Old Testament
Numbers 18:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
All the sacred contributions that the Israelites offer to the LORD, I have given to you, your sons, and your daughters as a permanent share. This is an everlasting covenant of salt before the LORD for you and your descendants."
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All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.
What Numbers 18:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is establishing a special arrangement with the priests and their families regarding the offerings made by the Israelites. These offerings, which are considered sacred, are given to the priests as their share. This provision is described as a permanent and everlasting covenant, symbolized by salt, which represents preservation and loyalty. The use of salt in the covenant signifies that it is meant to last forever, ensuring that the priests and their descendants will always have a portion of the offerings. This highlights the importance of the priestly role in the community and God's commitment to support them through these offerings. The covenant not only benefits the priests but also emphasizes the ongoing relationship between God and His people, as the offerings are a way for the Israelites to express their devotion and gratitude to God.
How to apply Numbers 18:19 to your life
Understanding this covenant helps us appreciate the importance of supporting spiritual leaders in our communities. Just as the Israelites provided for the priests, we can contribute to our churches and ministries, ensuring they have the resources needed to serve effectively and faithfully.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 18:19 mean?
Numbers 18:19 explains that God has given the sacred offerings from the Israelites to the priests and their families as a permanent share. This establishes a lasting covenant that ensures the priests will always receive these offerings.
What is the significance of the covenant of salt in Numbers 18:19?
The covenant of salt in Numbers 18:19 symbolizes preservation and loyalty, indicating that the agreement between God and the priests is meant to last forever. Salt represents the enduring nature of this covenant.
How does Numbers 18:19 relate to supporting spiritual leaders today?
Numbers 18:19 illustrates the importance of providing for spiritual leaders, similar to how the Israelites supported the priests. This encourages modern communities to contribute to their churches and ministries to ensure they can serve effectively.
Who are the recipients of the offerings mentioned in Numbers 18:19?
The recipients of the offerings in Numbers 18:19 are the priests, along with their sons and daughters. This arrangement ensures that the priestly family benefits from the sacred contributions made by the Israelites.
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