◄ Numbers 5:9 ►
Every sacred contribution the Israelites bring to the priest shall belong to him.
Study Bible
Every sacred contribution
In the context of ancient Israel, sacred contributions refer to offerings set apart for religious purposes. These could include tithes, firstfruits, and other offerings dedicated to God. The concept of sacred contributions is rooted in the idea of holiness and separation for divine use, as seen in Leviticus 27:30-33. This reflects the broader biblical principle that everything belongs to God, and what is given to Him is considered holy.

the Israelites bring
The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were commanded to bring offerings to the tabernacle or temple. This act of bringing offerings was a physical demonstration of their obedience and devotion to God. It also served as a reminder of their covenant relationship with Him, as outlined in Exodus 19:5-6. The act of bringing offerings was a communal activity, reinforcing the collective identity and responsibility of the Israelites as a nation set apart for God.

to the priest
The priesthood, established through Aaron and his descendants, served as mediators between God and the people. Priests were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the law. The role of the priest is significant in understanding the sacrificial system and the need for mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates a new covenant (Hebrews 4:14-16).

shall belong to him
The provision that sacred contributions belong to the priest underscores the principle of supporting those who serve in ministry. In the ancient context, priests did not have a land inheritance like the other tribes (Numbers 18:20-21). Instead, they were sustained by the offerings of the people. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Paul speaks of those who preach the gospel living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). It highlights the importance of providing for spiritual leaders, ensuring they can dedicate themselves fully to their divine duties.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who are God's chosen people in the Old Testament. They are the ones bringing the sacred contributions.

2. Priests
The descendants of Aaron, who serve in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, acting as mediators between God and the Israelites. They receive the sacred contributions.

3. Sacred Contributions
Offerings or gifts dedicated to God, which are given to the priests as part of their sustenance and as a symbol of the people's dedication to God.

4. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. It is the central place of worship and sacrifice.

5. Wilderness Journey
The period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, a time of testing and reliance on God's provision.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
God ensures that those who serve Him, like the priests, are provided for through the contributions of His people. This principle extends to supporting those in ministry today.

The Principle of Giving
Giving sacred contributions is an act of worship and obedience. It reflects the heart's attitude towards God and acknowledges His sovereignty over all resources.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites' contributions to the priests highlight the communal responsibility to support those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service. This fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Faithfulness in Stewardship
Just as the Israelites were called to bring their offerings, Christians today are called to be faithful stewards of their resources, recognizing that all they have is from God.

Symbolism of Dedication
Sacred contributions symbolize the dedication of one's life to God. They serve as a tangible expression of faith and commitment to His work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of providing for those who serve in ministry apply to the modern church context?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our giving is a true act of worship and not just a routine obligation?

3. How does understanding the communal aspect of giving in the Old Testament enhance our perspective on church community today?

4. What are some practical ways we can be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us?

5. How can the symbolism of sacred contributions inspire us to dedicate more of our lives to God's service?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 7:28-34
This passage outlines the portions of the peace offerings that are given to the priests, emphasizing the provision for those who serve in the sanctuary.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul references the Old Testament practice of priests receiving their living from the temple offerings to support the idea that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from it.

Malachi 3:8-10
Discusses the importance of tithes and offerings, highlighting the principle of giving to God and the blessings that follow faithful stewardship.
Sermons
Conscience MoneyW. Binnie Numbers 5:5-10
Fraud and ForgivenessW. Jones.Numbers 5:6-10
RestitutionNumbers 5:6-10
The Law as to FraudW. Attersoll.Numbers 5:6-10
People
Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Becometh, Belong, Bring, Contribution, Contributions, Gifts, Heave, Heave-offering, Holy, Israelites, Lifted, Offer, Offering, Pertaining, Present, Priest, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 5:9

     8436   giving, of possessions

Numbers 5:5-10

     6027   sin, remedy for

Library
Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Ciii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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