Topical Bible: Priest: Benefits of own Lands Sanctified to the Lord

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In the biblical context, the role of the priest was integral to the spiritual and communal life of Israel. Priests were set apart to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, acting as mediators between God and the people. One of the unique aspects of their service was the sanctification of their own lands to the Lord, which carried specific benefits and responsibilities.

Sanctification of Lands

The concept of land sanctification is rooted in the idea that everything dedicated to God is set apart for His purposes. In Leviticus 27:21, the Berean Standard Bible states, "But when the field is released in the Jubilee, it will become holy to the LORD like a field devoted to Him; it becomes the property of the priests." This passage highlights the principle that lands dedicated to God, especially during the Jubilee, were considered holy and were entrusted to the priests.

Benefits to the Priests

1. Provision and Sustenance: The sanctification of lands provided a means of sustenance for the priests. Since the tribe of Levi, from which the priests came, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 18:20), the lands sanctified to the Lord became a source of provision. These lands, along with the tithes and offerings, ensured that the priests could focus on their spiritual duties without the burden of agricultural labor.

2. Spiritual Authority and Stewardship: The possession of sanctified lands reinforced the spiritual authority of the priests. As stewards of these lands, they were responsible for maintaining their holiness and ensuring that they were used in accordance with God's commands. This stewardship was a tangible expression of their role as spiritual leaders and guardians of the covenant.

3. Community Leadership: The lands sanctified to the Lord also positioned the priests as leaders within the community. They were not only spiritual guides but also overseers of the resources dedicated to God. This dual role enhanced their influence and enabled them to lead by example, demonstrating the principles of holiness and dedication in everyday life.

4. Symbol of Divine Favor: The allocation of sanctified lands to the priests was a symbol of divine favor and blessing. It underscored the special relationship between God and the priesthood, highlighting their unique role in the divine economy. This favor was a reminder to the people of Israel of the importance of maintaining a holy and dedicated priesthood.

Responsibilities and Challenges

While the sanctification of lands brought benefits, it also came with responsibilities. The priests were required to manage these lands in a manner that honored God, ensuring that they remained holy and productive. This responsibility was not without its challenges, as it required diligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to God's laws.

In summary, the sanctification of lands to the Lord provided the priests with essential benefits that supported their spiritual and communal roles. These lands were a source of provision, a symbol of divine favor, and a means of reinforcing their spiritual authority and leadership within the community.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 27:21
But the field, when it goes out in the jubilee, shall be holy to the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Hebrews x. 13-Aug
... it down without reasons; while the other is not his own, though he ... 3.] "And every
priest standeth daily ... True:] for we have need of this, for it benefits us much ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xviii hebrews x 13-aug.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... The benefits of seeking God were strongly urged. ... words of God's messengers, that
the idolatrous priest at Bethel ... tribes, returned for a season to their own land ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... magis aliis prodest quam sibi [A good man benefits others more than ... to hold a candle
to a mass-priest, and bow ... if the Lord deals so with his own children, then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Covenant Duties.
... of deportment, would be productive of benefits that should ... think of Israel again
graffed into their own olive tree ... He is the great High Priest of his people's ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... of doubts, and, to prevent prayer, Diabolous "lands up Mouthgate ... my soul, and forget
not all his benefits.6 Who ... this is the substance of Christ's own prayer in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... 7] benefits of Christ ... the merit and grace of Christ, and seeketh by his own power,
without ... By these reasons the priest do prove that they may lawfully take wives ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

part ii
... Without speaking of innumerable other benefits, I will mention ... As a priest, pray
above all for the cleansing ... prayer, and that not by their own strength, but by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... spirit, that had I but seen a priest (though never ... sight and sense and terror of
my own wickedness, yet I ... very crows, that sat upon the ploughed lands before me ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... might bring them bound to the high-priest?' Hell doth ... render to the Lord for all
the benefits which he ... the things which he possessed was his own.' 'Neither was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... The chief priest (summus sacerdos), who is the bishop ... for which it might restrain
its own desire and ... beloved brethren, are the divine benefits wherewith the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm