Topical Bible: Priest: Benefits of for the Sustenance of Their Families

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In the biblical context, priests held a unique and divinely appointed role within the community of Israel. Their duties were not only spiritual but also carried significant implications for the sustenance and welfare of their families. The priesthood, established by God through the lineage of Aaron, was integral to the religious and social fabric of Israel, and the provisions made for priests ensured that they and their families were adequately cared for.

Divine Provision and Inheritance

The tribe of Levi, from which the priests were chosen, was set apart for service to the Lord. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, God Himself was their inheritance. As stated in Deuteronomy 18:1-2 , "The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the offerings made by fire to the LORD, for that is their inheritance. Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them."

Portions from Sacrifices and Offerings

The sustenance of priests and their families was primarily derived from the offerings and sacrifices brought by the people. Leviticus 7:31-34 outlines that specific portions of the peace offerings, such as the breast and the right thigh, were designated for the priests. This provision ensured that the priests, who dedicated their lives to the service of God and the community, had a reliable source of food.

Additionally, Numbers 18:8-9 states, "Then the LORD said to Aaron, 'Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to Me. As an allotment for you and your sons, I have given you all the holy offerings of the Israelites. The portion of the most holy offerings, reserved from the fire, will be yours. Every offering of theirs that they bring to Me as most holy, whether grain or sin or guilt offering, will be yours and your sons'."

Tithes and Firstfruits

The system of tithes and firstfruits further supported the priests and their families. The Israelites were commanded to bring a tenth of their produce and livestock as a tithe to the Levites, who in turn gave a tenth of that to the priests (Numbers 18:21-28). This system not only provided for the Levites but also ensured that the priests received a portion of the best produce, as seen in Nehemiah 10:37-38 : "Moreover, we will bring the firstfruits of our dough, our grain offerings, the fruit of every tree, and the new wine and oil to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God, and the tithes of our land to the Levites, since the Levites are to receive the tithes in all the towns where we labor."

Cities of Refuge and Pasturelands

In addition to the offerings, the priests and Levites were provided with cities and surrounding pasturelands. These cities, including the cities of refuge, were strategically located throughout Israel to ensure accessibility for all tribes. Joshua 21:13-19 details the allocation of these cities, which provided the priests with a place to live and land to support their families through agriculture and livestock.

Conclusion

The biblical provisions for priests highlight the importance of their role and the community's responsibility to support them. Through offerings, tithes, and designated cities, God ensured that the priests and their families were sustained, allowing them to focus on their sacred duties without the burden of material concerns.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 22:11-13
But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.
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Numbers 18:11,19
And this is yours; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them to you, and to your sons and to your daughters with you, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in your house shall eat of it.
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Library

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... only with the multitude of the benefits for which ... you also yourselves imitate your
trembling priest, you, my ... Beg for bodily sustenance, but beg rather for the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

Against the Arians, and Concerning Himself.
... Whose exiles have I numbered as benefits, and failed ... differ but little from beasts
whose sustenance is without ... to the martyrdom of a single Priest, whose death ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiii against the arians.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... IV. to celebrate his enthronement, and to ask him to maintain with himself
the traditional good relations of their two families. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... it, we trust that by it great benefits will be ... Empire, there came into Britain a
priest and abbot ... both of these monasteries many others had their origin through ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... 880 Bc The giver was Sheshonqu, high-priest of Amon ... do all that might insure to Egypt
the benefits of a ... "IV."Bringing food, rich in sustenance,"creator of ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... height of substance, and only true sustenance of the ... instance of another of those
ascetic families which formed so ... in Africa, they kept up their relations with ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm