Numbers 18:8-20 – God’s support system for His ministry and ministers

In ancient Israel, being a priest was not only a risky but also a messy calling. One wrong attitude or move that violated the sanctity of the service to God or His sanctuary could mean his death. Besides, the task of killing an animal for the sacrifice was not exactly glamorous. It was not only a messy but also a smelly task. The priesthood was both a highly dangerous as well as an extremely responsible ministry. Humanly speaking, knowing what this ministry entails, who would be attracted to be a priest? Perhaps this was the reason why God had so specifically delegated a tribe and a family for the role. He did not leave the calling open for people with an inclination to the priesthood. However, as dangerous and as messy as the job would be, it must be said that serving the Lord God was and still is, a great privilege. But how should the priests and their families be supported?

In Numbers 18:8 God told Aaron summarily how he and his sons as priests would be rewarded and supported. He said, “Now behold, I Myself have put you in charge of My offerings, all the holy gifts of the sons of Israel I have given to you as a portion and to your sons as a permanent allotment.” Then in Numbers 9-19, God gave in detail what that portion entailed. In verses 9-10 God expressly said that all the meal offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings, except for those burnt on the brazen altar, would be given to the priests. He also instructed that only the male members of the priests’ families may eat of them. In verses 11-15, God said that the wave offering, the first-fruits offerings, and even those offerings the children of Israel had dedicated to God by a vow would be given to the priests. Of these, every member of their families, male or female who was ceremonially clean might partake of them.  

Interestingly in verses 15-18, God wanted the firstborn of the Israelites and any unclean animals to be redeemed. A price of five shekels was the redemption price. They would be given to the priests in support of them. Note that the clean animals of the firstborn offered would be sacrificed on the altar and their blood appropriately sprinkled on the altar. The flesh of the sacrificed animals would be eaten by the priests and their families. The fat, however, must be burnt on the altar as a sweet aroma to the Lord. Verse 20 specifically said that the priests would not be given any portion of the land for an inheritance. Why? because God Himself would be their inheritance. What a delightful honor!  

Herein is the principle of support for the people who give themselves full-time to the ministry. They must wholly give themselves to serve the Lord and His people, for God will take care of them. God expects the people whom they serve to give faithfully to the ministry so that they can be supported. This will free the full-timers from worries and not be distracted. They can then pay attention to the work and not be worried about where their means will come from. However, those who give their service to God as a full-time vocation to serve His people must not be overly worried about their support. God Himself will be their inheritance. He will ensure their support. When both the clergy and the laity trust the Lord and do their parts, there will not be any lack in the ministry of the ministers. What a glorious way to see the ministry thrive!