Numbers 5:10

Context of Numbers 5:10

Numbers chapter 5 primarily addresses laws concerning ritual purity within the Israelite camp, dealing with defilement, confession, restitution, and the challenging "law of jealousy" for suspected infidelity. Verse 10, however, shifts focus to a specific aspect of offerings and the Levitical priesthood. It acts as a concise declaration regarding the ownership of certain consecrated items, clarifying what belongs to the individual who dedicates it versus what becomes the property of the priest. This verse follows the regulations for restitution in cases where a person has wronged another but the wronged party has no kinsman to receive compensation (see Numbers 5:8), in which case the restitution goes to the priest. Numbers 5:10 serves as a general principle or summary reinforcing the priest's entitlement to specific portions of offerings.

Key Themes and Messages

• Priestly Sustenance: The core message is God's provision for the priests. Since the priests, being of the tribe of Levi, did not receive a land inheritance in Canaan like the other tribes, their sustenance came directly from the offerings and tithes of the people. This verse underscores that certain offerings given to the priest were intended for his personal support and became his rightful possession.
• Consecration and Ownership: The phrase "hallowed things" (Hebrew: qodashim) refers to items or offerings consecrated, or "set apart," for God. While these are initially dedicated to the Lord, this verse clarifies that once given to the priest as part of his designated portion, they become his own property. This distinguishes between general offerings for the Tabernacle and specific portions for the priests' livelihood.
• Divine Order and Justice: God established a meticulous system for the Tabernacle service and the support of those who ministered within it. This verse highlights the divine order that ensured those serving the Lord had their needs met, reinforcing the principle that those who minister spiritually should be supported materially by the community (compare with 1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

Linguistic Insights

The term "hallowed things" translates the Hebrew word qodashim (קֳדָשִׁים), which is the plural form of qodesh, meaning "holy" or "set apart." These are items that have been dedicated or consecrated to God. The verse emphasizes that even these consecrated items, once they are designated as the priest's portion, become his personal property. The repetition of "it shall be his" reinforces the clear transfer of ownership from the offerer to the priest for these specific provisions.

Practical Application

While the specific practices of the Mosaic Law are not directly applicable to New Covenant believers, the underlying principles remain relevant.

• Support for Ministry: This verse illustrates the biblical principle of providing for those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. Just as the Old Testament priests were supported by the community's offerings, the New Testament encourages believers to provide for those who teach them God's Word and minister to them (see Galatians 6:6).
• Giving to God's Work: The act of bringing "hallowed things" speaks to the importance of dedicating our resources, talents, and time to God's purposes. While not under the same ceremonial laws, believers are still called to give generously and cheerfully to support the work of the church and the spread of the Gospel.
• God's Faithfulness: This verse also subtly points to God's faithfulness in caring for His servants. He instituted a system to ensure His priests were provided for, demonstrating His commitment to those who serve Him wholeheartedly. This offers assurance that God cares for those who commit their lives to Him.