Numbers 18:32 - You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it its best. You shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.’”

Generated Verse: Numbers 18:32

What does "Numbers 18:32" mean?


This verse from Numbers 18:32 is about the priests and Levites receiving their portion of the tithes and offerings from the Israelites. Let's break it down:

"You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it its best."

This is addressed to the Levites. It means that if they offer the best part of what they receive as tithes to the priests (specifically, the heave offering), they will not be held responsible or guilty (bear sin) for how they use the rest. The "heave offering" was a portion set aside specifically for the priests. By giving the proper portion to the priests, the Levites ensured they were fulfilling their obligation.

"You shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.”

This part emphasizes the seriousness of properly handling the holy things (tithes and offerings).
Profane means to treat something sacred with disrespect or irreverence, essentially rendering it unholy. In this context, it likely refers to using the tithes and offerings for their own personal gain before setting aside the required portion for the priests, or generally misusing something consecrated to God.
The warning "that you not die" underscores the importance of following these instructions precisely. It's a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and of the sanctity of these offerings.

In summary, Numbers 18:32 is a directive to the Levites, ensuring they understand their responsibility in properly handling the tithes. By giving the best portion to the priests as the "heave offering," they are absolved of any wrongdoing. However, any misuse or profaning of the sacred offerings could lead to dire consequences. This verse highlights the importance of respecting God's instructions regarding offerings and maintaining the proper order within the religious system of ancient Israel.

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