Numbers 18:20 - Meaning and Application

Here is a further account of the provision made for both the Levites and the priests from the land.

They were to have no inheritance in the land. Later, only cities were allowed them to live in, but no land of their own to work, as the Lord said, “You will have no share among them” (Numbers 18:20). This is repeated again in Numbers 18:23 and Numbers 18:24. God wanted them well provided for, but not made rich, so that they would not grow too proud for the service their pay required them to keep doing.

Israel was a special people and was not to be counted among the other nations. In the same way, Levi was a special tribe and was not to be settled like the others. God gives the reason plainly: “I am your share and your inheritance.” Those who have God as their lasting inheritance should hold earthly property with holy freedom and not crave a great share in this world. “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:24).

The Levites had no land inheritance, and yet they lived well and had enough. This shows that God has many ways to support those who depend on him. Birds do not sow and yet are fed, and lilies do not spin and yet are clothed. In the same way, the Levites had no land in Israel and still were better cared for than any other tribe.

The warning that no Israelite should come near the tabernacle appears again here, even though it seems to come in suddenly (Numbers 18:22). It fits with the command that the priests and Levites were not to have land in Israel. God gives different gifts to different people. The Levites had the honor of serving at the tabernacle, which was denied to the other Israelites. The Israelites, in turn, had land in Canaan, which was denied to the Levites. This keeps each group from envying or despising the other, and both should be glad in their place.

If ministers expect people to stay in their proper place and not take over sacred duties, then they should also stay in theirs and not become tangled in worldly business.

But both groups were supported by tithes from the land. Besides the firstfruits set apart for the priests, which the Jews say were a fiftieth or at least a sixtieth part, the tithe was also assigned. The Levites received the tithes of the people’s increase (Numbers 18:21). God says, in effect, “I have given them all the tenths in Israel,” meaning the tenths of all the land’s produce, for their service in the tabernacle.

The Levites were the smallest tribe, yet they received a tenth of the yearly produce, and they did so without the work and cost of farming. God took care of those devoted to his service. He wanted them not only supported, but also honored by the nation as servants for the public good and as his appointed receivers of these gifts. What was offered up to the Lord was then given by him to the Levites.

The priests were to receive a tenth of the Levites’ tithes. Moses was told to give this command to the Levites, so they would offer it willingly instead of having it demanded by authority. God preferred them to give cheerfully rather than to be pressed into it.

The Levites were to give God his due from their own tithes, just as the Israelites gave from their increase. They were God’s tenants, so rent was due from them too, and their office did not excuse them. In the same way now, ministers should give to others from what they receive. The more freely they have received, the more freely they should give, and they should be examples of generosity. “You shall offer a heave-offering to the Lord” (Numbers 18:26). Those who help lead the worship of others must be sure to offer their own worship. Prayers and praises lifted to God, or rather the heart lifted in them, are now our heave-offerings.

God says this will count for them as though it were grain from the threshing floor. Even though it was not the fruit of their own land or labor, like the tithes of other Israelites, it was still accepted from what they had. In that way, the rest was made holy too.

This tithe from the Levites was to be given to Aaron the priest (Numbers 18:28), and then to his successors, the high priests, who would divide it among the lower priests as they saw fit. Most of the priests’ income, given earlier in the chapter, came from the sacrifices and belonged to the priests who served constantly at the altar. But since many priests also worked in the country, teaching and governing, it is likely that the high priest directed these tithes for their support. Learned bishop Patrick thought the tenth part of this last tithe may have been kept for the high priest himself, to support his standing and dignity, since no other special provision for him is clearly named.

After the Levites had given the tenth as a heave-offering to the Lord, they were free to enjoy the other nine parts (Numbers 18:30). When they had first lifted off the best part, for God’s portion must still be the best, they could eat the rest with full freedom, in any place, for themselves and their households (Numbers 18:31). Here we learn the right way to enjoy worldly goods without bearing guilt because of them (Numbers 18:32).

First, we must make sure what we have is gained honestly and in God’s service. “It is your reward for your service.” Food that is earned is the best food. “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). There is special comfort in what comes as the reward of faithful service in the tabernacle.

Second, we must make sure God gets his due from what we have. We enjoy our goods best when we honor the Lord with them. “You shall bear no sin by reason of it,” after you have lifted off the best. This warns us never to eat and enjoy carelessly, because our table can become a trap and bring us guilt. That is why we should give alms from what we have, so that all we keep may be clean and truly comfortable to us.