What modern practices reflect the "portion due" concept from Deuteronomy 18:3? Understanding the original command Deuteronomy 18:3: “This shall be the priest’s due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: They are to give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach.” God made sure the priests, who had no land inheritance (v. 1), received tangible support from the worship-bringing people. The principle is simple: those set apart for full-time ministry should be sustained by the community they serve. Why the principle still matters • Numbers 18:8–14; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6 all echo the same truth: material provision for spiritual laborers honors both God’s order and the workers’ needs. • While animal sacrifices ended with Christ’s atoning work (Hebrews 10:10-12), the responsibility to provide a “portion” for spiritual leaders remains. Modern practices that mirror the “portion due” • Regular tithes and offerings – Churches use weekly or monthly giving to provide salaries, housing allowances, health insurance, and retirement plans for pastors, missionaries, and staff (cf. Luke 10:7). • Designated “love offerings” – Special envelopes or digital gifts collected after a guest preacher, missionary presentation, or conference reflect the ancient act of handing over the shoulder, cheeks, and stomach on a specific occasion. • Parsonages and housing allowances – Instead of livestock portions, congregations supply a home or housing stipend so ministers can dwell among the flock (2 Kings 4:8-10 gives an OT glimpse of similar hospitality). • Ministerial benevolence funds – Fellowship groups and denominations set aside money for retired or disabled clergy, continuing the principle of long-term care for those once wholly committed to the altar (Numbers 18:19). • Shared meals and pantry provisions – Members stock refrigerators, deliver groceries, or share garden produce with ministry families, a direct parallel to giving literal portions from one’s own table (Philippians 4:16-18). • Mission support partnerships – Individuals and churches pledge monthly amounts so missionaries can focus entirely on gospel work (3 John 5-8). • Continuing education allowances – Covering books, conferences, or seminary tuition enables ministers to “labor in the word and doctrine” with excellence (1 Timothy 5:17). Practical encouragement for today • View generosity toward spiritual leaders not as charity but as obedience to God’s design. • Give intentionally and joyfully, knowing you are participating in the same divine economy first outlined in Deuteronomy 18:3. |
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