In the Old Testament, the priests of Israel were designated a specific portion of the offerings brought by the people as part of their service to God. This provision was established to support the Levitical priesthood, who were set apart for the work of the tabernacle and later the temple, and who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The primary biblical texts outlining the priests' share of the offerings are found in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These passages detail the various types of offerings and the portions allocated to the priests.

1. Levitical Offerings: In Leviticus 7:28-34, the Lord commands Moses to instruct the Israelites regarding the peace offerings. The breast of the wave offering and the right thigh are given to the priests. "The right thigh you are to give to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings" (Leviticus 7:32).

2. Grain Offerings: Leviticus 2:1-3 describes the grain offering, from which a memorial portion is burned on the altar, and the remainder belongs to Aaron and his sons. "The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD" (Leviticus 2:3).

3. Sin and Guilt Offerings: The priests also received portions of the sin and guilt offerings. Leviticus 6:25-26 states that the priest who offers the sin offering shall eat it in a holy place. Similarly, the guilt offering is described in Leviticus 7:6-7, where it is noted that the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it.

4. Firstfruits and Tithes: Numbers 18:8-19 outlines the various contributions given to the priests, including the firstfruits and tithes. "All the holy contributions that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute" (Numbers 18:19).

5. Deuteronomic Instructions: Deuteronomy 18:1-5 reiterates the provision for the Levitical priests, emphasizing that they have no inheritance among the Israelites. Instead, they are to live on the offerings made to the LORD by fire and the tithes of the people.

Purpose and Significance

The allocation of offerings to the priests served several purposes. It provided for the material needs of the priests and their families, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties without the burden of agricultural labor. This system underscored the principle that those who serve at the altar should share in the offerings of the altar (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:13).

Moreover, the priests' share of the offerings symbolized the people's dedication to God and their acknowledgment of the priests' role as mediators between God and Israel. The offerings were a tangible expression of the covenant relationship, reminding the Israelites of their dependence on God and their responsibility to support His appointed servants.

Theological Implications

The priests' share of the offerings highlights the holiness and sanctity of the priestly office. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's provision for those He calls to serve Him. This provision is seen as a divine ordinance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the worship and service of God as central to the life of the covenant community.

In the New Testament, while the specific Levitical system is fulfilled in Christ, the principle of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters continues. The apostle Paul, for instance, draws on the Old Testament precedent to argue for the right of apostles and ministers to receive material support from the church (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

The priests' share of the offerings, therefore, serves as a foundational element in understanding the biblical model of provision for religious leaders and the community's role in sustaining the worship of God.