Numbers 18:25-32

Why do the Levites also give from what they receive?

Berean Standard Bible

25 And the LORD instructed Moses, 26 “Speak to the Levites and tell them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe that I have given you as your inheritance, you must present part of it as an offering to the LORD—a tithe of the tithe. 27 Your offering will be reckoned to you as grain from the threshing floor or juice from the winepress. 28 So you are to present an offering to the LORD from all the tithes you receive from the Israelites, and from these you are to give the LORD’s offering to Aaron the priest. 29 You must present the offering due the LORD from all the best of every gift, the holiest part of it.’ 30 Therefore say to the Levites, ‘When you have presented the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the produce of the threshing floor or winepress. 31 And you and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere; it is the compensation for your work at the Tent of Meeting. 32 Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’”

What is the context?

The Levites must present a tenth of the tithe they receive, giving the Lord’s portion to Aaron. The best part is to be set apart from each gift.

After presenting that portion, they and their households may eat the rest as compensation for their work. Those who handle other people’s offerings remain responsible for their own obedience; receiving sacred provision does not permit withholding what the Lord has assigned elsewhere.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley stresses that helping others worship does not remove one’s own responsibility to give. The USCCB notes place these instructions after the separate provisions for priests and Levites. The distinction prevents treating all the gifts as one leader’s unrestricted private property.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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