In the biblical context, the role of the priest is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and communal life of Israel. One of the key aspects of this role is the administration and reception of tithes, which are offerings given by the Israelites to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the Tabernacle. The concept of "tithes of the tithes" is a specific provision within this system, highlighting the unique benefits and responsibilities bestowed upon the priests.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the "tithes of the tithes" is found in the Book of Numbers. The Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle, received tithes from the other tribes of Israel as their inheritance, since they did not possess a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Numbers 18:26 states, "Speak to the Levites and tell them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I have given you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD’s offering."

This command establishes a system where the Levites, upon receiving tithes from the people, are required to offer a tenth of those tithes to the priests. This portion is known as the "tithe of the tithes," and it serves as a provision for the priests who minister directly before the Lord.

Spiritual and Practical Benefits

1. Sustenance for Priestly Duties: The "tithes of the tithes" provided the necessary resources for the priests to carry out their sacred duties without the distraction of material concerns. This provision ensured that the priests could focus on their primary responsibilities, which included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law to the people.

2. Recognition of Holiness: By receiving the "tithes of the tithes," the priests were acknowledged as set apart for a holy purpose. This act symbolized the recognition of their unique role in mediating between God and the people, reinforcing the sanctity of their office.

3. Community Support and Unity: The system of tithing, including the "tithes of the tithes," fostered a sense of community and mutual support among the Israelites. It reminded the people of their collective responsibility to uphold the spiritual leadership and maintain the worship of Yahweh. This practice helped to unify the nation under a common religious and cultural framework.

4. Divine Blessing and Order: The faithful observance of tithing, including the "tithes of the tithes," was associated with divine blessing and order. Malachi 3:10 emphasizes the promise of God's provision: "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." This assurance of blessing extended to the entire community, including the priests, as they participated in God's ordained system of provision.

Theological Implications

The "tithes of the tithes" underscore the principle of stewardship and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all resources. By requiring the Levites to tithe from their received tithes, God reinforced the idea that all provisions ultimately belong to Him and are to be used for His purposes. This practice also served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the community, where each member, including the spiritual leaders, was accountable to God and to one another.

In summary, the "tithes of the tithes" were a vital component of the Levitical system, providing for the material needs of the priests while reinforcing their spiritual authority and the communal bonds of Israel. This practice highlighted the importance of supporting those dedicated to God's service and the blessings that flow from faithful adherence to His commands.Numbers 18:8-18,26-32
And the LORD spoke to Aaron, Behold, I also have given you the charge of my heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; to you have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to your sons, by an ordinance for ever.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 10:38
And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
Nave's Topical Index

The First Wall.
... clothes, houses or victuals, or from paying them tithes. ... act of ordination impresses
upon the priest an indelible ... deprived of all the spiritual benefits of the ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/the first wall.htm

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... Aaron was a Levite, and Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek in ... Now, the office of a priest
is to stand between ... for the sins of all mankind, the benefits of which ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... this, they are to pay the same tithes to Hyrcanus ... me have borne witness to Hyrcanus,
the high priest of the ... they have shown us, and to the benefits they have ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ...
... facts out of favor, as having received benefits from him ... ill-will to Jonathan, the
high priest, because he ... threshing-floors, to take away those tithes that were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 after what manner.htm

What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice.
... has been received, or for other benefits received ... the drink-offering, thank-offerings,
first-fruits, tithes. ... to the Hebrews, 5, 1: Every high priest taken from ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 30 what a sacrifice.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... Let every one commemorate before God the benefits which he ... him do nothing without
the high priest and the ... Besides those two tithes, which I have already said ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Clement of Alexandria.
... Incarnation of Christ, benefits of, 202-204, 601 ... Tithes and firstfruits, maintenance
of priests under the Law, 363 ... Vestments of the high priest, symbolism of, 453 ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/clement of alexandria.htm

Book iii.
... he delivered himself thus against the High Priest who commanded ... on free will, and
to abuse the benefits of God ... I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

Covenant Duties.
... of deportment, would be productive of benefits that should ... Bring ye all the tithes
into the storehouse, that there ... He is the great High Priest of his people's ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... For this is to remember Christ, to wit, to remember his benefits, and to feel ... Chrysostom
saith that 'the priest doth daily stand at the altar, and call some ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

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