"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. “Speak to the Levites and tell them:Moses was to deliver God’s instruction directly to the tribe appointed for the service of the tabernacle. Though the Levites received no tribal territory in Canaan, God provided cities and pasturelands for them and assigned the people’s tithes for their support. Deu 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi… ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe that I have given you as your inheritance, The tithe belonged to the Lord and was given to the Levites as their appointed provision for guarding and serving at the tent of meeting. Their livelihood depended on God’s faithful provision through the obedience of Israel. Deu 18:1-2 The Levitical priests shall have no portion… you must present part of it as an offering to the LORD— The Levites were not exempt from giving because they lived from sacred offerings. They were to acknowledge that all they received came from the Lord and that His servants remain accountable to honor Him with what has been entrusted to them. Lev 27:30-32 Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed… a tithe of the tithe. A tenth of the Levites’ tithe was presented to the Lord and given to Aaron and the priestly household (Numbers 18:28). The arrangement sustained those who ministered before God while teaching that every gift received from His hand should be used in grateful worship and faithful stewardship. Neh 10:38 A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites… Persons / Places / Events 1. LevitesA tribe in Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. They were not given a land inheritance like the other tribes but were supported through the tithes of the Israelites. 2. Israelites The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were commanded to give a tithe of their produce and livestock to support the Levites. 3. Tithe A tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory tax to the government. In this context, it refers to the portion given by the Israelites to the Levites. 4. Inheritance The portion or allotment given by God to the Levites, which was the tithe from the other tribes, as they did not receive a land inheritance. 5. The LORD’s Offering The portion of the tithe that the Levites were required to offer back to God, signifying their acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty. Teaching Points The Principle of Giving Back to GodThe Levites, though recipients of the tithe, were also required to give a portion back to God. This teaches us that no matter our role or position, we are all called to give back to God from what we receive. Acknowledgment of God’s Provision By offering a tenth of the tithe, the Levites acknowledged that their sustenance and inheritance were from God. This reminds us to recognize and honor God as the source of all our blessings. The Cycle of Blessing and Responsibility The system of tithing established a cycle where everyone contributed and benefited. It highlights the importance of community support and shared responsibility in the body of Christ. Faithfulness in Stewardship The Levites' obligation to tithe from their received tithes underscores the importance of being faithful stewards of what God entrusts to us, regardless of the amount. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the requirement for the Levites to tithe from their received tithes challenge our understanding of stewardship and giving today?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of acknowledging God’s provision in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of tithing in Numbers 18:26 relate to the New Testament teachings on giving and generosity? 4. What are some practical ways we can support and contribute to our faith community, similar to the system of tithing among the Israelites? 5. How can we ensure that our giving is done with the right heart and attitude, reflecting the principles seen in Numbers 18:26? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 27:30-32Discusses the concept of tithing and its importance as holy to the Lord, establishing the foundation for the practice seen in Numbers 18:26. Malachi 3:10 Encourages bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse, promising blessings for obedience, which echoes the principles of giving seen in Numbers 18:26. Hebrews 7:5-9 Reflects on the practice of tithing in the context of the Levitical priesthood, providing a New Testament perspective on the Old Testament practice.
People Aaron, Israelites, Levi, Levites, MosesPlaces Wilderness of ParanTopics Apart, Gift, Hast, Heave, Heave-offering, Heritage, Inheritance, Israelites, Levites, Lifted, Lord's, Moreover, Offer, Offered, Offering, Present, Receive, Sons, Speak, Tenth, Thus, Tithe, Tithes, WaveDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 18:26Library Service a Gift... I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift.'--NUM. xviii. 7. All Christians are priests--to offer sacrifices, alms, especially prayers; to make God known to men. I. Our priesthood is a gift of God's love. We are apt to think of our duties as burdensome. They are an honour and a mark of God's grace. 1. They are His gift-- (a) The power to do. All capacities and possessions from Him. (b) The wish to do. 'Worketh in you to will.' (c) The right to do, through Christ. 2. … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Whether Angels Grieve for the Ills of those whom they Guard? Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Numbers Links Numbers 18:26 NIVNumbers 18:26 NLT Numbers 18:26 ESV Numbers 18:26 NASB Numbers 18:26 KJV Numbers 18:26 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |