민수기 Chapter 18

Translation: ESV

1

So the LORD said to Aaron, "You and your sons and your father's house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood.

Key Message

Leadership is responsibility rather than privilege; just as the priests bear the iniquity of the sanctuary, leaders carry heavy responsibility on behalf of the community.

▸In response to the fear expressed in chapter 17, God clearly establishes the responsibility and authority of Aaron and the priests regarding the sanctuary.

In response to the fear expressed in chapter 17, God clearly establishes the responsibility and authority of Aaron and the priests regarding the sanctuary. The expression 'bear iniquity' emphasizes that the priestly office includes not only glory and privilege but also heavy responsibility and accountability. Leadership entails more responsibility than rights.

20

And the LORD said to Aaron, "You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.

Key Message

The declaration that God himself is our inheritance and portion is a blessing greater than all material possessions; the one who possesses God is the most abundantly blessed.

▸This is a remarkable declaration: the tribe of Levi and the priests will receive no land inheritance in Canaan; instead, 'God himself' becomes their inheritance.

21

"To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,

Key Message

The community's material support of God's ministers is the order God has established; the tithe is a covenantal commitment that enables God's ministry to continue.

▸The tithe system is established as the means of providing for the Levites' livelihood.