Bible Commentaries
Numbers 18

Verses 1-32

Once more we find a repetition of sundry laws which had a direct bearing on the events recorded, and the reason is explicitly stated in the words, "That there be wrath no more upon the children of Israel."

The repeated affiliation of the fact of divine appointment as to the position in service of Aaron and the sons of Levi is an arresting and suggestive matter. Observe such sentences as these: "I give you the priesthood as a service of gift" (verse Num 18:7 );"I have given them (all the wave-offerings) unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, as a portion for ever" (verse Num 18:11 ); "I am thy portion and thine inheritance among the children of Israel" (verse Num 18:20 ); "I have given (the tithe) to the Levites" (verse Num 18:24 ).

Thus it was made clear that appointment to the priesthood and possession of its privileges and its peculiar relationship to God, together with provision for the sustenance of all those appointed were by direct divine government and according to divine purpose.

It was finally provided that of the tithe, which &as the divinely appointed portion of the Levites, a tithe was to be by them specifically offered to God.