Connect Numbers 18:14 with New Testament teachings on giving and sacrifice. The Lord’s Portion in Israel “Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours.” (Numbers 18:14) Devoted Things and Priesthood • “Devoted” (ḥerem) means totally set apart to God; once dedicated, it could not return to common use. • The Lord assigned these gifts to Aaron and his sons as their provision, underscoring that serving Him was their full-time calling (cf. Numbers 18:8–20). • The people’s offerings demonstrated that what was precious to them rightly belonged first to God. Jesus, the Ultimate Devoted Offering • In Christ, the principle is fulfilled: “For their sake I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (John 17:19). • Hebrews presents Jesus as both High Priest and sacrifice: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). • Because His life was wholly devoted to the Father, every believer’s acceptance and provision flow through Him. Believers as New-Covenant Priests • “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). • The devoted things now belong to the whole priesthood of believers, not to a select family line. • Our calling mirrors Aaron’s: live off what is set apart for God, and serve in a way that keeps worship central. Giving that Mirrors the Devoted Things • Cheerful generosity: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Sacrificial proportion: the widow “put in all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44) • Corporate devotion: “They… laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:34–35) Sacrifices That Delight the Father Today • Bodies presented: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) • Praise and service: “Offer… a sacrifice of praise… and do not neglect to do good and to share with others.” (Hebrews 13:15–16) • Material support: “The gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) Practical Takeaways for Our Giving • Start with ownership: everything we steward is already the Lord’s; giving simply transfers His property to His purposes. • Prioritize the servants of the gospel, just as Israel prioritized the priests. • Let generosity flow from devotion, not duty; wholehearted offerings still please God. • View every act of giving—money, time, talents—as a priestly ministry that echoes Numbers 18:14. |
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