The concept of priestly provision in the Bible refers to the means by which the priests, who served in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, were supported and sustained. This provision was established by God to ensure that those who ministered before Him could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without the distraction of secular employment. The provision for the priests is detailed primarily in the Pentateuch, with additional references throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Levitical Support

The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties, and within this tribe, the family of Aaron was designated as the priesthood (Exodus 28:1). The Levites, who assisted the priests, were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were supported through the tithes and offerings of the people. Numbers 18:20-21 states, "The LORD said to Aaron, 'You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting.'"

Tithes and Offerings

The primary means of support for the priests and Levites came from the tithes of the Israelites. The tithe, which was a tenth of the produce of the land, was given to the Levites, who in turn gave a tenth of that to the priests (Numbers 18:26-28). In addition to tithes, the priests received portions of certain sacrifices. For example, the priests were entitled to the breast and right thigh of the peace offerings (Leviticus 7:31-34). They also received the firstfruits of the harvest, the firstborn of the flocks, and other dedicated items (Deuteronomy 18:3-5).

Sacrificial Portions

The sacrificial system provided additional means of sustenance for the priests. Portions of various offerings, such as the sin offering and guilt offering, were allocated to the priests. Leviticus 6:26 notes, "The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting." These portions were considered holy and were to be consumed in a designated sacred space.

Cities and Pasturelands

In addition to the tithes and offerings, the Levites were given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock (Numbers 35:1-8). These cities, known as Levitical cities, were scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes, ensuring that the Levites could minister to the people across the nation.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the principle of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters is reaffirmed. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 , draws a parallel between the Old Testament provision for priests and the support of Christian ministers: "Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat of the temple’s food, and those who attend to the altar share in the altar’s offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."

Conclusion

The biblical model of priestly provision underscores the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. This provision allowed the priests and Levites to focus on their sacred duties, ensuring the proper worship and spiritual guidance of the nation of Israel. The principles established in the Old Testament continue to inform the practice of supporting religious leaders in the Christian faith today.