Topical Bible: The Levites: had a Part of Their offerings

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for special religious duties and service to God. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were supported through the offerings and tithes of the other Israelites.

Biblical Foundation

The role and provision for the Levites are established in several passages throughout the Old Testament. In Numbers 18:20-24, the Lord speaks to Aaron, the first high priest, saying, "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites." The Levites were given the tithes of the Israelites as their inheritance in return for their service in the tent of meeting.

Portion of Offerings

The Levites were entitled to a portion of various offerings brought by the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 18:1-2, it is stated, "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." This included portions of the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, as well as the firstfruits and the firstborn of the flocks and herds.

Tithes and Support

The Levites were supported by the tithes of the Israelites. According to Numbers 18:21, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting." This system ensured that the Levites could focus on their religious duties without the need to engage in agricultural labor.

Cities and Pasturelands

Although the Levites did not receive a large territorial inheritance, they were given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. Joshua 21 details the allocation of these cities among the Levite clans. This provision allowed them to live among the other tribes while maintaining their distinct role.

Role in Worship and Community

The Levites played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. They assisted the priests in the temple, taught the Law, and led worship. Their service was integral to the spiritual health of the nation, and their support through offerings and tithes underscored the community's responsibility to sustain those dedicated to the Lord's work.

Spiritual Significance

The Levites' reliance on offerings and tithes highlights the principle of dependence on God and the community's role in supporting religious leaders. Their unique position as servants of the Lord set a precedent for the spiritual leadership and stewardship seen throughout biblical history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:1,2
The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Princely Service.
... enough for the service of the work, and Moses had to make ... not the willingness to
give as much a part of His ... and thou shall give them unto the Levites, to every ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

part 2
... as Christ's priesthood is superior to that of the Levites, so is ... Look at it as it
reads (the last part of Mal ... into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... gave them this order besides, "That a part of the ... demolished it, and slew Mattan,
that had his priesthood ... of the temple to the priests and Levites, according to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm

Altar and Temple
... But many of the priests and Levites and chief of ... The second part of the passage narrates
the laying of ... There had been contracts entered into with masons and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

part 1
... did determine so to do, intimates there had previously been ... he shall add thereto
a fifth part thereof. ... unto Moses, saying, Thus speak unto the Levites, and say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... Nehemiah prosecuted, with certain lists of priests and Levites, fill up ... is hanged
on the gallows that he had prepared for ... as a defensive act on the part of the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

Hezekiah
... "The priests the Levites arose and ... had confessed their sins and with resolute purpose
had turned to ... returning to their homes must take an active part, and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... many of the people, even priests and Levites, had married heathen ... inspiration, to
have collected the latter part of the ... was kept alive, though they had no new ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... engage those to whom it was addressed to act the part of mediators ... the appointed
worship of God, and the ministry of the Levites whom God had appointed to ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... which contained forty baths; [10] for it had its height ... All these vessels were contained
in that part of the ... of fine linen for the singers, that were Levites. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm