Numbers 18:28 - Thus you also shall offer a wave offering to Yahweh of all your tithes, which you receive of the children of Israel; and of it you shall give Yahweh’s wave offering to Aaron the priest.

Generated Verse: Numbers 18:28

What does "Numbers 18:28" mean?


Numbers 18:28 describes a system for the Levites to tithe their tithes. Let's break down the meaning:

"Thus you also shall offer a wave offering to Yahweh of all your tithes, which you receive of the children of Israel...": The Levites, who didn't receive a land inheritance like the other tribes, were supported by the tithes (10% of produce, livestock, etc.) brought by the Israelites. This verse instructs the Levites that they, in turn, must also tithe. From the tithes they receive, they must take a portion to offer to Yahweh. This portion is called a "wave offering."

"...and of it you shall give Yahweh’s wave offering to Aaron the priest.": The "wave offering" portion that the Levites tithe is to be given to Aaron, the high priest, and his descendants who served as priests. This served as a form of support for the priesthood.

In essence, the verse establishes a secondary tithe:

1. The Israelites tithe to support the Levites.
2. The Levites tithe a portion of their tithes to support the priests (specifically, Aaron and his priestly line).

Significance and Purpose:

Hierarchical Support: This system ensured that both the Levites and the priests, who dedicated their lives to serving in the Tabernacle/Temple, were provided for.
Holiness and Dedication: It highlights the principle that even those serving God must acknowledge God's ownership of everything. By titheing from their own receipts, the Levites recognized God's provision in their lives.
Distribution of Resources: It outlines a structured way for resources to flow from the general Israelite population to those who had specific religious responsibilities.
Wave Offering Explained: A "wave offering" typically involved presenting something before the altar and then symbolically waving it before the Lord as a sign of dedication.

In summary, Numbers 18:28 is a crucial part of the Old Testament laws regarding tithing and the support of the religious leadership. It illustrates the interconnectedness of the community in providing for those dedicated to serving God and maintaining the rituals and worship within the Tabernacle (later the Temple).