This verse from Numbers 18:30 is about the tithe (a tenth) that the Levites received from the Israelites. The Levites, who didn't have their own land, were supported by this tithe. However, the Levites themselves were also required to give a tenth of what they received to the priests. This verse specifically addresses that "second tithe" or offering from the Levites.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Therefore you shall tell them...": This indicates that Moses is instructed to communicate this instruction directly to the Levites.
"'When you heave its best from it...'": "Heave" here means to set aside or offer something up as a contribution. "Its best" refers to the choicest part of the tithe that the Levites received. The Levites were not allowed to give just anything; they were expected to offer the best portion as their contribution. This echoes the general principle in the Old Testament that offerings to God should be the best one has to offer.
"...then it shall be credited to the Levites as the increase of the threshing floor, and as the increase of the wine press.": This explains the purpose of this "second tithe." When the Levites give their offering to the priests, it is considered as if they themselves had produced the harvest from the threshing floor (grain) and the wine press (grapes). In other words, it validates their work. Even though they received the tithe instead of farming directly, this offering allows them to participate symbolically in the agricultural blessings and acknowledge God as the source of their provision. It is accounted to them as though they did the original labor.
In simpler terms:
The Levites received a portion of the harvest from the Israelites. However, they had to give the best part of what they received to the priests as an offering. When they did this, it was like they were personally harvesting the crops and giving a portion to God - acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of their provision and blessing. It validated their work even though they didn't do the original farming.
Significance:
This verse highlights several important principles:
Holiness and Quality: Offerings to God must be the best one has to offer.
Gratitude and Acknowledgement: It reinforces the idea that all blessings come from God, and giving is a way of acknowledging this.
Priestly Support: It ensures the priests who served in the tabernacle/temple were supported so they could dedicate themselves to their duties.
The Levites' Role: It legitimizes the Levites' position and allows them to symbolically participate in the blessings of the harvest. They were not just passively receiving; they were also active participants in giving back to God.
This verse from Numbers 18:30 is about the tithe (a tenth) that the Levites received from the Israelites. The Levites, who didn't have their own land, were supported by this tithe. However, the Levites themselves were also required to give a tenth of what they received to the priests. This verse specifically addresses that "second tithe" or offering from the Levites.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Therefore you shall tell them...": This indicates that Moses is instructed to communicate this instruction directly to the Levites.
"'When you heave its best from it...'": "Heave" here means to set aside or offer something up as a contribution. "Its best" refers to the choicest part of the tithe that the Levites received. The Levites were not allowed to give just anything; they were expected to offer the best portion as their contribution. This echoes the general principle in the Old Testament that offerings to God should be the best one has to offer.
"...then it shall be credited to the Levites as the increase of the threshing floor, and as the increase of the wine press.": This explains the purpose of this "second tithe." When the Levites give their offering to the priests, it is considered as if they themselves had produced the harvest from the threshing floor (grain) and the wine press (grapes). In other words, it validates their work. Even though they received the tithe instead of farming directly, this offering allows them to participate symbolically in the agricultural blessings and acknowledge God as the source of their provision. It is accounted to them as though they did the original labor.
In simpler terms:
The Levites received a portion of the harvest from the Israelites. However, they had to give the best part of what they received to the priests as an offering. When they did this, it was like they were personally harvesting the crops and giving a portion to God - acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of their provision and blessing. It validated their work even though they didn't do the original farming.
Significance:
This verse highlights several important principles:
Holiness and Quality: Offerings to God must be the best one has to offer.
Gratitude and Acknowledgement: It reinforces the idea that all blessings come from God, and giving is a way of acknowledging this.
Priestly Support: It ensures the priests who served in the tabernacle/temple were supported so they could dedicate themselves to their duties.
The Levites' Role: It legitimizes the Levites' position and allows them to symbolically participate in the blessings of the harvest. They were not just passively receiving; they were also active participants in giving back to God.