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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 18:20–32. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is a further account of the provision that was made both for the Levites and for the priests, out of the country.
I.They must have no inheritance in the land; only cities to dwell in were afterwards allowed them, but no ground to occupy:
Thou shalt not have any part among them, Num 18:20. It is repeated again Num 18:23, and again Num 18:24, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance, either by purchase or descent. God would have them comfortably provided for, but would not have their families over-rich, lest they should think themselves above that work which their wages supposed and obliged them constantly to attend upon. As Israel was a peculiar people, and not to be numbered among the nations, so Levi was a peculiar tribe, and not to be settled as the rest of the tribes, but in all respects distinguished from them. A good reason is given why they must have no inheritance in the land, for, says God, I am thy part, and thy inheritance. Note, Those that have God for their inheritance and their portion for ever ought to look with a holy contempt and indifference upon the inheritances of this world, and not covet their portion in it. "The Lord is my portion, therefore will I hope in him, and not depend upon any thing I have on this earth," Lam 3:24. The Levites shall have no inheritance, and yet they shall live very comfortably and plentifully - to teach us that Providence has various ways of supporting those that live in a dependence upon it; the fowls reap not, and yet are fed, the lilies spin not, and yet are clothed, the Levites have no inheritance in Israel, and yet live better than any other tribe. The repetition of that caution, that no Israelite should approach the tabernacle, comes in suitable, though somewhat abruptly, Num 18:22. It seems set in opposition to that order concerning the priests and Levites that they should have no inheritance in Israel, to show how God dispenses his favours variously. The Levites have the honour of attending the tabernacle, which is denied the Israelites; but then the Israelites have the honour of inheritances in Canaan, which is denied the Levites; thus each is kept from either envying or despising the other, and both have reason to rejoice in their lot. The Israelites must not come nigh the tabernacle, but then the Levites must have no inheritance in the land; if ministers expect that people should keep in their sphere, and not intermeddle with sacred offices, let them keep in theirs, and not entangle themselves in secular affairs.
II.But they must both have tithes of the land.
Besides the first-fruits which were appropriated to the priests, which, the Jews say, were to be a fiftieth part, or at least a sixtieth, the tithe also was appropriated.
1.The Levites had the tithes of the people's increase (Num 18:21): I have given (whose the whole is) all the tenths in Israel, of all the productions of the land, to the children of Levi, to be divided among them in just proportions, for their service which they serve. The Levites were the smallest tribe of the twelve, and yet, besides all other advantages, they had a tenth part of the yearly profits, without the trouble and expense of ploughing and sowing; such care did God take of those that were devoted to his service; not only that they might be well maintained, but that they might be honoured with a national acknowledgment of the good services they did to the public, and owned as God's agents and receivers; for that which was a heave-offering, or an offering lifted heavenward unto the Lord, was by him consigned to the Levites.
2.The priests had the tenths of the Levites' tithes settled upon them. The order for this Moses is directed to give to the Levites, whom God would have to pay it with cheerfulness, rather than the priests to demand it with authority: Speak to the Levites that it be offered by them, rather than levied upon them. Now observe,
(1.)The Levites were to give God his dues out of their tithes, as well as the Israelites out of their increase. They were God's tenants, and rent was expected from them, nor were they exempted by their office. Thus now, ministers must be charitable out of what they receive; and the more freely they have received the more freely they must give, and be examples of liberality. You shall offer a heave-offering to the Lord, Num 18:26. Those that are employed to assist the devotions of others must be sure to pay their own, as a heave-offering to the Lord. Prayers and praises lifted up to God, or rather the heart lifted up in them, are now our heave-offerings. This (says God) shall be reckoned to you as though it were the corn of the threshing-floor; that is, though it was not the fruit of their ground, nor of their own labour, as the tithes of other Israelites were, yet being of such as they had it should be accepted, to the sanctifying of all the rest.
(2.)This was to be given to Aaron the priest (Num 18:28), and to his successors the high priests, to be divided and disposed of in such proportions as they should think fit among the inferior priests. Most of the profits of the priests' office, which were appointed in the former part of the chapter, arising from the sacrifices, those priests had the benefit of who constantly attended at the altar; but, forasmuch as there were many priests employed in the country to teach and rule, those tithes taken by the Levites, it is probable, were directed by the high priest for their maintenance. It is the probable conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that the tenth of this last tenth was reserved for the high priest himself, to support his state and dignity; for otherwise we read not of any peculiar provision made for him.
(3.)When the Levites had thus paid the tenth of their income, as a heave-offering to the Lord, they had themselves the comfortable enjoyment of the other nine parts (Num 18:30): "When you have thus heaved the best from it (for still God's part must be the best) then you shall eat the rest, not as a holy thing, but with the same freedom that the other Israelites eat their part with, in every place, you and your households," Num 18:31. See here what is the way to have the comfort of all our worldly possessions so as to bear no sin by reason of them, as it follows, Num 18:32.
[1.]We must be sure that what we have be got honestly and in the service of God. It is your reward for your service; that meat is the best eating that is first earned; but, if any will not work, neither shall he eat, Th2 3:10. And that seems to be spoken of as having a particular comfort and satisfaction in it which is the reward of faithful service done in the tabernacle of the congregation.
[2.]We must be sure that God has his dues out of it. Then we have the comfort of our substance when we have honoured the Lord with it. The you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved the best from it. This intimates that we must never feed ourselves without fear, lest our table become a snare, and we bear sin by reason of it; and that therefore we are concerned to give alms of such things as we have, that all may be clean and comfortable to us.
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Summary
Numbers 18:30 provides a vital clarification within God's detailed instructions for the support and responsibilities of the Levites, who were uniquely set apart for sacred service in the Tabernacle. This verse stipulates that when the Levites present a portion of the tithes they receive from the Israelites—specifically "the best thereof"—this offering is to be divinely recognized and accepted as possessing the same spiritual value and legitimacy as the primary agricultural produce (grain from the threshingfloor and wine from the winepress) offered directly by the other tribes. It powerfully reinforces the universal principle that even those who are recipients of divine provision are themselves called to be faithful givers, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and demonstrating responsible stewardship.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 18:30 serves as the theological capstone to a significant segment (Numbers 18:20-32) that meticulously details the provisions and duties of the Levites and the Aaronic priesthood. The chapter commences by delineating the distinct responsibilities and privileges of these two groups, underscoring their unique role in upholding the sanctity of the Tabernacle and bearing the spiritual burden of the sanctuary. Verses 21-24 explicitly establish that the Levites would receive the tithes from all Israel as their inheritance, in exchange for their dedicated service. Following this, verses 26-29 introduce the concept of the "tithe of the tithe," commanding the Levites to offer a tenth of what they received to Aaron, the high priest. Verse 30, therefore, functions as a crucial divine affirmation, validating the spiritual equivalence and inherent acceptability of this secondary offering. It assures the Levites that their contribution was not merely a practical tax but a holy and divinely esteemed act of worship, possessing the same spiritual weight as the initial tithes from the land. The chapter concludes with a solemn warning against profaning the holy things of the Lord, reinforcing the sanctity of the entire system.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's formative journey through the wilderness, a period fundamental to their identity as God's covenant people. In this nomadic existence, a meticulously structured system for sustaining the priestly and Levitical tribes was indispensable, particularly because they were intentionally not allotted a tribal inheritance of land like the other tribes, as explicitly stated in Numbers 18:20 and Numbers 18:23-24. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and their sustenance was derived from the offerings and tithes of the other tribes. This elaborate system was paramount for the continuous and proper functioning of the Tabernacle worship, which stood as the spiritual epicenter of Israelite life and their covenant relationship with God. The concepts of "threshingfloor" and "winepress" were deeply entrenched in Israelite agricultural society, representing the primary means of sustenance, prosperity, and the very rhythm of their lives. By equating the Levites' offering to these tangible agricultural products, the text firmly grounds the theological principle in the concrete realities of their daily lives and economy, underscoring that all forms of income, even those derived from sacred sources, are ultimately subject to God's claim and require a response of faithful stewardship.
Key Themes
Numbers 18:30 contributes profoundly to several overarching themes evident throughout the book and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully highlights Divine Provision and Stewardship, showcasing God's meticulous care for those dedicated to His service, while simultaneously calling them to faithful management of what they receive. The Levites, though primary recipients, were not exempt from the act of giving, thereby emphasizing that all blessings originate from God and necessitate a response of profound gratitude and obedience, a principle echoed in Deuteronomy 8:18. Secondly, the verse underscores Holiness and Acceptable Worship. The explicit instruction to give "the best thereof" and the divine affirmation that it would be "counted... as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress" reinforces the timeless truth that God desires quality, not merely quantity, in offerings. It also teaches that offerings, even those derived indirectly, can be inherently holy and pleasing to Him. This aligns seamlessly with principles found in Exodus 23:19 concerning firstfruits and Proverbs 3:9. Thirdly, the verse subtly yet significantly reinforces the theme of Order and Structure in Worship and Community, as it is an integral component of a comprehensive legal framework meticulously designed to maintain the purity, functionality, and integrity of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The intricate system of offerings ensured that every facet of Israelite life, including their economic activities, was seamlessly integrated into their worship and obedience to God's divine will.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to be high actively, to rise or raise." In the context of offerings, "heaved" signifies the physical act of lifting a portion of produce or goods upwards as a sacred offering to God. This action served to set the item apart as holy, dedicating it for divine use, and was a tangible demonstration of acknowledging God's supreme sovereignty over all possessions and harvests.
This term literally means "fat," but figuratively, it refers to the "richest or choice part" of something. In this verse, it emphasizes the quality of the Levites' offering: it was not merely any portion, but the finest, most valuable part of the tithes they had received. This signifies a heart of reverence and generosity, prioritizing God with the choicest, reflecting a genuine desire to honor Him with excellence.
This primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," but figuratively, "to think, regard, value, compute, or reckon." Here, it indicates that God formally acknowledges, evaluates, and validates the Levites' contribution. It implies a divine accounting, where their offering is not merely received but is actively assessed and deemed worthy, assuring the Levites that their act of giving is truly valued and accepted in God's sight.
This refers to a "threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area." It was a hard, flat area where harvested grain was threshed to separate the kernels from the chaff. As a place of intense labor and the source of the staple food, the "increase of the threshingfloor" specifically denotes the grain, symbolizing the primary agricultural yield and the fundamental means of sustenance.
This term denotes "a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat." It was a vat or series of vats where grapes were trodden to extract their juice for wine. Like the threshingfloor, the winepress symbolized agricultural bounty and prosperity, specifically referring to the wine, another crucial element of the Israelite diet and economy. By equating the Levites' offering to the "increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress," the text elevates its status to that of the most fundamental and valuable agricultural offerings, underscoring its spiritual equivalence.
Verse Breakdown
"Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved the best thereof from it"
This opening phrase signifies a direct divine command, delivered through Moses, specifically to the Levites. The instruction to "heave" (lift up) "the best thereof" is critically important. It underscores the required quality of the offering – not just any portion, but the choicest part of the tithes they had received. This emphasis on "the best" signifies a heart of profound reverence and generosity, prioritizing God with the finest, rather than merely giving a token or what is leftover. It highlights that even from what is received as a blessing, the principle of returning the best back to God remains paramount.
"then it shall be counted unto the Levites"
This clause highlights the divine recognition and full acceptance of the Levites' offering. "Counted" implies that God formally acknowledges, assesses, and validates their contribution. It is not merely a practical transaction or a human calculation but a divinely sanctioned act of worship, demonstrating that their stewardship and obedience are seen and approved by God. This legal and theological declaration assures the Levites that their act of giving, though from a secondary source, is truly valued and integrated into God's sacred economy.
"as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress"
This is the core of the verse's profound theological statement. It establishes a direct spiritual equivalence. The Levites' offering, derived from the tithes they received, is explicitly deemed by God to be as holy, legitimate, and acceptable as the direct agricultural produce (grain and wine) offered by the other Israelites from their own land. This means their "tithe of the tithe" carried the same spiritual weight, significance, and divine approval as the firstfruits and tithes directly from the land, affirming its full value in God's sight and reinforcing the universal principle of giving from one's increase, regardless of its origin.
Literary Devices
Numbers 18:30 primarily employs Simile and Legal Language to convey its profound theological truth. The explicit use of "as" (כְּ, ke) functions as a Simile, drawing a direct comparison and equating the Levites' secondary offering to the "increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress." This simile is remarkably powerful because it bridges the gap between an abstract, secondary offering (a tithe of a tithe) and the most tangible, foundational forms of agricultural produce, thereby validating its spiritual worth and emphasizing its equivalent holiness and acceptability before God. This establishes a clear Equivalence, where God declares that the Levites' offering, though derived from a different source, holds the same sacred value as the direct offerings from the land. Furthermore, the verse is framed as Legal Language or a Divine Decree, evident in the authoritative phrase "thou shalt say unto them" and the declarative "then it shall be counted." This authoritative tone underscores the binding nature of the instruction and its integral place within the comprehensive covenant laws governing Israel's worship, economic life, and the sacred duties of the priesthood.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 18:30 profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive and meticulous design for His people's worship and communal life, emphasizing that the principle of giving is universal and applies to all, regardless of their specific role or the source of their income. It teaches that true stewardship involves not merely receiving, but also faithfully returning a portion of what God has provided, with the emphasis on giving "the best" signifying a heart of genuine devotion, gratitude, and recognition of God's ultimate ownership. The divine acceptance of the Levites' "tithe of the tithe" as fully equivalent to the primary agricultural offerings underscores that God values the intention, obedience, and quality behind the gift, recognizing it as a legitimate and pleasing act of worship. This divinely ordained system ensured the sustainability of the Tabernacle service and the support of its ministers, while simultaneously fostering a pervasive culture of gratitude, dependence on God's provision, and faithful stewardship for all of Israel.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 18:30 offers enduring principles for believers today, transcending its specific Old Testament context to speak powerfully to the heart of Christian stewardship and worship. It serves as a profound reminder that no one is exempt from the call to give back to God from what they have received, irrespective of their position, vocation, or the source of their blessings. Whether our income is directly earned through labor or received as support for ministry, the fundamental principle remains: we are stewards, not ultimate owners, and a portion of our "increase" is due back to the Lord as an act of worship and obedience. The profound emphasis on giving "the best thereof" challenges us to deeply examine the quality of our offerings—not exclusively financially, but also in the dedication of our time, the deployment of our talents, and the depth of our affections. Are we consistently giving God our firstfruits, or are we content to offer Him merely what is convenient or leftover? When we faithfully manage and joyfully return a portion of our blessings to God, He counts it as true and acceptable worship, just as He did for the Levites' "tithe of the tithe." This act of giving, rooted in a heart of gratitude and obedience, becomes a tangible and powerful expression of our trust in His ongoing provision and our humble acknowledgment of His ultimate ownership over all things in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the "tithe of the tithe" mentioned in Numbers 18:30?
The "tithe of the tithe" refers to the specific instruction given to the Levites in Numbers 18. According to Numbers 18:21, the Levites received a tenth (a tithe) of all the produce and livestock from the other eleven tribes of Israel as their inheritance, since they were not allotted land. Numbers 18:26 then commands the Levites themselves to offer a tenth of this tithe they received to the high priest, Aaron, and his descendants. This secondary offering, a tithe taken from a tithe, is what is commonly known as the "tithe of the tithe." Numbers 18:30 specifically affirms that this offering from the Levites was considered holy and acceptable to God, just like the original tithes from the land.
Why was it important for the Levites, who received tithes, to also give an offering?
It was crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it powerfully reinforced the universal principle that all blessings ultimately originate from God, and therefore, everyone, regardless of their role or source of income, is called to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership through giving. Even those dedicated to sacred service were not exempt from this fundamental act of worship and submission. Secondly, it demonstrated the Levites' own faith and dependence on God, showing that they too trusted in His divine provision rather than solely relying on the tithes from Israel. Thirdly, this "tithe of the tithe" provided for the direct support of the Aaronic priesthood, who had even more specialized duties within the Tabernacle and even fewer means of self-support. This layered and interconnected system ensured that all who served in the sanctuary were adequately sustained through God's divinely ordained system of offerings and tithes, as meticulously detailed throughout Numbers 18.
Does the principle of Numbers 18:30 apply to Christians today?
While the specific Mosaic Law regarding the "tithe of the tithe" for Levites is part of the Old Covenant and not directly binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles are profoundly applicable and enduring. The verse teaches us invaluable lessons about stewardship, reminding us that everything we possess is a gift from God, and we are called to manage it faithfully and return a portion to Him in gratitude. It emphasizes generosity and the importance of giving our "best," not just leftovers, reflecting a heart of true worship and devotion. Furthermore, it highlights the timeless principle of supporting those who minister the gospel, just as the Levites and priests were supported by the community's offerings. New Testament passages like 1 Corinthians 9:14 affirm that "the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." Therefore, while the specific mechanism of giving differs, the spirit of giving to God from our increase and supporting those in ministry remains a vital and biblically rooted Christian practice, flowing from gratitude, faith, and obedience to God's ongoing work in the world.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 18:30, with its intricate system of offerings and the Levites' "tithe of the tithe," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament system, including the Levitical priesthood and its elaborate support structure, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect and enduring reality of Christ. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, not of the order of Aaron, but of Melchizedek, as illuminated in Hebrews 7:11-17. He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, thereby rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices and their associated tithes obsolete, as powerfully articulated in Hebrews 10:1-14. The principle of giving "the best thereof" is supremely fulfilled in Christ, who, being God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" and giving His very life as the ultimate and most perfect offering for sin, as described in Philippians 2:7-8. His sacrifice was the "best" beyond all human comprehension, effectively taking away the sin of the world, a truth proclaimed by John the Baptist in John 1:29. Furthermore, the concept of divine provision for those set apart for sacred service is now realized in the New Covenant through the Holy Spirit's empowerment of all believers for ministry and the Church's joyful and voluntary support of those who proclaim the gospel, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7-11. We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood," as declared in 1 Peter 2:9, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds, as exhorted in Hebrews 13:15-16. We give of our "increase" not under the compulsion of Mosaic Law, but out of a grateful and loving response to the immeasurable gift of Christ's salvation. Thus, the meticulous care for the Tabernacle's servants in Numbers 18:30 profoundly foreshadows God's even greater and more glorious provision for His new covenant people through the perfect and all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ.