In the Old Testament, the tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties and service to God, with the priests coming from the family of Aaron within the tribe. The Levites, including the priests, were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the offerings made by the people. This arrangement is detailed in several passages throughout the Pentateuch and other books of the Bible.

Biblical Foundation

The portions for the priests and Levites are primarily outlined in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Numbers 18:20-21 , the Lord declares 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 Levites were supported by the tithes of the Israelites. The tithe, which was a tenth of the produce of the land, was given to the Levites as their inheritance (Numbers 18:21). In turn, the Levites were required to offer a tenth of the tithe they received to the priests, the descendants of Aaron (Numbers 18:26-28).

In addition to the tithes, the priests received portions of various offerings. Leviticus 7:31-34 specifies that the breast of the wave offering and the right thigh of the peace offerings were given to the priests. The priests also received the firstfruits of the harvest, the firstborn of animals, and portions of sin and guilt offerings (Deuteronomy 18:3-5, Leviticus 6:25-26).

Cities and Pasturelands

While the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance, they were given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. Numbers 35:2-3 states, "Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance they possess, and you are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities. The cities will be theirs to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their cattle, their possessions, and all their animals."

Role and Responsibilities

The Levites were responsible for the care and transportation of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, as well as assisting the priests in their duties. They served as musicians, gatekeepers, and teachers of the Law. The priests, on the other hand, were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and interceding for the people.

Spiritual Significance

The portions for the priests and Levites underscore the principle that those who serve in the ministry are to be supported by the community they serve. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 , "Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat of the temple’s food, and those who serve at the altar partake of 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."

The system of support for the priests and Levites highlights the importance of dedicating resources to the service of God and ensuring that those who minister are provided for, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without the distraction of material concerns.