What is the meaning of Numbers 5:10? Each man’s sacred gifts • The phrase underscores personal responsibility in worship. Each Israelite decided what portion of crops, animals, or valuables he would dedicate to the LORD (cf. Exodus 35:5; Deuteronomy 12:6). • “Sacred” identifies these gifts as set apart—no longer common property but devoted to God’s purposes, echoing Leviticus 27:30, “Every tenth of the land… is holy to the LORD”. • God dignifies individual devotion; He receives each person’s offering as meaningful, whether large or small (Mark 12:41-44). Are his own • Before being presented, the offering remains under the giver’s stewardship. The law does not coerce; rather, it protects voluntary generosity (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give”). • This ownership principle also guards against misappropriation by others. No neighbor or tribal leader can divert what belongs to the giver and God (see Acts 5:4 for the same concept in the early church). But whatever he gives • “Whatever” broadens the horizon from tithes to any freewill contribution—grain, oil, firstborn animals, or vowed items (Leviticus 22:18-23). • The verse stresses personal choice: once the giver places the sacred portion into priestly hands, a transfer occurs. • Giving becomes a concrete act of faith, mirroring Proverbs 3:9, “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” To the priest • Priests served as mediators, receiving tangible symbols of worship on God’s behalf (Numbers 18:8). • Their livelihood depended on this system, since they owned no land inheritance (Deuteronomy 18:1-2). • By channeling gifts “to the priest,” the Lord ensured continual ministry at the tabernacle, paralleling the New Testament principle that “those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar” (1 Corinthians 9:13). Will belong to the priest • Once transferred, ownership changes permanently. The priest may use or consume the gift as provided in laws like Leviticus 7:31-34 (the breast and right thigh of peace offerings). • This affirms God’s provision for His servants while preventing strings-attached giving. The donor relinquishes control, trusting both priestly integrity and divine oversight (Nehemiah 13:10-13 shows reforms when this provision was neglected). • The principle anticipates Christ-centered stewardship today: believers support those who minister the Word (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). summary Numbers 5:10 teaches that offerings begin as the worshiper’s personal, voluntary possessions, yet once given, they become the priest’s rightful provision. God safeguards both the giver’s freedom and the minister’s livelihood, illustrating responsible stewardship, wholehearted devotion, and faithful support for those called to serve Him. |
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