Numbers 18:9

KJV

This shall be thine of the most holy things, [reserved] from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, [shall be] most holy for thee and for thy sons.

KJV (with Strong's)

This shall be thine of the most {H6944} holy things {H6944}, reserved from the fire {H784}: every oblation {H7133} of theirs, every meat offering {H4503} of theirs, and every sin offering {H2403} of theirs, and every trespass offering {H817} of theirs, which they shall render {H7725} unto me, shall be most {H6944} holy {H6944} for thee and for thy sons {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what is to be yours of the especially holy things taken from the fire: every offering they make - that is, every grain offering, sin offering and guilt offering of theirs that they turn over to me - will be especially holy for you and your sons.

Berean Standard Bible

A portion of the most holy offerings reserved from the fire will be yours. From all the offerings they render to Me as most holy offerings, whether grain offerings or sin offerings or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons.

American Standard Version

This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, even every meal-offering of theirs, and every sin-offering of theirs, and every trespass-offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 18:9 outlines God's specific provision for the Aaronic priesthood, detailing the portions of "most holy" offerings—namely, grain offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings—that were to be set aside for Aaron and his sons as their sustenance. This divine directive underscores the sanctity of the priests' role, their complete dependence on God's provision through the sacrificial system, and the meticulous order established for the Tabernacle service, ensuring the livelihood of those consecrated to minister before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of the book of Numbers (chapters 16-18) that addresses the sanctity and exclusivity of the Aaronic priesthood. Immediately preceding this, God decisively reconfirms Aaron's priestly authority through the miraculous budding of his staff in [Numbers 17](/numbers/17 "Numbers 17 - Aaron's Staff Buds"), following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). Chapter 18 then details the specific duties of the Levites and priests, emphasizing their unique responsibilities and, crucially, their means of support. Verse 9 specifically addresses the "most holy" portions, distinguishing them from other offerings and establishing the priests' right to consume them, thereby providing for their livelihood as they served in the Tabernacle, free from secular concerns.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Numbers 18:9 were given during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period when the Tabernacle served as the central hub of their religious and national life. In ancient Near Eastern societies, priests often received a share of offerings as their income, but here, the provision is explicitly from God, emphasizing His direct care for His consecrated servants. The concept of "most holy things" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, _qodesh qodashim_) was deeply embedded in Israelite worship, signifying items or portions of offerings that were exclusively God's or so sacred that only consecrated priests could handle or consume them, and then only in a ritually clean state within the Tabernacle precincts. This system ensured the priests' sustenance while reinforcing the sacred nature of their calling and the offerings themselves.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 18:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision for Ministry**, demonstrating God's meticulous care for those He calls into service. Just as the Levites had no tribal land inheritance, their livelihood was directly tied to the offerings made to the Lord, freeing them to fully dedicate themselves to their sacred duties (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - Priests' Inheritance")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Holiness of the Priesthood and Offerings**. The designation "most holy things" emphasizes the extreme sanctity of both the offerings themselves and the high degree of ritual purity required of the priests who handled and consumed them. This reinforces the idea that access to God and His sacred presence was mediated through a consecrated priesthood and specific, holy rituals. Thirdly, it illustrates God's **Meticulous Order and Distinction**, clearly delineating which portions of which offerings were designated for the priests, distinguishing them from portions burned on the altar or those consumed by the offerer. This precision reflects God's desire for order in worship and His faithful commitment to the well-being of His chosen servants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** While the KJV translates this as "meat offering," the Hebrew word מִנְחָה (_minchah_) more accurately refers to a "grain offering" or "tribute." This offering typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, often presented without leaven or honey, and could accompany animal sacrifices or be offered independently. It was a voluntary offering, expressing devotion, gratitude, or seeking favor. The priests received a specific portion of this offering that was not burned on the altar (cf. [Leviticus 2:3](/leviticus/2-3 "Leviticus 2:3 - Priest's share of grain offering")).
* **Most holy (Hebrew, _qodesh qodashim'_):** This phrase, קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים (_qodesh qodashim_), literally means "holiness of holinesses" or "most holy." It is a superlative expression indicating the highest degree of sanctity. In the Tabernacle, it referred to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space, and also to certain offerings or objects that were set apart for God's exclusive use or for consumption only by consecrated priests within the sacred precincts. This designation emphasizes the profound sacredness of the offerings and the unique, consecrated status of the priests who were permitted to partake of them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This shall be thine of the most holy things, [reserved] from the fire:"** This opening clause directly addresses Aaron, establishing his personal claim to a share of the offerings. The phrase "most holy things" immediately sets the context of extreme sanctity. "Reserved from the fire" clarifies that these are portions of offerings that are *not* entirely consumed on the altar as a burnt offering (which ascends entirely to God), but rather are set aside before or after the burning of a memorial portion. This signifies a distinct allocation for the priests.
* **"every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs,"** This enumerates the specific categories of offerings from which the priests' "most holy" portion is derived. "Oblation" (KJV) is a general term for an offering, here likely encompassing the grain offering. The "meat offering" (grain offering), "sin offering," and "trespass offering" are distinct types of sacrifices, each with specific purposes (e.g., atonement for unintentional sin, restitution for wrongdoing). The inclusion of "theirs" emphasizes that these are offerings brought by the people to the Lord.
* **"which they shall render unto me, [shall be] most holy for thee and for thy sons."** This concluding phrase reinforces the divine origin of these provisions ("unto me") and reiterates the "most holy" nature of the portions. Crucially, it extends the benefit to Aaron's "sons," meaning the male priests of his lineage, ensuring the perpetual sustenance of the Aaronic priesthood. The emphasis on "most holy" for them signifies that these portions, though consumed by humans, retain their sacred character and must be treated with utmost reverence, consumed only by those consecrated and ritually clean within the Tabernacle courtyard.

#### Literary Devices
The text employs **Legalistic Language** and **Enumeration** to meticulously define the priestly portions. The precise listing of "every oblation... every meat offering... every sin offering... and every trespass offering" demonstrates a systematic, divinely ordained legal code, leaving no ambiguity regarding the priests' entitlements. This detailed enumeration also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the sacredness inherent in each type of offering. The repeated use of "most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים) functions as a **Leitwort** (a guiding word or motif), drawing attention to the extreme sanctity of the offerings and the elevated status of those permitted to partake of them. This repetition ensures the reader grasps the profound reverence required in handling these sacred provisions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 18:9 establishes a foundational principle of divine provision for those dedicated to God's service, linking their sustenance directly to the sacred offerings. This system not only ensured the livelihood of the priests, allowing them to focus entirely on their holy duties without distraction, but also reinforced the people's responsibility to support the Tabernacle ministry through their offerings. The "most holy" designation further highlights the profound sanctity of the covenant relationship and the meticulous order God requires in worship. This Old Testament pattern of supporting those who minister God's Word finds continuity and reinterpretation in the New Covenant, where spiritual laborers are likewise worthy of their support, enabling them to devote themselves fully to the gospel.

* [Leviticus 6:16](/leviticus/6-16 "Leviticus 6:16 - Priests' share of grain offering")
* [Leviticus 6:26](/leviticus/6-26 "Leviticus 6:26 - Priests' share of sin offering")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1 - Priests' inheritance from offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 18:9, though rooted in ancient Israelite priestly law, offers profound and enduring principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and provision, who meticulously cares for those He calls into service. Just as the priests were sustained by the offerings of the people, freed to focus on their sacred duties, so too does God intend for those who minister the Gospel today to be supported by the community of faith. This calls us to a posture of generosity and reverence—generosity in supporting those who serve, and reverence for the resources dedicated to God's work, recognizing them as "most holy." It also fosters a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that if He provided so meticulously for the physical needs of His Old Covenant servants, how much more will He provide for those who seek His kingdom and righteousness today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the priests in Numbers 18:9 inform your understanding of His care for those in ministry today?**
* **In what ways can the principle of treating offerings as "most holy" be applied to our stewardship of resources dedicated to God's work in the church?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of supporting spiritual leaders, allowing them to focus on their calling without distraction?**

### FAQ

**What does "reserved from the fire" mean in the context of these offerings?**

Answer: "Reserved from the fire" means that these specific portions of the offerings were not to be burned up entirely on the altar as a burnt offering, which would ascend wholly to God as a "sweet aroma." Instead, after a symbolic portion (the "memorial portion") was burned on the altar to the Lord, the remaining designated parts of the grain offering, sin offering, and trespass offering were set aside for the priests. This distinction highlights that while a part was given to God in fire, another part was divinely allocated for the sustenance of His consecrated servants, emphasizing God's direct provision for their livelihood from the very sacrifices offered to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 18:9, with its focus on the priests' sustenance from "most holy things," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While the Old Testament priests received their livelihood from the physical offerings, Jesus Christ, our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), is Himself the ultimate and perfect offering—the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is both the offerer and the offering, fulfilling all the requirements of the Law. Believers, through faith in Christ, become a "[holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")" offering spiritual sacrifices, and our sustenance is not from physical portions of offerings, but from the life and truth of Christ Himself, the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and the "[living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, Living Water")". The meticulous provision for the Old Covenant priests foreshadows God's even greater, spiritual provision for His New Covenant people, who are sustained by the finished work of Christ and the spiritual nourishment of His Word, enabling them to serve Him fully in their priestly calling of worship and witness.

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

Leviticus 7:7

As the sin offering [is], so [is] the trespass offering: [there is] one law for them: the priest that maketh atonement therewith shall have [it].

Leviticus 4:22

¶ When a ruler hath sinned, and done [somewhat] through ignorance [against] any of the commandments of the LORD his God [concerning things] which should not be done, and is guilty;

Leviticus 6:25

Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed shall the sin offering be killed before the LORD: it [is] most holy.

Leviticus 6:26

The priest that offereth it for sin shall eat it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 4:27

¶ And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

Leviticus 14:13

And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the holy place: for as the sin offering [is] the priest's, [so is] the trespass offering: it [is] most holy:

Leviticus 5:6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.