- Home
- Bible
- Numbers
- Chapter 18
- Verse 18
Numbers 18:20
Verse
Context
Offerings for Priests and Levites
19All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”20Then the LORD said to Aaron, “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.
Sermons


Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am thy part and thine inheritance - The principal part of what was offered to God was the portion of the priests, therefore they had no inheritance of land in Israel; independently of that they had a very ample provision for their support. The rabbins say twenty-four gifts were given to the priests, and they are all expressed in the law. Eight of those gifts the priests ate nowhere but in the sanctuary: these eight are the following: - 1. The flesh of the Sin-Offering, whether of beasts or fowls, Lev 6:25, Lev 6:26. 2. The flesh of the Trespass-Offering, Lev 7:1, Lev 7:6. 3. The Peace-Offerings of the congregation, Lev 23:19, Lev 23:20. 4. The remainder of the Omer or Sheaf, Lev 23:10, etc. 5. The remnants of the Meat-Offerings of the Israelites, Lev 6:16. 6. The two Loaves, Lev 23:17. 7. The Shew-Bread, Lev 24:9. 8. The Log of oil offered by the leper, Lev 14:10, etc. Five of those gifts they ate only in Jerusalem: - 1. The breast and shoulder of the Peace-Offerings, Lev 7:31, Lev 7:34. 2. The Heave-Offering of the sacrifice of confession, Lev 7:12-14. 3. The Heave-Offering of the Nazarite's ram, Lev 6:17-20. 4. The Firstling of the clean beast, Num 18:15; Deu 15:19, Deu 15:20. 5. The First-Fruits, Num 18:13. Five gifts were not due unto them by the law, but in the land of Israel only: - 1. The heave-offering or First-Fruits, Num 18:12. 2. The heave-offering of the Tithe, Num 18:28. 3. The Cake, Num 15:20. These three were holy. 4. The first-fruits of the Fleece, Deu 18:4. 5. The Field of Possession, Numbers 35. These two were common. Five gifts were due unto them both within and without the land: - 1. The gifts of the Beasts Slain, Deu 18:3. 2. The redemption of the First-Born Son, Num 18:15. 3. The Lamb for the firstling of an ass, Exo 4:20; Numbers 18. 4. The restitution of that taken by violence from a stranger, Num 5:8. 5. All Devoted things, Num 18:14. One gift was due unto them from the sanctuary: - 1. The skins of the burnt-offering, and all the skins of the other most holy things, Lev 7:8. In all 24. See Ainsworth. The gifts which the females of the priests' families had a part in were these: - 1. The heave-offering, or first-fruits. 2. The heave-offering of the tithe. 3. The cake. 4. The gifts of the beast, Deu 18:3. 5. The first of the fleece. - See Mishna, Tract. Biccurim, and Ainsworth on the Pentateuch. Besides all this the priests had the tribute money mentioned Num 31:28, Num 31:29.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For this reason, Aaron was to received no inheritance in the land among the children of Israel. Aaron, as the head of the priests, represents the whole priesthood; and with regard to the possession, the whole tribe of Levi is placed, in Num 18:23, on an equality with the priests. The Levites were to receive no portion of the land as an inheritance in Canaan (cf. Num 26:62; Deu 12:12; Deu 14:27; Jos 14:3). Jehovah was the portion and inheritance, not only of Aaron and his sons, but of the whole tribe of Levi (cf. Deu 10:9; Deu 18:2; Jos 13:33); or, as it is expressed in Jos 18:7, "the priesthood of Jehovah was their inheritance," though not in the sense that Knobel supposes viz., "the priesthood with its revenues," which would make the expression "Jehovah, the God of Israel" (Jos 13:33), to be metonymical for "sacrificial gifts, first-fruits, and tenths." The possession of the priests and Levites did not consist in the revenues assigned to them by God, but in the possession of Jehovah, the God of Israel. In the same sense in which the tribe of Levi was the peculiar possession of Jehovah out of the whole of the people of possession, was Jehovah also the peculiar possession of Levi; and just as the other tribes were to live upon what was afforded by the land assigned them as a possession, Levi was to live upon what Jehovah bestowed upon it. And inasmuch as not only the whole land of the twelve tribes, with which Jehovah had enfeoffed them, but the whole earth, belonged to Jehovah (Exo 19:5), He was necessarily to be regarded as the greatest possession of all, beyond which nothing greater is conceivable, and in comparison with which every other possession is to be regarded as nothing. Hence it was evidently the greatest privilege and highest honour to have Him for a portion and possession (Bhr, Symbolik, ii. p. 44). "For truly," as Masius writes (Com. on Josh.), "he who possesses God possesses all things; and the worship (cultus) of Him is infinitely fuller of delight, and far more productive, than the cultivation (cultus) of any soil."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance,.... The tenth part of the produce of the land; of the wheat, barley, oil, and wine; the tenth part of their harvest and vintage; so that though they were the least of the tribes, they had the greatest share of the increase of the land, and that without any labour or expense; the other having but nine parts among them all, and at the charge and labour of manuring, cultivating, &c. and this they were to have for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; see Num 18:3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is a further account of the provision that was made both for the Levites and for the priests, out of the country. I. They must have no inheritance in the land; only cities to dwell in were afterwards allowed them, but no ground to occupy: Thou shalt not have any part among them, Num 18:20. It is repeated again Num 18:23, and again Num 18:24, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance, either by purchase or descent. God would have them comfortably provided for, but would not have their families over-rich, lest they should think themselves above that work which their wages supposed and obliged them constantly to attend upon. As Israel was a peculiar people, and not to be numbered among the nations, so Levi was a peculiar tribe, and not to be settled as the rest of the tribes, but in all respects distinguished from them. A good reason is given why they must have no inheritance in the land, for, says God, I am thy part, and thy inheritance. Note, Those that have God for their inheritance and their portion for ever ought to look with a holy contempt and indifference upon the inheritances of this world, and not covet their portion in it. "The Lord is my portion, therefore will I hope in him, and not depend upon any thing I have on this earth," Lam 3:24. The Levites shall have no inheritance, and yet they shall live very comfortably and plentifully - to teach us that Providence has various ways of supporting those that live in a dependence upon it; the fowls reap not, and yet are fed, the lilies spin not, and yet are clothed, the Levites have no inheritance in Israel, and yet live better than any other tribe. The repetition of that caution, that no Israelite should approach the tabernacle, comes in suitable, though somewhat abruptly, Num 18:22. It seems set in opposition to that order concerning the priests and Levites that they should have no inheritance in Israel, to show how God dispenses his favours variously. The Levites have the honour of attending the tabernacle, which is denied the Israelites; but then the Israelites have the honour of inheritances in Canaan, which is denied the Levites; thus each is kept from either envying or despising the other, and both have reason to rejoice in their lot. The Israelites must not come nigh the tabernacle, but then the Levites must have no inheritance in the land; if ministers expect that people should keep in their sphere, and not intermeddle with sacred offices, let them keep in theirs, and not entangle themselves in secular affairs. II. But they must both have tithes of the land. Besides the first-fruits which were appropriated to the priests, which, the Jews say, were to be a fiftieth part, or at least a sixtieth, the tithe also was appropriated. 1. The Levites had the tithes of the people's increase (Num 18:21): I have given (whose the whole is) all the tenths in Israel, of all the productions of the land, to the children of Levi, to be divided among them in just proportions, for their service which they serve. The Levites were the smallest tribe of the twelve, and yet, besides all other advantages, they had a tenth part of the yearly profits, without the trouble and expense of ploughing and sowing; such care did God take of those that were devoted to his service; not only that they might be well maintained, but that they might be honoured with a national acknowledgment of the good services they did to the public, and owned as God's agents and receivers; for that which was a heave-offering, or an offering lifted heavenward unto the Lord, was by him consigned to the Levites. 2. The priests had the tenths of the Levites' tithes settled upon them. The order for this Moses is directed to give to the Levites, whom God would have to pay it with cheerfulness, rather than the priests to demand it with authority: Speak to the Levites that it be offered by them, rather than levied upon them. Now observe, (1.) The Levites were to give God his dues out of their tithes, as well as the Israelites out of their increase. They were God's tenants, and rent was expected from them, nor were they exempted by their office. Thus now, ministers must be charitable out of what they receive; and the more freely they have received the more freely they must give, and be examples of liberality. You shall offer a heave-offering to the Lord, Num 18:26. Those that are employed to assist the devotions of others must be sure to pay their own, as a heave-offering to the Lord. Prayers and praises lifted up to God, or rather the heart lifted up in them, are now our heave-offerings. This (says God) shall be reckoned to you as though it were the corn of the threshing-floor; that is, though it was not the fruit of their ground, nor of their own labour, as the tithes of other Israelites were, yet being of such as they had it should be accepted, to the sanctifying of all the rest. (2.) This was to be given to Aaron the priest (Num 18:28), and to his successors the high priests, to be divided and disposed of in such proportions as they should think fit among the inferior priests. Most of the profits of the priests' office, which were appointed in the former part of the chapter, arising from the sacrifices, those priests had the benefit of who constantly attended at the altar; but, forasmuch as there were many priests employed in the country to teach and rule, those tithes taken by the Levites, it is probable, were directed by the high priest for their maintenance. It is the probable conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that the tenth of this last tenth was reserved for the high priest himself, to support his state and dignity; for otherwise we read not of any peculiar provision made for him. (3.) When the Levites had thus paid the tenth of their income, as a heave-offering to the Lord, they had themselves the comfortable enjoyment of the other nine parts (Num 18:30): "When you have thus heaved the best from it (for still God's part must be the best) then you shall eat the rest, not as a holy thing, but with the same freedom that the other Israelites eat their part with, in every place, you and your households," Num 18:31. See here what is the way to have the comfort of all our worldly possessions so as to bear no sin by reason of them, as it follows, Num 18:32. [1.] We must be sure that what we have be got honestly and in the service of God. It is your reward for your service; that meat is the best eating that is first earned; but, if any will not work, neither shall he eat, Th2 3:10. And that seems to be spoken of as having a particular comfort and satisfaction in it which is the reward of faithful service done in the tabernacle of the congregation. [2.] We must be sure that God has his dues out of it. Then we have the comfort of our substance when we have honoured the Lord with it. The you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved the best from it. This intimates that we must never feed ourselves without fear, lest our table become a snare, and we bear sin by reason of it; and that therefore we are concerned to give alms of such things as we have, that all may be clean and comfortable to us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:20-21 The priests and Levites did not have a tribal homeland but were scattered among Israel’s other tribes (cp. 35:1-8; Deut 12:12; Josh 21:1-42). • I am your share and your allotment: Instead of their own territory, Israel’s priests received the assurance that God himself would be their homeland, while the tribe of Levi received tithes in compensation for their sacred service.
Numbers 18:20
Offerings for Priests and Levites
19All the holy offerings that the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. It is a permanent covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your offspring.”20Then the LORD said to Aaron, “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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) - Part 15
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:00:20GEN 14:19GEN 15:1NUM 18:20PSA 110:1ISA 41:10HEB 3:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of Abraham's deep sleep and the covenant God made with him. He explains that just as God put Adam into a deep sleep and gave him something precious, God also put Abraham into a deep sleep and entered into a covenant with him. The preacher emphasizes that although it may seem like God is distant or forsaken, He is actually drawing near and entering into a covenant with us. He also highlights the importance of driving away the "birds of prey" that seek to interfere and ruin our fellowship with God. Additionally, the preacher connects this concept to the new covenant, explaining that we must take our position as strangers, servants, and sufferers in order to possess the promises of God. The sermon concludes with a beautiful picture of God passing between the broken pieces of an animal, symbolizing His willingness to lay down His life for us.
(Practical Discipleship) 3. Discipleship and Money Matters
By Zac Poonen0NUM 18:20PRO 3:9PRO 6:6MAT 6:24MAT 6:33LUK 16:13ROM 14:222CO 9:71TI 6:10JAS 1:5Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of choosing between serving God or Mammon (money and material riches), emphasizing that disciples of Jesus cannot love both. He highlights the danger of money hindering one's discipleship and the need to despise money in order to fully love God. Poonen stresses the significance of righteousness in money matters, including making restitution for past wrongs and avoiding debt. He also addresses the importance of faithfulness in handling money, giving generously to God's work, and being wise in helping the poor. Additionally, he discusses the challenges faced by full-time Christian workers, the principles of salaries and savings, and seeking God's wisdom in financial decisions.
Everything in Jesus
By A.W. Tozer0God's PresenceDivine InheritanceNUM 18:20PSA 42:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while God bestows many gifts upon humanity, His greatest gift is Himself. He explains that our true fulfillment comes from knowing and enjoying God, as we were created for this purpose. Tozer highlights that God's promise to Aaron signifies that possessing God is the ultimate inheritance, surpassing all earthly treasures. He further elaborates that every divine blessing is intertwined with God's presence, as love, mercy, and other gifts are manifestations of God giving Himself to us. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to recognize and cherish the profound gift of God's own being.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am thy part and thine inheritance - The principal part of what was offered to God was the portion of the priests, therefore they had no inheritance of land in Israel; independently of that they had a very ample provision for their support. The rabbins say twenty-four gifts were given to the priests, and they are all expressed in the law. Eight of those gifts the priests ate nowhere but in the sanctuary: these eight are the following: - 1. The flesh of the Sin-Offering, whether of beasts or fowls, Lev 6:25, Lev 6:26. 2. The flesh of the Trespass-Offering, Lev 7:1, Lev 7:6. 3. The Peace-Offerings of the congregation, Lev 23:19, Lev 23:20. 4. The remainder of the Omer or Sheaf, Lev 23:10, etc. 5. The remnants of the Meat-Offerings of the Israelites, Lev 6:16. 6. The two Loaves, Lev 23:17. 7. The Shew-Bread, Lev 24:9. 8. The Log of oil offered by the leper, Lev 14:10, etc. Five of those gifts they ate only in Jerusalem: - 1. The breast and shoulder of the Peace-Offerings, Lev 7:31, Lev 7:34. 2. The Heave-Offering of the sacrifice of confession, Lev 7:12-14. 3. The Heave-Offering of the Nazarite's ram, Lev 6:17-20. 4. The Firstling of the clean beast, Num 18:15; Deu 15:19, Deu 15:20. 5. The First-Fruits, Num 18:13. Five gifts were not due unto them by the law, but in the land of Israel only: - 1. The heave-offering or First-Fruits, Num 18:12. 2. The heave-offering of the Tithe, Num 18:28. 3. The Cake, Num 15:20. These three were holy. 4. The first-fruits of the Fleece, Deu 18:4. 5. The Field of Possession, Numbers 35. These two were common. Five gifts were due unto them both within and without the land: - 1. The gifts of the Beasts Slain, Deu 18:3. 2. The redemption of the First-Born Son, Num 18:15. 3. The Lamb for the firstling of an ass, Exo 4:20; Numbers 18. 4. The restitution of that taken by violence from a stranger, Num 5:8. 5. All Devoted things, Num 18:14. One gift was due unto them from the sanctuary: - 1. The skins of the burnt-offering, and all the skins of the other most holy things, Lev 7:8. In all 24. See Ainsworth. The gifts which the females of the priests' families had a part in were these: - 1. The heave-offering, or first-fruits. 2. The heave-offering of the tithe. 3. The cake. 4. The gifts of the beast, Deu 18:3. 5. The first of the fleece. - See Mishna, Tract. Biccurim, and Ainsworth on the Pentateuch. Besides all this the priests had the tribute money mentioned Num 31:28, Num 31:29.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
For this reason, Aaron was to received no inheritance in the land among the children of Israel. Aaron, as the head of the priests, represents the whole priesthood; and with regard to the possession, the whole tribe of Levi is placed, in Num 18:23, on an equality with the priests. The Levites were to receive no portion of the land as an inheritance in Canaan (cf. Num 26:62; Deu 12:12; Deu 14:27; Jos 14:3). Jehovah was the portion and inheritance, not only of Aaron and his sons, but of the whole tribe of Levi (cf. Deu 10:9; Deu 18:2; Jos 13:33); or, as it is expressed in Jos 18:7, "the priesthood of Jehovah was their inheritance," though not in the sense that Knobel supposes viz., "the priesthood with its revenues," which would make the expression "Jehovah, the God of Israel" (Jos 13:33), to be metonymical for "sacrificial gifts, first-fruits, and tenths." The possession of the priests and Levites did not consist in the revenues assigned to them by God, but in the possession of Jehovah, the God of Israel. In the same sense in which the tribe of Levi was the peculiar possession of Jehovah out of the whole of the people of possession, was Jehovah also the peculiar possession of Levi; and just as the other tribes were to live upon what was afforded by the land assigned them as a possession, Levi was to live upon what Jehovah bestowed upon it. And inasmuch as not only the whole land of the twelve tribes, with which Jehovah had enfeoffed them, but the whole earth, belonged to Jehovah (Exo 19:5), He was necessarily to be regarded as the greatest possession of all, beyond which nothing greater is conceivable, and in comparison with which every other possession is to be regarded as nothing. Hence it was evidently the greatest privilege and highest honour to have Him for a portion and possession (Bhr, Symbolik, ii. p. 44). "For truly," as Masius writes (Com. on Josh.), "he who possesses God possesses all things; and the worship (cultus) of Him is infinitely fuller of delight, and far more productive, than the cultivation (cultus) of any soil."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance,.... The tenth part of the produce of the land; of the wheat, barley, oil, and wine; the tenth part of their harvest and vintage; so that though they were the least of the tribes, they had the greatest share of the increase of the land, and that without any labour or expense; the other having but nine parts among them all, and at the charge and labour of manuring, cultivating, &c. and this they were to have for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; see Num 18:3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is a further account of the provision that was made both for the Levites and for the priests, out of the country. I. They must have no inheritance in the land; only cities to dwell in were afterwards allowed them, but no ground to occupy: Thou shalt not have any part among them, Num 18:20. It is repeated again Num 18:23, and again Num 18:24, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance, either by purchase or descent. God would have them comfortably provided for, but would not have their families over-rich, lest they should think themselves above that work which their wages supposed and obliged them constantly to attend upon. As Israel was a peculiar people, and not to be numbered among the nations, so Levi was a peculiar tribe, and not to be settled as the rest of the tribes, but in all respects distinguished from them. A good reason is given why they must have no inheritance in the land, for, says God, I am thy part, and thy inheritance. Note, Those that have God for their inheritance and their portion for ever ought to look with a holy contempt and indifference upon the inheritances of this world, and not covet their portion in it. "The Lord is my portion, therefore will I hope in him, and not depend upon any thing I have on this earth," Lam 3:24. The Levites shall have no inheritance, and yet they shall live very comfortably and plentifully - to teach us that Providence has various ways of supporting those that live in a dependence upon it; the fowls reap not, and yet are fed, the lilies spin not, and yet are clothed, the Levites have no inheritance in Israel, and yet live better than any other tribe. The repetition of that caution, that no Israelite should approach the tabernacle, comes in suitable, though somewhat abruptly, Num 18:22. It seems set in opposition to that order concerning the priests and Levites that they should have no inheritance in Israel, to show how God dispenses his favours variously. The Levites have the honour of attending the tabernacle, which is denied the Israelites; but then the Israelites have the honour of inheritances in Canaan, which is denied the Levites; thus each is kept from either envying or despising the other, and both have reason to rejoice in their lot. The Israelites must not come nigh the tabernacle, but then the Levites must have no inheritance in the land; if ministers expect that people should keep in their sphere, and not intermeddle with sacred offices, let them keep in theirs, and not entangle themselves in secular affairs. II. But they must both have tithes of the land. Besides the first-fruits which were appropriated to the priests, which, the Jews say, were to be a fiftieth part, or at least a sixtieth, the tithe also was appropriated. 1. The Levites had the tithes of the people's increase (Num 18:21): I have given (whose the whole is) all the tenths in Israel, of all the productions of the land, to the children of Levi, to be divided among them in just proportions, for their service which they serve. The Levites were the smallest tribe of the twelve, and yet, besides all other advantages, they had a tenth part of the yearly profits, without the trouble and expense of ploughing and sowing; such care did God take of those that were devoted to his service; not only that they might be well maintained, but that they might be honoured with a national acknowledgment of the good services they did to the public, and owned as God's agents and receivers; for that which was a heave-offering, or an offering lifted heavenward unto the Lord, was by him consigned to the Levites. 2. The priests had the tenths of the Levites' tithes settled upon them. The order for this Moses is directed to give to the Levites, whom God would have to pay it with cheerfulness, rather than the priests to demand it with authority: Speak to the Levites that it be offered by them, rather than levied upon them. Now observe, (1.) The Levites were to give God his dues out of their tithes, as well as the Israelites out of their increase. They were God's tenants, and rent was expected from them, nor were they exempted by their office. Thus now, ministers must be charitable out of what they receive; and the more freely they have received the more freely they must give, and be examples of liberality. You shall offer a heave-offering to the Lord, Num 18:26. Those that are employed to assist the devotions of others must be sure to pay their own, as a heave-offering to the Lord. Prayers and praises lifted up to God, or rather the heart lifted up in them, are now our heave-offerings. This (says God) shall be reckoned to you as though it were the corn of the threshing-floor; that is, though it was not the fruit of their ground, nor of their own labour, as the tithes of other Israelites were, yet being of such as they had it should be accepted, to the sanctifying of all the rest. (2.) This was to be given to Aaron the priest (Num 18:28), and to his successors the high priests, to be divided and disposed of in such proportions as they should think fit among the inferior priests. Most of the profits of the priests' office, which were appointed in the former part of the chapter, arising from the sacrifices, those priests had the benefit of who constantly attended at the altar; but, forasmuch as there were many priests employed in the country to teach and rule, those tithes taken by the Levites, it is probable, were directed by the high priest for their maintenance. It is the probable conjecture of the learned bishop Patrick that the tenth of this last tenth was reserved for the high priest himself, to support his state and dignity; for otherwise we read not of any peculiar provision made for him. (3.) When the Levites had thus paid the tenth of their income, as a heave-offering to the Lord, they had themselves the comfortable enjoyment of the other nine parts (Num 18:30): "When you have thus heaved the best from it (for still God's part must be the best) then you shall eat the rest, not as a holy thing, but with the same freedom that the other Israelites eat their part with, in every place, you and your households," Num 18:31. See here what is the way to have the comfort of all our worldly possessions so as to bear no sin by reason of them, as it follows, Num 18:32. [1.] We must be sure that what we have be got honestly and in the service of God. It is your reward for your service; that meat is the best eating that is first earned; but, if any will not work, neither shall he eat, Th2 3:10. And that seems to be spoken of as having a particular comfort and satisfaction in it which is the reward of faithful service done in the tabernacle of the congregation. [2.] We must be sure that God has his dues out of it. Then we have the comfort of our substance when we have honoured the Lord with it. The you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved the best from it. This intimates that we must never feed ourselves without fear, lest our table become a snare, and we bear sin by reason of it; and that therefore we are concerned to give alms of such things as we have, that all may be clean and comfortable to us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:20-21 The priests and Levites did not have a tribal homeland but were scattered among Israel’s other tribes (cp. 35:1-8; Deut 12:12; Josh 21:1-42). • I am your share and your allotment: Instead of their own territory, Israel’s priests received the assurance that God himself would be their homeland, while the tribe of Levi received tithes in compensation for their sacred service.