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Numbers 18:21

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And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

And, behold, I have given {H5414} the children {H1121} of Levi {H3878} all the tenth {H4643} in Israel {H3478} for an inheritance {H5159}, for {H2500} their service {H5656} which they serve {H5647}, even the service {H5656} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

"To the descendants of Levi I have given the entire tenth of the produce collected in Isra'el. It is their inheritance in payment for the service they render in the tent of meeting.

Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.

And unto the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Numbers 18:21 outlines God's specific provision for the tribe of Levi, who were set apart for sacred duties in ancient Israel. This verse reveals the divine economy established to sustain those dedicated to the service of the Tabernacle.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers 18 where God clarifies the duties and provisions for the priesthood (descendants of Aaron) and the Levites. Following the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, which challenged the unique authority of Aaron and the Levites, God reaffirms their sacred calling and, importantly, their means of sustenance. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land because the Lord Himself was their inheritance. Therefore, their livelihood had to come from the contributions of the other Israelite tribes, specifically the tithes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision for Ministry: God instituted a system where those serving Him full-time in the Tabernacle would be sustained by the tithes of the people. This ensured that the Levites could dedicate themselves entirely to their spiritual duties without needing to engage in farming or other trades for their livelihood. It highlights God's commitment to caring for His servants.
  • The Role of the Levites: The "children of Levi" were responsible for the "service of the tabernacle of the congregation." This included disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys, guarding its sacred spaces, and assisting the priests in various rituals and sacrifices. Their service was vital for the spiritual well-being and worship life of the nation.
  • The Principle of Tithing: The "tenth" (tithe) was a mandatory contribution from the produce of the land and livestock of all Israelites. It was considered holy to the Lord and was the primary means by which the Levitical priesthood and Tabernacle operations were funded. This system underscored the Israelites' recognition that all their blessings came from God and that a portion was to be returned to Him for His work. The concept of tithing is also seen earlier in the Bible, such as Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek.

Linguistic Insights

The word "tenth" in Hebrew is ma'aser (מַעֲשֵׂר), referring specifically to a tithe or tenth part. This term emphasizes the exact, divinely mandated proportion to be given. The word "service" is from the Hebrew 'abodah (עֲבֹדָה), which can mean work, labor, or ministry, often implying worship or sacred duty. It signifies the dedicated, sacrificial work performed by the Levites in the Tabernacle, which was considered an act of worship to God.

Practical Application

Numbers 18:21 provides a foundational principle for the support of those in full-time ministry. Just as the Levites were set apart for sacred service and sustained by the community, so too does the New Testament affirm the principle that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel. This verse encourages believers today to support their spiritual leaders and ministries, recognizing that their contributions enable dedicated individuals to focus on serving God and His people. It also reminds us of God's faithfulness in providing for those who serve Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 10:37 (4 votes)

    And [that] we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

  • Nehemiah 12:44 (4 votes)

    ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

  • Numbers 18:6 (3 votes)

    And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you [they are] given [as] a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Hebrews 7:5 (3 votes)

    And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

  • Deuteronomy 14:22 (3 votes)

    ¶ Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

  • Deuteronomy 14:29 (3 votes)

    And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.

  • Nehemiah 10:29 (3 votes)

    They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;