Numbers 18:9

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Numbers 18:9 (KJV)

Numbers 18:9 is a specific instruction from God to Aaron, detailing the portions of certain offerings that were designated as sustenance for the priests. This verse is part of a larger discourse outlining the responsibilities and provisions for the Levitical priesthood, ensuring their livelihood as they served in the Tabernacle.

Context

This verse appears within Numbers chapter 18, where God establishes the distinct roles of the Levites and, more specifically, the Aaronic priests. Following the challenge to priestly authority in Korah's rebellion, God reconfirms Aaron's exclusive right to the priesthood and outlines the precise duties and the means of support for him and his sons. The offerings mentioned here are the "most holy" portions, meaning they were the most sacred and could only be eaten by male priests within the Tabernacle courtyard.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: God Himself establishes the system by which His chosen servants, the priests, are to be sustained. Their livelihood comes directly from the offerings made to the Lord, freeing them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without distraction. This principle of supporting those who minister God's Word is echoed in the New Testament.
  • Holiness of the Priesthood and Offerings: The phrase "most holy things" emphasizes the extreme sanctity of the designated portions. This underscores the sacred nature of the offerings themselves and the high degree of holiness required of the priests who handled and consumed them.
  • Distinction of Portions: The verse clarifies that specific parts of offerings, "reserved from the fire" (i.e., not burned on the altar), were set aside for the priests. This highlights God's meticulous order and provision within the sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "meat offering" is a translation of the Hebrew word minchah (ืžึดื ึฐื—ึธื”), which is more accurately understood as a grain offering or meal offering. This offering typically consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense, often accompanying burnt offerings. The phrase "most holy" translates the Hebrew qodesh qodashim (ืงึนื“ึถืฉื ืงึธื“ึธืฉึดืื™ื), signifying the highest degree of sanctity, reserved for God's direct use or for those consecrated to Him in the most intimate ways.

Related Scriptures

  • Leviticus 2:3 and Leviticus 6:16 detail the priest's share of the grain offering.
  • The portions for the sin offering are also mentioned in Leviticus 6:26.
  • For the trespass offering, Leviticus 7:6 specifies the priest's share.
  • The overall principle of the priests having no inheritance in the land but living from the offerings is found in Deuteronomy 18:1.

Practical Application

Numbers 18:9 offers timeless principles for believers today. It underscores God's commitment to providing for those who serve Him in dedicated ministry. For the church, this verse serves as a foundational example of:

  1. Supporting Spiritual Leaders: Just as God provided for the Old Testament priests, there's a biblical precedent for the community of faith to support those who minister God's Word and shepherd His flock, allowing them to focus on their calling.
  2. Reverence for Sacred Resources: It reminds us that offerings made to God, and the resources dedicated to His work, are "most holy" and should be treated with deep respect and integrity.
  3. God's Faithfulness: The verse is a testament to God's meticulous care and faithfulness in providing for His people and His appointed servants.

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

  • 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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
โ† Back