Numbers 18:24

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.

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}.

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."

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.โ€

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

Numbers 18:24 is a pivotal verse that clarifies the unique provision and status of the tribe of Levi within ancient Israel. It specifically outlines how God ordained their support, differentiating them from the other tribes regarding inheritance.

Context of Numbers 18:24

This verse is found within a larger section of the book of Numbers (chapters 18-19) where God lays out the specific duties, privileges, and responsibilities of the priests (descendants of Aaron) and the Levites. Following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, God reiterates the sanctity of the priesthood and the exclusive role of the Levites in ministering at the Tabernacle. While the priests performed the sacrificial rituals, the Levites were responsible for the care, transport, and maintenance of the Tabernacle and its sacred vessels. Unlike the other eleven tribes, who were to receive a territorial land inheritance in Canaan, the Levites were consecrated entirely to the service of the Lord, meaning they would not engage in farming or other land-based livelihoods. This verse, therefore, establishes the divine provision for their sustenance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: The verse highlights God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service. By assigning the tithes as the Levites' inheritance, God ensures their financial stability, allowing them to focus fully on their spiritual duties without distraction. This principle of supporting those in ministry is echoed throughout Scripture, including in the New Testament, such as 1 Corinthians 9:14.
  • The Nature of the Tithe: The text describes the tithes as an "heave offering unto the LORD." This signifies that the tithe was not merely a tax or a payment to the Levites, but an offering to God Himself, which He then designated for the Levites. This underscores the sacred nature of tithing as an act of worship and obedience. For more on the concept of tithing, see Leviticus 27:30.
  • No Land Inheritance: The explicit statement "Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance" reinforces the Levites' unique status. Their inheritance was not earthly land but the Lord Himself and the provisions He commanded from the people. This separation from land ownership allowed them to be scattered among all the tribes, serving as spiritual instructors and judicial aids, a concept further detailed in Deuteronomy 10:9.

Linguistic Insights

The term "tithes" comes from the Hebrew word ma'aser (ืžึทืขึฒืฉื‚ึตืจ), meaning "a tenth part." The phrase "heave offering" translates the Hebrew terumah (ืชึผึฐืจื•ึผืžึธื”), which refers to something "lifted up" or "set apart" as a contribution or offering to the Lord. This emphasizes that these tithes were not optional donations but a divinely mandated and consecrated portion dedicated to God, then allocated for the Levites' support.

Practical Application

While the specific practice of tithing to the Levites belongs to the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of Numbers 18:24 remain profoundly relevant today. It teaches us about God's faithfulness in providing for those who serve Him, and the responsibility of His people to support spiritual ministry. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Recognize God's Ownership: All provision ultimately comes from God, and giving a portion back acknowledges His sovereignty and our stewardship.
  • Support Those in Ministry: Just as the Levites were set apart for service, those who dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel and ministering to God's people today should be supported, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their calling.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: For those in ministry, it's a reminder to trust that God will provide for their needs, even if their "inheritance" is not a traditional earthly one.
This verse underscores the beautiful interdependence within God's covenant community, where each part contributes to the flourishing of the whole.

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