In the Old Testament, the portions designated for Aaron and his sons are a significant aspect of the Levitical priesthood, reflecting God's provision for those who serve in His sanctuary. These portions are outlined primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, where God establishes the priestly duties and the corresponding sustenance for Aaron, the first high priest, and his descendants.

Biblical Foundation

The institution of the priesthood is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God appoints Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. Exodus 28:1 states, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This divine appointment sets the stage for the specific portions they are to receive.

Levitical Provisions

The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions regarding the offerings and the portions allocated to the priests. Leviticus 6:16-18 specifies, "Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder of it. It must be eaten as unleavened bread in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It must not be baked with leaven; I have given it as their share of My offerings by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering. Any male among the sons of Aaron may eat it. It is a permanent portion for your generations from the offerings made by fire to the LORD. Anything that touches them shall become holy."

The priests' portions include parts of the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, which are considered most holy. Additionally, the peace offerings provide specific portions for the priests, as outlined in Leviticus 7:31-34 : "The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offerings. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution from the Israelites, from their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a perpetual portion from the Israelites."

Numbers and the Priestly Inheritance

The Book of Numbers further elaborates on the priestly portions, emphasizing the lack of territorial inheritance for the Levites. Numbers 18:20-21 records, "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. Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting.'"

This passage highlights the unique position of the Levites, including Aaron and his sons, whose inheritance is the Lord Himself and the tithes of the Israelites. The Levites' sustenance is thus directly tied to their service in the tabernacle and later the temple.

Theological Significance

The portions for Aaron and his sons underscore the principle of divine provision for those dedicated to God's service. These portions are not merely sustenance but a recognition of the sacred role the priests play in mediating between God and His people. The priests' reliance on God's provision through the offerings and tithes of the Israelites serves as a model of faith and dependence on God's faithfulness.

Furthermore, the priestly portions symbolize the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. The consumption of these portions in a holy place and the stipulation that anything touching them becomes holy reflect the sanctity of the priestly office and the offerings themselves.

In summary, the portions for Aaron and his sons are a testament to God's provision and the sanctity of the priestly role within the covenant community of Israel. These portions, detailed in the Mosaic Law, highlight the unique relationship between the priests and God, serving as a perpetual reminder of their divine calling and the holiness required in their service.