Numbers 18:24

KJV

But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the tithes {H4643} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which they offer {H7311} as an heave offering {H8641} unto the LORD {H3068}, I have given {H5414} to the Levites {H3881} to inherit {H5159}: therefore I have said {H559} unto them, Among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} they shall have {H5157} no inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because I have given to the L'vi'im as their inheritance the tenths of the produce which the people of Isra'el set aside as a gift for ADONAI. This is why I have said to them that they are to have no inheritance among the people of Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.”

American Standard Version

For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave-offering unto Jehovah, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:24 delineates the unique provision for the Levitical tribe, establishing their divine inheritance not in land, but in the tithes of the children of Israel. This verse underscores God's meticulous care for those consecrated to His service, ensuring their sustenance through the offerings presented by the other tribes, thereby freeing them to dedicate themselves entirely to their sacred duties within the Tabernacle and later, the Temple, without the distractions of agricultural labor or territorial concerns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 18:24 is situated within a larger discourse (Numbers 18-19) that explicitly details the duties, privileges, and responsibilities of the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites. This section immediately follows the severe judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's rebellion, which challenged the divinely appointed authority of Aaron and the exclusive role of the Levites in Tabernacle service. In response, God reaffirms the sanctity of the priesthood and the distinct, non-transferable nature of Levitical service. Chapter 18, in particular, outlines the specific offerings and portions designated for the priests and Levites, emphasizing their separation for holy service and their unique mode of sustenance. This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational declaration regarding the Levites' economic model, directly linked to their consecrated status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land inheritance was paramount, signifying identity, security, and continuity within the covenant community. Each of the twelve tribes, descended from Jacob's sons, was allotted a specific territory in the Promised Land, forming the basis of their economic and social life. The Levites, however, were set apart from this system. Their role as guardians of the Tabernacle, teachers of the Law, and assistants to the priests meant they could not be tied to agricultural pursuits or specific land ownership. Instead, their "inheritance" was the Lord Himself and the provisions He commanded from the people. This unique arrangement allowed them to be distributed among all the tribes in designated Levitical cities, serving as spiritual guides and judicial authorities throughout the land, a concept further elaborated in [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Inheritance").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Provision and Stewardship**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in providing for those consecrated to His service, while simultaneously establishing the people's responsibility to support the sacred ministry through their tithes. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Separation and Consecration**, underscoring the Levites' unique status as a tribe "set apart" for the Lord, distinct from the other tribes in their duties and their means of livelihood. This separation is rooted in their dedication to the Lord, as seen in [Numbers 3:5-9](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-9 - The Levites Given to Aaron"). Thirdly, the verse clarifies the **Sacred Nature of the Tithe**, describing it as an "heave offering unto the LORD," emphasizing that the tithe was not merely a tax for the Levites but an offering *to God* that He then designated for their support. This elevates tithing to an act of worship and obedience, as commanded in [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - The Law of Tithing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tithes (Hebrew, _ma'aser'_):** Refers to a "tenth part." In the Mosaic Law, this was a divinely mandated portion of agricultural produce and livestock, signifying God's ownership over all things and the people's acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It was a regular, obligatory contribution, distinct from voluntary offerings.
* **Heave offering (Hebrew, _terumah'_):** Literally meaning "something lifted up" or "set apart." This term denotes a contribution or offering that was lifted up from the general produce or possessions and presented to the Lord. It signifies that the tithe was not merely a tax or a payment to the Levites, but a sacred contribution directed to God Himself, which He then designated for the support of His consecrated servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer [as] an heave offering unto the LORD":** This clause establishes the source and nature of the Levites' provision. The "tithes" (a tenth of produce and livestock) are explicitly stated to be an "heave offering unto the LORD," meaning they are consecrated to God first, underscoring their sacred character and the divine authority behind their collection. It highlights that the people's giving is an act of worship directed to God.
* **"I have given to the Levites to inherit":** Here, God directly declares His sovereign act of allocating these tithes to the Levites. The term "inherit" is crucial, as it redefines inheritance for this tribe. While other tribes inherited land, the Levites inherited a divine provision, ensuring their sustenance directly from God's hand through the people's obedience. This underscores their unique relationship with the Lord.
* **"therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the Levites' distinct status. Their lack of territorial inheritance among the other tribes is a direct consequence of their divine designation. Their "inheritance" is spiritual and ministerial, allowing them to be wholly devoted to the service of God and the spiritual well-being of the entire nation, without the economic ties or responsibilities of land ownership.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 18:24 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Fiat** is evident in the direct declaration "I have given" and "I have said," emphasizing God's absolute authority in establishing this unique arrangement for the Levites. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the Levites and the other "children of Israel" regarding their inheritance; one receives land, the other receives the Lord's provision. This contrast highlights the Levites' consecrated status. The **Repetition** of the concept of "inheritance" (what they *do* inherit – the tithes, and what they *do not* inherit – land) serves to underscore the theological significance of their unique calling and provision. The phrase "heave offering unto the LORD" also functions as **Symbolism**, transforming a material contribution into a sacred act of worship and dedication to God, reinforcing the spiritual nature of the tithe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:24 is foundational for understanding the principle of divine provision for those in ministry and the sacred nature of giving. It establishes that those set apart for God's service are to be supported by the community, allowing them to focus entirely on their spiritual duties. This arrangement reflects God's meticulous care for His servants and His expectation that His people will participate in sustaining His work. The verse also reinforces the concept that true inheritance for God's people is ultimately found in Him, rather than in earthly possessions, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 14:27](/deuteronomy/14-27 "Deuteronomy 14:27 - Care for the Levite")
* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 18:24, while rooted in the Old Covenant economy, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is faithful to provide for those whom He calls into service, and that His people have a sacred responsibility to participate in that provision. Just as the Levites were freed from worldly concerns to fully embrace their spiritual duties, those who dedicate their lives to ministry today should be supported by the body of Christ, enabling them to devote themselves wholeheartedly to teaching, preaching, and shepherding. This verse calls us to recognize God's ultimate ownership of all resources and to engage in generous giving as an act of worship and obedience, trusting that our contributions enable the advancement of His kingdom and the flourishing of His church. It fosters a spirit of interdependence within the community of faith, where each part contributes to the health and vitality of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Levites' unique "inheritance" in Numbers 18:24 challenge our modern understanding of security and provision?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of supporting those in full-time ministry today?**
* **How does viewing our giving as an "heave offering unto the LORD" transform our perspective on financial stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Was the tithe to the Levites a tax or a voluntary offering?**

Answer: Numbers 18:24 explicitly describes the tithes as an "heave offering unto the LORD," which signifies a divinely mandated and consecrated contribution, rather than a mere tax or a voluntary donation. While it served the practical purpose of supporting the Levites, its theological significance was paramount: it was an act of worship and obedience, acknowledging God's ownership of all things and His right to a portion. The Lord commanded the tithe, making it an obligatory part of Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with God, as seen in [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - The Law of Tithing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:24, with its depiction of the Levites' unique inheritance and their role as mediators and servants in the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levites, set apart from the other tribes and sustained by the tithes, foreshadowed Christ's own singular dedication to the Father's will and His being "set apart" as our great High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose inheritance was earthly provision, Jesus' inheritance is eternal glory and all authority in heaven and on earth, achieved through His perfect obedience and sacrifice. The very system of tithes and offerings, which supported the Levitical priesthood, pointed to the need for a perfect sacrifice and a perfect priest. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, renders the Levitical system obsolete, as [Hebrews 7:12](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Priesthood") explains, "for when there is a change in the priesthood, there must also be a change in the law." Jesus, as our eternal High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, does not require tithes for His sustenance, for He is the one who provides all things. His "inheritance" is not a portion of Israel's produce, but the redemption of all who believe, purchased by His own blood. He is the ultimate "heave offering," lifted up on the cross, who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling every shadow and type of the Old Testament sacrificial and priestly system. Now, under the New Covenant, all believers are part of a "royal priesthood" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices, not material tithes for a specific tribe, but our very lives in service to Him who is our ultimate inheritance.

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

Numbers 18:26

Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, [even] a tenth [part] of the tithe.

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].