces the unique, divinely appointed role of Aaron's lineage. Since the tribe of Levi, including the priests, received no territorial inheritance in the land, God explicitly ordained a system of divine provision through the offerings of the other tribes. Verse 19 specifically addresses the "heave offerings" (terumah) as a perpetual statute, ensuring the priests' sustenance and enabling their full devotion to sacred duties without worldly distraction, thus solidifying their unique status and God's unwavering support for their consecrated service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was primarily agrarian, and land ownership was central to tribal identity and economic stability. The Levites, however, were set apart for service to the LORD and were not allotted a tribal inheritance of land, as stated in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is their Inheritance"). Their sustenance, therefore, came directly from the offerings and tithes of the other tribes. The "heave offering" (terumah) was a specific portion of agricultural produce or other offerings "lifted up" or set apart for God, which was then given to the priests. The phrase "covenant of salt" held deep significance in the ancient Near East. Salt, known for its preservative qualities, symbolized permanence, loyalty, and incorruptibility. To "eat salt" with someone signified a binding, unbreakable bond of friendship or alliance, often sealed by a shared meal. Thus, God's declaration of a "covenant of salt" underscored the immutable, eternal, and incorruptible nature of His promise to the Aaronic priesthood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Provision for Ministry**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their livelihood so they could focus entirely on their sacred duties, a principle echoed in [Deuteronomy 14:27-29](/deuteronomy/14-27 "Deuteronomy 14:27-29 - Support for Levites") and later affirmed for New Testament ministers in [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers"). The repeated phrase "for ever" and the declaration of a "covenant of salt" emphasize the **Perpetual and Binding Nature of God's Covenants**, signifying an unbreakable, immutable promise from God to the priestly line, as seen also in [2 Chronicles 13:5](/2_chronicles/13-5 "2 Chronicles 13:5 - David's Covenant of Salt"). Furthermore, the description of offerings as "holy things" reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, underscoring the sacredness of both the gifts presented to the LORD and the consecrated calling of the priests who ministered in His presence, aligning with the commands in [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - Salt with Offerings"). Finally, the inclusion of "thy sons and thy daughters with thee" and "thy seed with thee" establishes the **Hereditary Nature of the Aaronic Priesthood** and its associated provisions, crucial for the continuity of Israelite worship until the advent of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, as discussed in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ a Superior Priest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heave offerings (Hebrew, _tĕrûmâ_):** This term refers to a portion of an offering, often agricultural produce or other sacred gifts, that was "lifted up" or separated from the main bulk and presented to the LORD. It signifies a dedicated portion, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership of all things and serving as a means of support for the priests and Levites. The act of "heaving" indicated a setting apart for sacred use.
* **Covenant of salt (Hebrew, _bĕrît melah_):** This powerful idiom signifies an unbreakable, enduring, and incorruptible agreement. Salt, as a preservative, symbolized permanence and purity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing salt or a "salt covenant" indicated a deep, lasting bond of loyalty and fidelity, often associated with a shared meal that sealed the agreement. When God declares this a "covenant of salt," He emphasizes the immutable and eternal nature of His promise to provide for and sustain the Aaronic priesthood.
* **For ever (Hebrew, _‘ôlām_):** This word denotes an indefinite duration, often extending to perpetuity or eternity in a covenantal context. Its repetition in the verse ("by a statute for ever," "a covenant of salt for ever") powerfully reinforces the permanence and unchanging nature of God's decree regarding the priestly provisions. It signifies that this arrangement is not temporary but an enduring divine ordinance, binding for all generations of the Aaronic line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD":** This clause identifies the source and nature of the provision. The "heave offerings" are specific, consecrated portions ("holy things") that the Israelites bring as a direct act of worship and obedience to God. This highlights that the priests' sustenance comes ultimately from the LORD Himself, channeled through the obedient giving of His people.
* **"have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee":** This emphasizes God's direct agency ("have I given") in establishing this provision. The beneficiaries are explicitly Aaron ("thee") and his entire household, including his "sons and thy daughters." While only male descendants served as priests, the daughters and other family members were sustained by these offerings, underscoring the holistic provision for the priestly family unit.
* **"by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.":** This final clause underscores the binding, immutable, and perpetual nature of the divine promise. It is a "statute for ever," meaning an enduring decree. The declaration that it is a "covenant of salt for ever before the LORD" elevates this provision to the highest level of divine commitment, signifying an unbreakable, incorruptible, and eternally binding agreement, witnessed and guaranteed by God Himself, extending to all future generations ("thy seed").

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:19 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine commitment. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly through the phrase "covenant of salt." Salt, universally recognized for its preservative qualities, serves as a powerful symbol of permanence, incorruptibility, and lasting fidelity. By associating His covenant with salt, God communicates the unbreakable and eternal nature of His promise to the Aaronic priesthood. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** with the phrase "for ever," appearing twice. This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the enduring and perpetual nature of the statute and the covenant, leaving no doubt about its lasting validity. Furthermore, the direct declaration, "have I given thee," exemplifies **Divine Fiat**, highlighting God's sovereign authority and His direct, intentional action in establishing this provision. This reinforces the divine origin and unchallengeable nature of the priestly support system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:19 is a cornerstone text for understanding God's faithfulness, the nature of covenant, and the principle of supporting those in ministry. It reveals a God who meticulously provides for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their livelihood so they can fully dedicate themselves to spiritual duties. This divine provision underscores the sacredness of ministry and the community's responsibility to uphold it. The "covenant of salt" signifies an unbreakable bond, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His chosen instruments. This principle of enduring divine support and the community's role in sustaining ministry transcends the Old Testament, finding continuity and fulfillment in the New Covenant.

* [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - Salt with Offerings")
* [2 Chronicles 13:5](/2_chronicles/13-5 "2 Chronicles 13:5 - David's Covenant of Salt")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 18:19 offers profound insights for believers today, extending beyond the literal provisions for the ancient priesthood. It powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and covenants. What God establishes "for ever" is truly eternal and trustworthy, providing immense comfort and assurance in a changing world. This verse underpins the enduring biblical principle of supporting those who minister in the Lord's work. Just as the ancient Israelite community supported the priests through their offerings, there is a spiritual imperative for believers to provide for those who dedicate their lives to ministry, allowing them to focus on teaching, preaching, and serving without undue financial burden. This ensures the flourishing of the church and the spread of the Gospel. Moreover, as a "covenant of salt," it reminds us of the sacredness of God's arrangements and His meticulous care for His people, particularly those in dedicated service, underscoring that His provisions are as enduring and reliable as His character. We are called to trust in His perpetual care and to participate in His economy of grace by supporting His work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness and His commitment to providing for His people?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, participate in the principle of supporting those dedicated to ministry in our contemporary context?**
* **What "covenants" or promises of God do you personally hold onto "for ever," finding assurance in their unbreakable nature?**

### FAQ
**What is a "heave offering" and why was it significant?**

Answer: A "heave offering" (Hebrew: _terumah_) was a specific portion of agricultural produce, livestock, or other items that was "lifted up" or set apart from the main harvest or flock and presented to the LORD. It was significant for several reasons: first, it acknowledged God's ultimate ownership of all things and was an act of worship and obedience. Second, these offerings served as the primary means of sustenance for the Aaronic priests and Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial land inheritance in Israel (as seen in [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is their Inheritance")). By providing for the priests through these offerings, the community enabled them to devote themselves fully to their sacred duties in the Tabernacle, ensuring the continuity of worship and the sacrificial system.

**Why is it called a "covenant of salt"?**

Answer: The phrase "covenant of salt" (Hebrew: _bĕrît melah_) signifies an unbreakable, enduring, and incorruptible agreement. In the ancient Near East, salt was highly valued for its preservative qualities, preventing decay and corruption. Therefore, it became a powerful symbol of permanence and purity. To "eat salt" with someone or establish a "covenant of salt" implied a deep, lasting bond of loyalty and fidelity, often sealed by a shared meal. When God declares this provision for the priesthood a "covenant of salt," as also seen in [2 Chronicles 13:5](/2_chronicles/13-5 "2 Chronicles 13:5 - David's Covenant of Salt") regarding the Davidic kingship, He emphasizes the immutable, eternal, and incorruptible nature of His promise. It signifies an agreement that is as lasting and reliable as salt itself, guaranteed by God's own unwavering character.

**Did this covenant apply to the daughters of Aaron?**

Answer: Yes, Numbers 18:19 explicitly states, "have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee." This indicates that the provision of the heave offerings was for the entire household of Aaron, encompassing his sons and daughters, and indeed, "to thy seed with thee." While priestly service and duties were exclusively for the male descendants of Aaron, the sustenance derived from these offerings was intended to support the entire priestly family. This ensured that the entire household connected to the consecrated priestly line was provided for, allowing the male priests to focus on their sacred responsibilities without concern for their family's daily needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:19, with its declaration of an eternal "covenant of salt" for the Aaronic priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The temporary, hereditary priesthood of Aaron, sustained by the offerings of Israel, foreshadowed the coming of the one true High Priest, Jesus, who is "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ a Priest Forever")). Unlike the Aaronic priests who died and needed successors, Christ holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever ([Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")). His sacrifice was not a repeated "heave offering" of animals, but a singular, perfect, and eternal offering of Himself, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), which fully and finally atoned for sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice")). The "covenant of salt" points to an unbreakable, eternal covenant, which is fully realized in the [New Covenant established through Christ's blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"). This new covenant is not merely a statute but an eternal reality, guaranteeing access to God and the perpetual provision of His grace for all who believe. Through Christ, believers are made part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), sustained not by earthly offerings, but by the eternal, incorruptible grace and spiritual provision of God through His Son.

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

2 Chronicles 13:5

Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

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.

Leviticus 2:13

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

Numbers 15:19

Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.

Numbers 15:21

Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.

Deuteronomy 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

Numbers 18:8

¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.