Numbers 18:31

And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it [is] your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.

And ye shall eat {H398} it in every place {H4725}, ye and your households {H1004}: for it is your reward {H7939} for {H2500} your service {H5656} in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

You may eat it anywhere, you and your households; because it is your payment in return for your service in the tent of meeting.

And you and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere; it is the compensation for your work at the Tent of Meeting.

And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward in return for your service in the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Numbers 18:31 concludes a passage detailing God's provision for the Levites and priests, who had no territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. This verse specifically grants them permission to eat the holy portions they received, along with their families, affirming it as their rightful compensation for their dedicated service to the Lord.

Context

Chapter 18 of Numbers is pivotal in establishing the roles and responsibilities of the priesthood (descendants of Aaron) and the Levites in the sanctuary. It outlines their unique duties in the Tabernacle of the congregation and, crucially, their means of support. Since they were consecrated to God's service and did not receive a tribal land inheritance, God ordained that they would live off the offerings and tithes of the people. This verse specifically refers to the portion of the tithes the Levites received, which they then tithed to the priests (Numbers 18:21-28). The permission to eat it "in every place" signifies that it was not restricted to the Tabernacle precincts, unlike some other holy offerings, highlighting its nature as sustenance for their daily lives.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: The verse underscores God's meticulous care for those who serve Him, ensuring their sustenance and that of their families. It establishes a divine principle that those dedicated to spiritual service should be supported by the community they serve.
  • The Nature of "Reward": The word "reward" (Hebrew: ล›ฤkฤr) here signifies a rightful compensation or recompense for labor. It's not charity, but a divinely ordained right due to their full-time, exclusive dedication to the Lord's work in the Tabernacle. This portion allowed them to fulfill their duties without worldly distractions.
  • Holiness and Practicality: While the Levites and priests handled holy things, their provision also had a practical, everyday aspect. The permission to eat it "in every place" with their "households" acknowledges their human needs and the need to support their families, integrating their sacred duties with their daily lives.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Tabernacle of the congregation" (Hebrew: โ€™ลhel mลโ€˜ฤ“d) literally means "tent of meeting." It emphasizes the Tabernacle's role as the central place where God met with His people and where the Levites performed their sacred duties. The term "reward" (ืฉึธื‚ื›ึธืจ, ล›ฤkฤr) implies a just return for service, emphasizing that their provision was not a gift but a rightful due for their dedicated labor, a principle echoed in the New Testament regarding those who preach the gospel.

Practical Application

This verse provides a foundational principle for understanding the support of those in ministry. Just as God provided for the Levites and priests, the Church today is called to support those who dedicate their lives to full-time spiritual service. It highlights:

  • Responsibility of the Community: Believers have a responsibility to contribute to the sustenance of those who serve them spiritually, enabling them to focus on their divine calling (see also Galatians 6:6).
  • Value of Service: It affirms the immense value God places on dedicated service in His house. The Levites' work was essential for maintaining Israel's relationship with God, and their provision reflected that importance.
  • Trust in God's Provision: For those in ministry, this verse is a reminder to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for their needs and the needs of their families as they faithfully serve Him.

In essence, Numbers 18:31 solidifies the divine economic model for the Israelite priesthood, ensuring that those who devoted their lives to God's service would be sustained and honored for their essential work.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Matthew 10:10

    Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

  • 1 Timothy 5:17

    ยถ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

  • 1 Timothy 5:18

    For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward.

  • Luke 10:7

    And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10

    Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14

    Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

  • Galatians 6:6

    Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
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