◄ Numbers 5:10 ►
Each man's sacred gifts are his own, but whatever he gives to the priest will belong to the priest."
Study Bible
Each man's sacred gifts
The phrase "sacred gifts" refers to offerings that individuals dedicate to God. In Hebrew, the word for "sacred" is "qodesh," which implies something set apart for divine purposes. Historically, these gifts could include sacrifices, tithes, or other offerings that were considered holy. The concept of sacred gifts underscores the personal responsibility and privilege of each believer to honor God with their possessions. It reflects a heart of worship and gratitude, acknowledging that all blessings ultimately come from God.

are his own
This phrase emphasizes personal ownership and responsibility. In the context of ancient Israel, it was important for individuals to recognize their role in maintaining their relationship with God through their offerings. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on community and collective worship, yet this phrase highlights the personal aspect of faith. Each person is accountable for their own offerings, which signifies a personal commitment to God.

but whatever he gives to the priest
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was to act as a mediator between God and the people. The phrase "whatever he gives to the priest" indicates that once an offering is made, it transitions from personal ownership to a communal or divine purpose. The priests, from the tribe of Levi, were set apart to serve in the temple and manage the sacred rituals. This transfer of gifts to the priest symbolizes the act of giving to God, as the priests were His representatives on earth.

will belong to the priest
This final phrase confirms the transfer of ownership from the individual to the priest. In the Hebrew tradition, the priests were supported by the offerings of the people, as they did not have a land inheritance like the other tribes. This system ensured that the priests could fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual duties without concern for their material needs. The phrase also reflects the principle of provision within the community of faith, where those who serve God are cared for by the collective offerings of the people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people to whom the laws and instructions in the Book of Numbers were given. They were God's chosen people, journeying through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

2. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. They were intermediaries between God and the Israelites.

3. Sacred Gifts
Offerings or contributions made by the Israelites to God, which could include sacrifices, tithes, or other dedicated items.

4. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, through whom God communicated His laws and instructions, including those in the Book of Numbers.
Teaching Points
Ownership and Stewardship
The verse emphasizes that while sacred gifts are initially owned by the giver, once given, they belong to the priest. This teaches us about stewardship and the importance of releasing control over what we offer to God.

Support for Ministry
The passage highlights the biblical principle of supporting those who serve in ministry. Just as the priests were sustained by the offerings, modern-day ministers and church workers rely on the faithful giving of the congregation.

Heart of Giving
Giving should be done willingly and with the right heart. The act of giving sacred gifts reflects our devotion and gratitude to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

Faithfulness in Giving
The Israelites were called to be faithful in their offerings. Similarly, we are encouraged to be consistent and faithful in our financial support of the church and its ministries.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of sacred gifts in Numbers 5:10 relate to our understanding of tithes and offerings today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our giving supports those who are dedicated to serving in ministry, as seen in the role of the priests?

3. Reflect on a time when you gave something to God. How did it change your perspective on ownership and stewardship?

4. How can we cultivate a heart of generosity and willingness in our giving, as encouraged by the principles in Numbers 5:10?

5. What other biblical examples can you find that illustrate the importance of supporting those who work in ministry, and how can these examples inspire us in our giving practices?
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 priests receiving a share of the offerings.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul references the Old Testament practice of priests receiving offerings to support the principle that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Malachi 3:8-10
Discusses the importance of tithes and offerings, emphasizing the need for faithfulness in giving to God, which supports the work of the priests and the temple.
Sermons
Conscience MoneyW. Binnie Numbers 5:5-10
Fraud and ForgivenessW. Jones.Numbers 5:6-10
RestitutionNumbers 5:6-10
The Law as to FraudW. Attersoll.Numbers 5:6-10
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Becomes, Becometh, Belong, Gifts, Gives, Giveth, Hallowed, Holy, Man's, Priest, Sacred, Whatever, Whatsoever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 5:5-10

     6027   sin, remedy for

Library
Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Ciii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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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