Topical Bible: Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites

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Covetousness, a deep-seated desire for possessions or wealth, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to sin and disobedience against God's commandments. One particular manifestation of covetousness is seen in the withholding of the portion designated for the Levites, who were set apart for the service of the Lord.

Biblical Context

The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen by God to perform the duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were not allotted a specific territory in the Promised Land. Instead, God commanded that they be supported through the tithes and offerings of the other Israelites. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting."

The Sin of Covetousness

Covetousness, as it pertains to the Levites, involves the withholding or misappropriation of the tithes and offerings meant for their sustenance. This act of keeping back what rightfully belongs to the Levites is a direct violation of God's command and reflects a heart that prioritizes personal gain over obedience and communal responsibility.

Malachi 3:8-10 addresses this issue, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts. "See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure."

Consequences of Covetousness

The withholding of the Levites' portion not only deprives them of their rightful sustenance but also disrupts the spiritual and communal life of Israel. The Levites' ability to perform their duties is compromised, affecting the entire nation's relationship with God. This act of covetousness is seen as robbing God Himself, as the tithes are ultimately an offering to Him.

Nehemiah 13:10-11 provides an example of this issue being addressed: "I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given, each of the Levites and singers performing the service had gone back to his own field. So I rebuked the officials and asked, 'Why has the house of God been neglected?' Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Covetousness in keeping back the portion of the Levites reveals a lack of trust in God's provision and a failure to honor His established order. It reflects a heart that is more concerned with material wealth than with faithfulness to God's commands. This sin serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of allowing greed to overshadow obedience and the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to God's service.

The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to be generous and to support those who labor in ministry. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 states, "Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'"

In summary, covetousness in keeping back the portion of the Levites is a serious offense against God's commands, with far-reaching consequences for both the spiritual leaders and the community as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity, obedience, and the proper support of those who serve in God's house.

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Nehemiah 13:10
And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
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part ii.
... We must fall back upon, and confide in, these vital ... on the altar of God, and keeping
them perpetually ... to settle the matter of their covetousness with their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part ii.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Drawn by Faucher-Gudin: the left portion is a free ... and would probably have soon driven
them back into their ... anger of the king, he succeeded in keeping his word ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... toward men." [2809] While they were keeping their sheep they ... and crowds,' where theft
and covetousness were condemned ... our heart is not turned back." [2943] "Yea ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Christian Described
... is this!" Would you not say, "Such a one is not worth the keeping, and his ... or of
the cross of the belly, or of the cross of the back, or of ... is it covetousness? ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... is wrath and hatred; the theft, covetousness and avarice ... wisdom undoubtedly deserves
to have some portion of every ... there was more danger in keeping the Jewish ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... they should not impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon the priests, levites, singers,
porters ... to such a reckoning, that all the clothes on her back, with what ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... if I be not mistaken, the priests and Levites used to ... gave occasion of provocation
to him to take it back. ... in the most special sense to be the portion of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... true that he has commented on that portion of sacred ... remaineth therefore a rest,"
or the keeping of a ... of the creatures, Adam had luckily started back, for he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm