Numbers 18:8
Then the LORD said to Aaron, "Behold, I have put you in charge of My offerings. As for all the sacred offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute.
Then the LORD said to Aaron
This phrase establishes the divine origin of the instructions that follow. The LORD, Yahweh, is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. The direct communication to Aaron highlights his unique role as the high priest and mediator between God and Israel. Historically, Aaron's position was crucial in maintaining the spiritual and ritual purity of the nation. This divine address underscores the authority and sacredness of the instructions given.

Behold
The word "behold" is a call to attention, urging the listener or reader to focus on what is about to be revealed. In Hebrew, the word often used is "hinneh," which serves as an imperative to observe or consider something significant. It indicates that what follows is of great importance and requires careful consideration and acceptance.

I have given you charge
This phrase indicates a divine bestowal of responsibility and authority. The Hebrew root for "given" is "natan," which means to grant or bestow. This is not merely a task but a sacred trust from God to Aaron. The concept of "charge" implies stewardship and accountability, reflecting the seriousness of the priestly duties.

of the contributions made to Me
The "contributions" refer to the offerings and gifts brought by the Israelites to the LORD. These were acts of worship and devotion, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision. The Hebrew term "terumah" is often used for offerings that are set apart for sacred purposes. This highlights the holiness of the offerings and the privilege and responsibility of Aaron and his descendants to handle them.

all the holy gifts of the Israelites
The "holy gifts" are those set apart for God, sanctified for His service. The Hebrew word "qodesh" denotes something consecrated or sacred. These gifts were a tangible expression of the Israelites' dedication to God and their recognition of His holiness. Aaron's role in managing these gifts underscores the need for purity and reverence in handling what is dedicated to God.

I give them to you and your sons
This phrase emphasizes the hereditary nature of the priestly office. The gifts are not only for Aaron but also for his descendants, establishing a perpetual priesthood. This provision ensures the sustenance of the priestly family, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without concern for material needs. It reflects God's provision and care for those who serve Him.

as a perpetual portion
The term "perpetual" signifies an everlasting covenant, a continuous provision that does not end. The Hebrew word "olam" conveys the idea of eternity or an indefinite duration. This perpetual portion is a symbol of God's unending faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant with the priesthood. It assures Aaron and his descendants of their ongoing role and sustenance in God's service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who establishes the laws and statutes for His people.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, representing the priestly line.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are commanded to bring offerings and contributions to the LORD.

4. Holy Offerings
These are the sacred gifts and sacrifices brought by the Israelites, dedicated to God.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the offerings are brought and where Aaron and his sons serve.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
God ensures that those who serve Him, like Aaron and his sons, are provided for through the offerings of the people. This reflects God's care and provision for those dedicated to His service.

The Sacredness of Offerings
The offerings are described as "holy," indicating their set-apart nature for God's purposes. This calls believers to treat their own offerings to God with reverence and intentionality.

The Permanence of God's Statutes
The statute given to Aaron and his sons is described as "permanent," highlighting the enduring nature of God's commands and the importance of faithfulness across generations.

The Role of the Priesthood
Aaron's role as a mediator between God and the people prefigures the ultimate mediation of Christ. Believers are called to recognize and appreciate the spiritual leadership and intercession provided by those in ministry.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God's provision for Aaron and his sons in Numbers 18:8 reflect His care for those who serve Him today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our offerings to God are treated as "holy" and set apart for His purposes?

3. How does the concept of a "permanent statute" in this passage encourage us to uphold God's commands in our own lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the priesthood of Aaron and the priesthood of Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

5. How can we support and honor those who serve in spiritual leadership within our communities, in light of the provisions made for Aaron and his sons?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 7:28-34
This passage outlines the portions of the peace offerings that are given to the priests, establishing a precedent for the priestly portions.

Deuteronomy 18:1-5
This passage reiterates the provision for the priests and Levites, emphasizing their role and the support they receive from the offerings.

Hebrews 5:1-4
This New Testament passage discusses the role of the high priest, drawing connections to Aaron's priesthood and the ultimate priesthood of Christ.
The Provision for the PriestsD. Young Numbers 18:8-20
People
Aaron, Israelites, Levi, Levites, Moses
Places
Wilderness of Paran
Topics
Aaron, Age-during, Allotment, Anointing, Behold, Care, Charge, Command, Consecrated, Due, Everlasting, Forever, Gifts, Hallowed, Heave, Heave-offerings, Holy, Israelites, Kept, Lifted, Marked, Myself, Offerings, Oil, Ordinance, Perpetual, Portion, Presented, Reason, Regular, Share, Sons, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Statute, Wave, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 18:7-9

     5073   Aaron, priest

Numbers 18:8-10

     5707   male and female

Numbers 18:8-13

     4438   eating

Numbers 18:8-19

     4442   firstfruits

Library
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?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels grieve for the ills of those whom they guard. For it is written (Is. 33:7): "The angels of peace shall weep bitterly." But weeping is a sign of grief and sorrow. Therefore angels grieve for the ills of those whom they guard. Objection 2: Further, according to Augustine (De Civ. Dei xiv, 15), "sorrow is for those things that happen against our will." But the loss of the man whom he has guarded is against the guardian angel's will. Therefore angels grieve for
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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