Numbers 18 18

Numbers 18:18 kjv

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.

Numbers 18:18 nkjv

And their flesh shall be yours, just as the wave breast and the right thigh are yours.

Numbers 18:18 niv

Their meat is to be yours, just as the breast of the wave offering and the right thigh are yours.

Numbers 18:18 esv

But their flesh shall be yours, as the breast that is waved and as the right thigh are yours.

Numbers 18:18 nlt

The meat of these animals will be yours, just like the breast and right thigh that are presented by lifting them up as a special offering before the altar.

Numbers 18 verses

Numbers 18 18 Meaning

Numbers 18:18 establishes the right of the Aaronic priesthood to a specific portion of the offerings presented by the people. It states that the "flesh of their peace offerings" is to belong to the priests, drawing a direct parallel and confirming this entitlement by referencing the already established priestly portions of the "wave breast" and the "heave thigh." This divine directive ensured the material sustenance of the priests and their families, enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties without being burdened by worldly labor or concerns for provision, as they had no tribal land inheritance.

Numbers 18 18 Context

Numbers chapter 18 defines and delineates the specific responsibilities and corresponding provisions for the priests and Levites. This detailed legislation immediately follows the rebellion of Korah (Num 16) and God's clear affirmation of Aaron's priestly lineage (Num 17), thereby underscoring the divine appointment and sanctity of the Aaronic priesthood. The chapter ensures the priests and Levites could devote themselves entirely to their sacred duties within the Tabernacle, as they were unique among the tribes in that they received no territorial land inheritance in Canaan. Verse 18 is part of a series of stipulations outlining the specific types of offerings and dedicated items that would form the primary source of their livelihood, providing clarity and preventing disputes over priestly portions, especially those derived from the communal peace offerings. Historically, this system was unique to Israel, ensuring God's direct provision for His dedicated servants, a stark contrast to how priests in surrounding pagan nations might be supported through less structured or more self-serving means.

Numbers 18 18 Word analysis

• And the flesh (וּבְשַׂר, u-vasar): 'Flesh,' specifically refers to the edible muscle portions of the sacrificial animal. This highlights that a substantial, tangible part of the offering, intended for human consumption, was designated for the priests.

• of their peace offerings (זִבְחֵי שַׁלְמֵיהֶם, zivḥei shalmehem):

  • zivḥei (from zevach): 'sacrifices of.' This is a general term for an animal sacrifice, indicating a presentation to God.
  • shalmehem (from shelamim, related to shalom): 'their peace offerings.' The shelamim was unique among sacrifices because it was characterized by communal feasting; part was offered to God (fat and blood), part to the priests, and the remaining portion to the offerer and his family to be eaten in a state of thanksgiving or fellowship. The name itself, shalom, implies completeness, well-being, and harmony, emphasizing the nature of these offerings as celebrations of relationship with God.

• shall be yours (יִהְיֶה־לְּךָ, yiheyeh-lekha): 'It shall be for you.' This active verbal phrase indicates a clear and unconditional entitlement, directly established by divine decree. The possessive 'yours' (singular, referring to Aaron and, collectively, to his priestly descendants) signifies proprietary right.

• as the wave breast (כַּחֲזֵה הַתְּנוּפָה, kaḥazeih hat-tnufah):

  • kaḥazeih: 'as the breast of.' Ḥazeh (breast) was a specific, choice cut of meat.
  • hat-tnufah (from tnufah): 'the wave offering.' This refers to a ritualistic action where the offering was waved horizontally before the Lord by the priest, signifying its presentation to God, and by extension, its being given from God to the priest. This established practice served as a clear precedent.

• and as the heave thigh (וּכְשׁוֹק הַתְּרוּמָה, u-kho-shoq hat-trumah):

  • u-kho-shoq: 'and as the thigh of.' Shoq (thigh, specifically the right thigh) was another choice, fatty portion.
  • hat-trumah (from trumah): 'the heave offering.' This ritual involved lifting the offering vertically towards the heavens, symbolizing its elevation and dedication to the Lord. Like the wave offering, it designated a divinely appointed portion for the priests.

• "flesh of their peace offerings" compared to "wave breast and heave thigh": This comparison is crucial. It asserts that the entire edible flesh (excluding fat, which was for God) of the peace offerings (not just specific parts) is now to be treated like the established "wave breast" and "heave thigh" portions. While Lev 7:31-34 already designated the wave breast and heave thigh specifically from the peace offerings for the priest, Num 18:18 reinforces and perhaps broadens this, implying a clear and significant portion beyond just these two types of ceremonial cuts (wave/heave), ensuring that a substantial amount of meat from every peace offering would feed the priestly families. It affirms that the peace offerings were a consistent source of protein and sustenance.

Numbers 18 18 Bonus section

• Communal Aspect: The peace offering was the only main offering where a portion of the sacrificial animal was consumed by the worshiper in a festive meal (Lev 7:15-18). The portions designated for the priests, as specified in this verse, provided them access to a constant supply of quality meat, allowing their families to also partake in communal feasting linked to Israel's worship, although not necessarily with the offerer.
• Significance of "Warm Flesh": The priests' portion, being part of a newly slaughtered animal, was often received while still warm and fresh, indicating immediate and direct sustenance, a high honor and convenience given the logistics of ancient food preservation.
• Polemics against Self-Provision: By stating that these specific, generous portions "shall be yours," God prevented the priests from needing to engage in farming, trade, or other forms of labor that might distract from their sacred duties. This dependence on God's system of offerings underscored their unique separation and holy calling, contrasting with other ANE priestly systems where priests might farm their own lands or depend on less secure patronage.
• Holiness and Provision: The allocation of the most prized parts of the peace offering to the priests not only provided sustenance but also reinforced their high standing and sacred identity within the Israelite community, acknowledging their intermediary role between God and the people.

Numbers 18 18 Commentary

Numbers 18:18 is a concise yet profound statement reinforcing God's covenantal provision for the Aaronic priesthood. It is not introducing a new regulation but reiterating and emphasizing the divine directive that a significant portion of the "peace offerings" was designated for priestly sustenance. By directly equating the entitlement to the "flesh of their peace offerings" with the long-established rights to the "wave breast" and the "heave thigh" – premier portions specifically presented through sacred ritual – the verse removes any ambiguity. This ensured that the priests, who possessed no land inheritance, could devote themselves wholly to the service of the Lord and the spiritual instruction of Israel, trusting God alone for their daily bread through the people's obedience in offerings. This divine provision underscores the principle that those who minister spiritually are worthy of material support, freeing them for their holy calling and demonstrating God's meticulous care for His appointed servants and the meticulous structure of the Tabernacle service.