What is the meaning of Numbers 18:30? Therefore say to the Levites - The instruction is direct; God tells Moses to address the Levites personally (Numbers 18:24–26). - This highlights the Levites’ unique calling: they receive the tithes of Israel because they have no tribal land inheritance (Numbers 18:20). - Similar moments of personal address—where God speaks specifically to a group He has set apart—appear in Deuteronomy 10:8 and Malachi 2:4–6. - Takeaway: when God singles someone out, He also supplies clarity about their role and responsibility. When you have presented the best part - The “best part” (literally “the tithe of the tithe”) is the portion the Levites must offer to the priests (Numbers 18:27–29). - God never asks His servants to give leftovers; Abel’s acceptable offering in Genesis 4:4 and Israel’s firstfruits in Exodus 23:19 reinforce this principle. - The Levites, though receivers of tithes, are still givers. 1 Corinthians 9:13–14 echoes the pattern: those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar. It will be reckoned to you - “Reckoned” means God credits the remainder to the Levites as their legitimate income. - Romans 4:3 uses similar accounting language—God credits righteousness by faith. In both cases, God Himself does the counting. - The Levites can enjoy what they keep without guilt (Numbers 18:31), just as believers today are free to enjoy God’s provision after honoring Him first (Proverbs 3:9–10). As the produce of the threshing floor or winepress - Grain from the threshing floor and wine from the press represent staple blessings of the land (Deuteronomy 7:13). - God equates the Levites’ portion with these essential harvests, underscoring its sufficiency and dignity. - By linking their support to ordinary produce, He normalizes their livelihood; cf. Luke 10:7, “the worker is worthy of his wages.” - Practical point: faithful ministry deserves tangible, everyday support, not mere symbolic appreciation. summary Numbers 18:30 reassures the Levites that after they give God the choicest portion, whatever remains is rightfully theirs—fully blessed, fully ordinary, and fully sufficient. God speaks directly to His servants, expects first-rate offerings, personally credits what is left, and likens their provision to the land’s basic harvest. The verse teaches that honoring God first opens the way to enjoy His generous, guilt-free supply. |
    |