Numbers Chapter 18 — Duties of Priests and Levites
God outlines the specific responsibilities of the priests and Levites while establishing the system of tithes and offerings for their support.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Numbers 18:20
“The LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.””
This verse emphasizes the spiritual nature of the priestly calling over physical land ownership.
Numbers 18:21
““To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting.””
This establishes the tithe as the primary means of support for those dedicated to sanctuary service.
Chapter Summary
Numbers 18 establishes the distinct roles and rewards for the tribe of Levi following the rebellion of Korah. The Lord instructs Aaron that the priests and Levites are responsible for the sanctuary's holiness, bearing the 'iniquity of the sanctuary' to prevent divine wrath from falling on the rest of Israel. While the Levites assist with the Tent of Meeting, only Aaron’s line may approach the altar and the holy vessels. Because the tribe of Levi receives no land inheritance, God provides for them through the 'most holy things'—the portions of offerings, firstfruits, and the firstborn of livestock. The Levites are granted the tithes of the Israelites as their inheritance for their service. In turn, the Levites must also offer a 'tithe of the tithe' to the priests, ensuring that they too contribute the best of what they receive to the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Levites are appointed to assist the priests and maintain the Tent of Meeting. They are responsible for the general service of the sanctuary but are strictly forbidden from approaching the holy vessels or the altar to prevent death.
God declared that He Himself was their inheritance and portion. Instead of land, they were given the tithes of the other tribes as a reward for their exclusive service in the Tabernacle.
In the ancient Near East, salt was a symbol of permanence and incorruptibility. By calling the provision for the priests a 'covenant of salt,' God indicates that this agreement and their portion are everlasting.
After receiving the tithes from the people of Israel, the Levites were required to give a tenth of that best portion to the priests. This ensured that even the ministers of the sanctuary participated in the act of giving to the Lord.
Study Note
The phrase 'covenant of salt' in verse 19 highlights the enduring nature of God's promise to provide for the priestly line through the offerings of the community.
Related Chapters
Numbers 17
Explains the immediate context of God confirming Aaron's authority before these duties were assigned.
Leviticus 27
Connects the laws of tithes mentioned here to the earlier regulations in Leviticus.
Joshua 13
Shows the fulfillment of the command that the Levites receive no physical land inheritance.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.