Topical Bible: Priests: Revenues of all Devoted Things

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In the biblical context, the role of priests was not only spiritual but also involved the management of certain revenues and offerings dedicated to God. Among these were the revenues of all devoted things, which were a significant part of the priestly sustenance and the maintenance of the sanctuary.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of devoted things, or items set apart for sacred use, is rooted in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 27:28-29 , it is stated: "But nothing that a man sets apart to the LORD from all he owns—whether a person, an animal, or his inherited land—can be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. No person set apart for destruction may be ransomed; he must surely be put to death." This passage underscores the irrevocable nature of things devoted to God, emphasizing their sanctity and the seriousness of such vows.

Role of the Priests

The priests, as mediators between God and the people, were entrusted with the care and administration of these devoted things. Numbers 18:14 states, "Every devoted thing in Israel belongs to you." This directive highlights the priests' right to the revenues from these offerings, which were considered most holy and were to be used for the service of the tabernacle and the sustenance of the priestly families.

Types of Devoted Things

Devoted things could include a variety of offerings, such as:

1. Land and Property: Land or property devoted to the Lord could not be sold or redeemed, as it was considered holy. The priests had the authority to manage these assets, using them for the benefit of the sanctuary and their own needs.

2. Animals: Animals devoted to God were often used for sacrifices. The priests would receive portions of these sacrifices as part of their sustenance, as outlined in Leviticus 7:6-10 .

3. Monetary Offerings: Financial gifts or valuables dedicated to the Lord were also part of the devoted things. These funds were used for the upkeep of the temple and the support of the priestly duties.

Spiritual Significance

The revenues of all devoted things served as a tangible reminder of the Israelites' commitment to God and their recognition of His sovereignty over all aspects of life. By dedicating these items to the Lord, the people acknowledged His provision and expressed their gratitude and reverence.

Priestly Responsibility

The priests bore a significant responsibility in handling these devoted things with integrity and reverence. Malachi 2:7 emphasizes the role of the priest: "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts." This verse underscores the expectation that priests would not only manage the physical aspects of the devoted things but also uphold the spiritual teachings and laws associated with them.

In summary, the revenues of all devoted things were a crucial aspect of the priestly function in ancient Israel, providing for their needs and ensuring the proper worship and service of God. The devoted things were a testament to the people's dedication to the Lord and a reflection of the priests' role as stewards of God's holy ordinances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 18:14
Every thing devoted in Israel shall be yours.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Memorial of Symmachus, Prefect of the City.
... they are the more wretched whose ancient revenues are diminished ... I entreat you, priests
of justice, let the lost ... Let the happiness in this point of all men give ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/the memorial of symmachus prefect.htm

Of the State of the Primitive Church, and the Mode of Government ...
... men (Acts 20:26), by his words, we, who are called priests, are charged ... command to
the bishop who has been ordained, to divide all the revenues into four ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 of the state.htm

The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ...
... and she said to them: "Excuse me, priests of Christ ... of the idols, but also that
privileges and revenues should be ... mother, and we could wish that all her conduct ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ix the empress eudoxia from.htm

The Historical Situation
... officer for the administration of the revenues; in provinces ... 8. To the majority of
the priests religion had ... observance of law and tradition in all the concerns ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... explained to you, the palace and the revenues of the ... services, to prostrate herself
to her favourite priests, and to ... I could not live in all this sumptuosity. ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

The Swiss Reformer.
... easier to trust their salvation to the priests and the ... exertion," they said, "to
collect the revenues of the ... But Zwingle bore all with patience, saying, "If we ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /9 the swiss reformer.htm

The Swiss Reformer
... easier to trust their salvation to the priests and the ... exertion," they said, "to
collect the revenues of the ... But Zwingli bore all with patience, saying: "If we ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 9 the swiss reformer.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... that it is the duty of bishops, priests, and other ... have no posterity to drain the
church's revenues, nor to ... God, and give not up themselves, and all that they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... priesthood; while Zwingli and Knox were once priests, and Luther ... and requested him
to retain the revenues of a ... the best men and the esteem of all, without ever ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

The First Theban Empire
... watered, and well tilled, but the revenues from this ... I unto him; I took possession
of all that was ... built, dedicated to Hathor, and served by volunteer priests. ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm