Numbers 18

Numbers 18 follows the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the budding of Aaron's rod (Numbers 17). At the end of chapter 17 the people were afraid, saying that whoever came near the tabernacle would die. Chapter 18 answers this fear by specifying who bears which responsibilities in guarding the sanctuary.

Outline

• Verses 1–7: The LORD speaks to Aaron. Aaron and his sons are to bear the iniquity of the sanctuary and of the priesthood. The Levites assist in the work of the tabernacle but may not come near the vessels of the sanctuary or the altar. The Levites and the priesthood are a "gift" from God, and any stranger who comes near is to be put to death.
• Verses 8–19: The priests' portion is established. The most holy things not consumed by fire, the heave offerings (offerings lifted up) and wave offerings (offerings waved before the LORD), the firstfruits and the first ripe fruits, every devoted thing, and every firstborn belong to the priests. The firstborn of humans and the firstlings of unclean animals are to be redeemed; a human firstborn is redeemed from one month of age for five shekels of silver. This portion is called "a covenant of salt for ever."
• Verses 20–24: Aaron has no inheritance in the land; the LORD is his portion. The tithe of Israel becomes the inheritance of the Levites, who serve in the tabernacle of the congregation.
• Verses 25–32: Through Moses the LORD commands the Levites. From the tithes they receive, the Levites are to offer a tithe of the tithe, taken from the best part, as a heave offering to the LORD and give it to Aaron the priest. The remainder they may eat in any place as their reward for their service in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Key Verses

• Numbers 18:20 "I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel." This statement grounds the priests' livelihood and identity not in land but in God.
• Numbers 18:19 "It is a covenant of salt for ever." The unchanging nature of salt serves as an image of the enduring promise of the priests' portion.
• Numbers 18:26 "Ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe." This shows that even the Levites, who receive the tithe, are not exempt from giving.

People and Places

• Aaron: Moses' elder brother, who held the office of high priest.
• Moses: Conveys the ordinances concerning the tithe to the Levites.
• Levites: The tribe that assists in the work of the tabernacle, with duties distinct from those of the priests.
• Tabernacle of the congregation (tabernacle of witness): The portable sanctuary in which Israel worshiped in the wilderness.

Points for Reflection

• In the New Testament, Paul appeals to the principle that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar when he speaks of the support of those who preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9), and Hebrews notes that the sons of Levi received tithes according to the law (Hebrews 7).
• Opinions differ on whether the tithe in this chapter should be applied directly to giving in the church today. Some regard it as an abiding principle, while others hold that, together with the Levitical system, it was fulfilled in Christ and replaced by voluntary giving (tithing debate).
• Protestants generally understand the Old Testament priesthood to have been fulfilled in Christ, so that all believers are priests (priesthood of all believers). The Catholic and Orthodox churches, among others, place greater emphasis on its continuity with the ordained priesthood.

In Korean Churches

• Verse 20 is frequently cited in sermons on the calling of ministers and on a life of simplicity and frugality.
• Verse 21 is often cited when explaining the purpose of the tithe or discussing pastoral compensation.