Números 18
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 18
Wiersbe - It was dangerous to disobey even in the matter of how they dressed (Ex. 28:35, 42–43) or if they washed regularly (30:17–21). God held Aaron and his sons responsible for offenses committed against the sanctuary and the priesthood. (Be Counted) David
Números 18
Wiersbe - The priesthood was God’s gift to Israel, for without priests the people couldn’t approach God. The Levites were God’s gift to the priests, relieving them of menial tasks so they could devote themselves fully to serving God and the people. The seven men appointed in Acts 6+, usually called deacons, had a similar relationship to the apostles. There’s nothing demeaning about serving tables, but the apostles had more important work to do. (Be Counted) Numbers 3:9+ “You shall thus give (repetition of nathan nathan = "wholly give") the Levites to Aaron and to his sons; they are wholly given to him from among the sons of Israel. Comment - That the Levites are subsidiary to the priests is made quite clear by the wording of this verse. The Hebrew for this expression is the repetition "given given" (netûnìm netûnìm), an idiom for totality. Compare the conduct of the Levites in Jdg 17-18 & Jdg 19-21 describing the tragic despicable events that occurred very early in the 300-350 year period of Judges after Joshua and the elders had died. Numbers 8:19+ “I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the sons of Israel, to perform the service of the sons of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement on behalf of the sons of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the sons of Israel by their coming near to the sanctuary.” Bush comments - To make an atonement. Heb. lekappër, to make atonement. The insertion of the particle “an” is superfluous, as the word expresses a continuous function. It confirms the interpretation suggested above, v. 12, that the making atonement by the act of sacrificing was not the province of the Levites, but of the priests. They were to serve as a kind of perpetual medium of atonement. That there be no plague, etc. Chaldee “No death.” That is, that the people may be secured from the stroke of divine judgments by everything being done in exact accordance with the prescribed order, all others except the proper commissioned persons being excluded from officiating in and about the Tabernacle. This plainly teaches that the surest preservation against disastrous visitations is a strict compliance with the divine injunctions. Germane to this is the case of Phineas, Nu 25:7, 8, 13, who, in slaying the offenders “stayed the plague,” and is thereupon said to have “made an atonement for the children of Israel.” The danger incurred by the infraction of this command is impressively taught, Lev. 10:1, 1 Chr 6:3. Numbers 18:7 "But you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and inside the veil, and you are to perform service. I am giving you the priesthood as a bestowed service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death." BGT Numbers 18:7 καὶ σὺ καὶ οἱ υἱοί σου μετὰ σοῦ διατηρήσετε τὴν ἱερατείαν ὑμῶν κατὰ πάντα τρόπον τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου καὶ τὸ ἔνδοθεν τοῦ καταπετάσματος καὶ λειτουργήσετε τὰς λειτουργίας δόμα τῆς ἱερατείας ὑμῶν καὶ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς ὁ προσπορευόμενος ἀποθανεῖται NET Numbers 18:7 But you and your sons with you are responsible for your priestly duties, for everything at the altar and within the curtain. And you must serve. I give you the priesthood as a gift for service; but the unauthorized person who approaches must be put to death." NLT Numbers 18:7 But you and your sons, the priests, must personally handle all the priestly rituals associated with the altar and with everything behind the inner curtain. I am giving you the priesthood as your special privilege of service. Any unauthorized person who comes too near the sanctuary will be put to death." ESV Numbers 18:7 And you and your sons with you shall guard your priesthood for all that concerns the altar and that is within the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood as a gift, and any outsider who comes near shall be put to death." NIV Numbers 18:7 But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death." KJV Numbers 18:7 Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. YLT Numbers 18:7 and thou, and thy sons with thee, do keep your priesthood, for everything of the altar, and within the vail, and ye have served; a service of gift I make your priesthood; and the stranger who is coming near is put to death.' LXE Numbers 18:7 And thou and thy sons after thee shall keep up your priestly ministration, according to the whole manner of the altar, and that which is within the veil; and ye shall minister in the services as the office of your priesthood; and the stranger that comes near shall die. ASV Numbers 18:7 And thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil; and ye shall serve: I give you the priesthood as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. CSB Numbers 18:7 But you and your sons will carry out your priestly responsibilities for everything concerning the altar and for what is inside the veil, and you will do that work. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but an unauthorized person who comes near the sanctuary will be put to death." NKJ Numbers 18:7 "Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and behind the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death." NRS Numbers 18:7 But you and your sons with you shall diligently perform your priestly duties in all that concerns the altar and the area behind the curtain. I give your priesthood as a gift; any outsider who approaches shall be put to death. But you : Nu 18:5 3:10 within: Lev 16:2,12-14 Heb 9:3-6 service: Nu 16:5-7 1Sa 2:28 Joh 3:27 Ro 15:15,16 Eph 3:8 Heb 5:4 outsider: Nu 18:4 3:38 16:40 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AARONIC PRIESTS' DUTIES But you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the (brazen) altar (on the outside in the courtyard of the Tabernacle complex) and inside the veil - This verse summarizes the work of the priests (that is, Aaron and his sons) at the altar and within the Tabernacle (including both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, the latter of course being accessible only by the high priest and only once per year - Lev 16:1-34+). Bush - "Keep or preserve it to yourselves, discharging its functions, and allow no other person to invade it. This you are to do with a twofold reference to the altar of burnt offerings, where the sacrifices are to be performed, the blood sprinkled, etc.; and also to all that is to be done, whether within the outer or the inner vail, as, for instance, burning incense, putting on the shew-bread, and lighting the lamps." (Bush) and you are to perform service - NET = "And you must serve." Matthew
Números 18
Wiersbe has a slightly different application of Numbers 18:1-7 - Everything rises or falls with leadership, and Aaron was the leader of the priestly family. He was accountable to God for what happened at the sanctuary. God doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48+), but He does dwell in our bodies by His Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 6:19–20+) and among His people in the local assembly (1 Cor 3:16ff). We must be careful how we treat our bodies and what we do to the church of Jesus Christ. “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple” (1 Cor 3:17NIV). (Be Counted) Numbers 18:8 Then the LORD spoke to Aaron, "Now behold, I Myself have given you charge of My offerings, even all the holy gifts of the sons of Israel I have given them to you as a portion and to your sons as a perpetual allotment. BGT Numbers 18:8 καὶ ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Ααρων καὶ ἐγὼ ἰδοὺ δέδωκα ὑμῖν τὴν διατήρησιν τῶν ἀπαρχῶν ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἡγιασμένων μοι παρὰ τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ σοὶ δέδωκα αὐτὰ εἰς γέρας καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς σου μετὰ σέ νόμιμον αἰώνιον NET Numbers 18:8 The LORD spoke to Aaron, "See, I have given you the responsibility for my raised offerings; I have given all the holy things of the Israelites to you as your priestly portion and to your sons as a perpetual ordinance. NLT Numbers 18:8 The LORD gave these further instructions to Aaron: "I myself have put you in charge of all the holy offerings that are brought to me by the people of Israel. I have given all these consecrated offerings to you and your sons as your permanent share. ESV Numbers 18:8 Then the LORD spoke to Aaron, "Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to me, all the consecrated things of the people of Israel. I have given them to you as a portion and to your sons as a perpetual due. NIV Numbers 18:8 Then the LORD said to Aaron, "I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion and regular share. KJV Numbers 18:8 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever. YLT Numbers 18:8 And Jehovah speaketh unto Aaron: 'And I, lo, I have given to thee the charge of My heave-offerings, of all the hallowed things of the sons of Israel -- to thee I have given them for the anointing, and to thy sons, by a statute age-during. LXE Numbers 18:8 And the Lord said to Aaron, And, behold, I have given you the charge of the first-fruits of all things consecrated to me by the children of Israel; and I have given them to thee as an honour, and to thy sons after thee for a perpetual ordinance. ASV Numbers 18:8 And Jehovah spake unto Aaron, And I, behold, I have given thee the charge of my heave-offerings, even all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, as a portion for ever. CSB Numbers 18:8 Then the LORD spoke to Aaron, "Look, I have put you in charge of the contributions brought to Me. As for all the holy offerings of the Israelites, I have given them to you and your sons as a portion and a permanent statute. NKJ Numbers 18:8 And the LORD spoke to Aaron: "Here, I Myself have also given you charge of My heave offerings, all the holy gifts of the children of Israel; I have given them as a portion to you and your sons, as an ordinance forever. NRS Numbers 18:8 The LORD spoke to Aaron: I have given you charge of the offerings made to me, all the holy gifts of the Israelites; I have given them to you and your sons as a priestly portion due you in perpetuity. charge: Nu 18:9 Lev 6:16,18,20,26 7:6,32-34 10:14,15 De 12:6,11 26:13 by reason: Ex 29:21,29 40:13,15 Lev 7:35 8:30 21:10 Isa 10:27 Heb 1:9 1Jn 2:20,27 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries YAHWEH GIVES PROVISIONS TO PRIESTS Clyde Woods summarizes Lev 18:8-20 writing that "This paragraph treats five types of priestly revenues: (1) the portions of grain, sin, and guilt offerings not burned on the altar (vv. 9, 10); (2) the designated portions of the fellowship offerings (v. 11); (3) firstfruits (vv. 12–13); (4) devoted things (v. 14); and (5) firstlings, or, as required, their redemption fees (vv. 15–18). Introductory and concluding statements (vv. 8, 19–20) frame the list which, while not totally exhaustive, effectively summarizes priestly support." (Leviticus- Numbers) Then the LORD spoke to Aaron, "Now behold, I Myself have given you charge of My offerings - NLT = "I myself have put you in charge of all the holy offerings that are brought to me by the people of Israel" Offerings (heave offering) (08641)(terumah from rum = to be high or exalted, depicts something being lifted up as one would do in an offering) is a feminine noun that means offering, the first use referring to the contributions from the sons of Israel to God for the building of the Tabernacle (Ex 25:2-3). Terumah describes a number of different offerings - contribution of materials for building (Ex 25:2; 35:5); an animal for sacrifice (Ex. 29:27; Nu 6:20); the thigh part of the animal to the priest (Lev 10:14); a shekel as a contribution to the LORD (Ex 30:13-15 - the purpose of the offering being to atone); gold for the priests (Nu 31:52); land for the priests (Ezek. 45:6, 7); the offering of war booty (Nu 31:29) and materials for an idol (Isa 40:20)! In one instance, this word is used to describe a ruler who "takes bribes" ("demands contributions" - HCSB) (Pr. 29:4). Translated allotment(15), contribution(20), contributions(10), heave offering(4), offered by lifting(2), offering(20), offerings(4), who takes bribes(1). All uses in Numbers - Num. 5:9; Num. 6:20; Num. 15:19; Num. 15:20; Num. 15:21; Num. 18:8; Num. 18:11; Num. 18:19; Num. 18:24; Num. 18:26; Num. 18:27; Num. 18:28; Num. 18:29; Num. 31:29; Num. 31:41; Num. 31:52; Even all the holy gifts of the sons of Israel I have given them to you as a portion and to your sons as a perpetual allotment - NKJ = "as an ordinance forever." Holy gifts would be gifts set apart by the Israelites for God alone. God shares these with those who are close to Him! (That's a thought worth pondering!). God's holy gifts are perpetual which is surely a shadow pointing toward God's gift of Christ, a "Gift" we will experience and enjoy eternally as our perpetual allotment. THOUGHT The sons in the OT reminds me of the blessing of believers as sons in the NT John writing "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." (1 John 3:1+) To which Paul adds "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Ro 8:14+) " For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:26+) NIVSB - The priests were to be supported in their work of ministry (Lev 6:14-7:36). Perpetual allotment - only 3 times in the entire Bible, all in Numbers 18 - Nu 18:8, 11, 19 Holy (sanctuary) (06944) see note on qodesh The Lxx renders qodesh with hagiazo in perfect tense indicating the place permanently set apart from common use and for worship of Yahweh. Perpetual (05769) see olam Allotment (due, ordinance, portion)(02706) see notes below on choq/hoq Numbers 18:9 "This shall be yours from the most holy gifts reserved from the fire; every offering of theirs, even every grain offering and every sin offering and every guilt offering, which they shall render to Me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons. BGT Numbers 18:9 καὶ τοῦτο ἔστω ὑμῖν ἀπὸ τῶν ἡγιασμένων ἁγίων τῶν καρπωμάτων ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν δώρων αὐτῶν καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν θυσιασμάτων αὐτῶν καὶ ἀπὸ πάσης πλημμελείας αὐτῶν καὶ ἀπὸ πασῶν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ὅσα ἀποδιδόασίν μοι ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων σοὶ ἔσται καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς σου NET Numbers 18:9 Of all the most holy offerings reserved from the fire this will be yours: Every offering of theirs, whether from every grain offering or from every purification offering or from every reparation offering which they bring to me, will be most holy for you and for your sons. NLT Numbers 18:9 You are allotted the portion of the most holy offerings that is not burned on the fire. This portion of all the most holy offerings-- including the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings-- will be most holy, and it belongs to you and your sons. ESV Numbers 18:9 This shall be yours of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, every grain offering of theirs and every sin offering of theirs and every guilt offering of theirs, which they render to me, shall be most holy to you and to your sons. NIV Numbers 18:9 You are to have the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire. From all the gifts they bring me as most holy offerings, whether grain or sin or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. KJV Numbers 18:9 This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, every meat offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons. YLT Numbers 18:9 This is thine of the most holy things, from the fire: all their offering, to all their present, and to all their sin-offering, and to all their guilt-offering, which they give back to Me, is most holy to thee, and to thy sons; LXE Numbers 18:9 And let this be to you from all the holy things that are consecrated to me, even the burnt-offerings, from all their gifts, and from all their sacrifices, and from every trespass-offering of theirs, and from all their sin-offerings, whatever things they give to me of all their holy things, they shall be thine and thy sons'. ASV Numbers 18:9 This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every oblation of theirs, even every meal-offering of theirs, and every sin-offering of theirs, and every trespass-offering of theirs, which they shall render unto me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons. CSB Numbers 18:9 A portion of the holiest offerings kept from the fire will be yours; every one of their offerings that they give Me, whether the grain offering, sin offering, or restitution offering will be most holy for you and your sons. NKJ Numbers 18:9 "This shall be yours of the most holy things reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, every grain offering and every sin offering and every trespass offering which they render to Me, shall be most holy for you and your sons. NRS Numbers 18:9 This shall be yours from the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs that they render to me as a most holy thing, whether grain offering, sin offering, or guilt offering, shall belong to you and your sons. every offering: Lev 2:2,3 10:12,13 every sin: Lev 4:22,27 6:25,26 10:17 every guilt: Lev 5:1,6 7:1,7 10:12 14:13 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries OFFERING PORTIONS TO BE EATEN ONLY BY PRIESTS This shall be yours (Aaronic priests) from the most holy gifts reserved from the fire - Most holy is qodes (holy thing) and qadosh (holy) thus literally "holy holy things." NLT = "the most holy offerings that is not burned on the fire." For most sacrificial offerings only a portion was burned (Lev 2:2+ where "memorial portion" = a representative portion that was burned) and what was not burned was Yahweh's gift to the priests and was specifically called the most holy gifts. Note that there is a distinction between "most holy gifts" (Nu 18:9-10) and "holy gifts." (Nu 18:19), the former being given only for the priests themselves and the latter for the priests and their families. Every offering (qorban/korban; Lxx = doron = stresses gratuitous, voluntary nature-see below) of theirs, even every grain offering (minchah; Lev 2:3+; Lev 5:13+; Lev 6:9+) and every sin offering (chattat/chattath - Lev 4:25, 26+) and every guilt (trespass) offering (asham - Lev. 2; Lev 4:1-6:7+; Lev 6:14-7:7+), which they shall render to Me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons - Notice that these most holy portions are reserved for the priests (not their families). Not mentioned here is the compensation from the burnt offering ('olah) which was the hide of the burnt animal (Lev 7:8+) Offering (of theirs) (07133)(qorban/korban from qarab signifies coming into near, intimate proximity of another [in Leviticus into intimate proximity with Jehovah!] Does this root verb not help us discern the picture of "offering?") is a masculine noun which means that which is brought near (the altar), thus referring to an offering. Thus qorban/korban was a general term used for all Israelite sacrifices, offerings, or oblations. It is used in a variety of offerings in Leviticus. Uses in Numbers - Nu 5:15; Nu 6:14; Nu 6:21; Nu 7:3; Nu 7:10; Nu 7:11; Nu 7:12; Nu 7:13; Nu 7:17; Nu 7:19; Nu 7:23; Nu 7:25; Nu 7:29; Nu 7:31; Nu 7:35; Nu 7:37; Nu 7:41; Nu 7:43; Nu 7:47; Nu 7:49; Nu 7:53; Nu 7:55; Nu 7:59; Nu 7:61; Nu 7:65; Nu 7:67; Nu 7:71; Nu 7:73; Nu 7:77; Nu 7:79; Nu 7:83; Nu 9:7; Nu 9:13; Nu 15:4; Nu 15:25; Nu 18:9; Nu 28:2; Nu 31:50 It is worthy of note that the word Doron is usually used of offerings to God (in NT) except in Eph 2:8+ where it used of God's "offering" to us!!! Hallelujah! Holy (gifts) (06944) see note on qodesh The Lxx renders qodesh with hagios indicating those things set apart from common use and for uses related to Yahweh. Numbers 18:10 "As the most holy gifts you shall eat it; every male shall eat it. It shall be holy to you. BGT Numbers 18:10 ἐν τῷ ἁγίῳ τῶν ἁγίων φάγεσθε αὐτά πᾶν ἀρσενικὸν φάγεται αὐτά σὺ καὶ οἱ υἱοί σου ἅγια ἔσται σοι NET Numbers 18:10 You are to eat it as a most holy offering; every male may eat it. It will be holy to you. NLT Numbers 18:10 You must eat it as a most holy offering. All the males may eat of it, and you must treat it as most holy. ESV Numbers 18:10 In a most holy place shall you eat it. Every male may eat it; it is holy to you. NIV Numbers 18:10 Eat it as something most holy; every male shall eat it. You must regard it as holy. KJV Numbers 18:10 In the most holy place shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall be holy unto thee. YLT Numbers 18:10 in the holy of holies thou dost eat it; every male doth eat it; holy it is to thee. LXE Numbers 18:10 In the most holy place shall ye eat them; every male shall eat them, thou and thy sons: they shall be holy to thee. ASV Numbers 18:10 As the most holy things shalt thou eat thereof; every male shall eat thereof: it shall be holy unto thee. CSB Numbers 18:10 You are to eat it as a most holy offering. Every male may eat it; it is to be holy to you. NKJ Numbers 18:10 "In a most holy place you shall eat it; every male shall eat it. It shall be holy to you. NRS Numbers 18:10 As a most holy thing you shall eat it; every male may eat it; it shall be holy to you. In the: Ex 29:31,32 Lev 6:16,26,29 7:6 10:13,17 14:13 every male: Lev 6:18,29 7:6 21:22 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HOLY MEALS IN A HOLY PLACE IN THE COURT OF THE TENT OF MEETING As the most holy gifts you shall eat it; every male shall eat it. It shall be holy to you - The NAS is not the best translation for the Hebrew is more accurately rendered "In a most holy place shall you eat it" (ESV) Note these most holy gifts are only for the males. And as noted above, these were to be consumed only by the Aaronic priests (not even their families) and the were to be consumed in a holy place. In Leviticus 6:16+ we read "What is left of it Aaron and his sons are to eat. It shall be eaten as unleavened cakes in a holy place; they are to eat it in the court of the tent of meeting." Holy (gifts)...Holy (to you) (06944)(qodesh) is a masculine noun which means set apart, distinct, unique. Qodesh describes that which has been consecrated or set apart for sacred use and was not to be used for common or profane tasks. If it were used for profane things, in simple terms, it became "not holy." It is fitting that the first OT use of qodesh was in God's instruction to Moses - "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Ex 3:5). NET Note on Ex 3:5 "What made a mountain or other place holy was the fact that God chose that place to reveal himself or to reside among his people. Because God was in this place, the ground was different – it was holy." The Lxx renders qodesh with hagios indicating those things set apart from common use and for uses related to Yahweh. This is the name of God's people in the NT and the purpose is the same - set apart from the corrupt dying world and unto the use of our Holy God. Does my behavior substantiate this "definition"? Numbers 18:11 "This also is yours, the offering of their gift, even all the wave offerings of the sons of Israel; I have given them to you and to your sons and daughters with you as a perpetual allotment. Everyone of your household who is clean may eat it. BGT Numbers 18:11 καὶ τοῦτο ἔσται ὑμῖν ἀπαρχὴ δομάτων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἐπιθεμάτων τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ σοὶ δέδωκα αὐτὰ καὶ τοῖς υἱοῖς σου καὶ ταῖς θυγατράσιν σου μετὰ σοῦ νόμιμον αἰώνιον πᾶς καθαρὸς ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου ἔδεται αὐτά NET Numbers 18:11 "And this is yours: the raised offering of their gift, along with all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I have given them to you and to your sons and daughters with you as a perpetual ordinance. Everyone who is ceremonially clean in your household may eat of it. NLT Numbers 18:11 "All the sacred offerings and special offerings presented to me when the Israelites lift them up before the altar also belong to you. I have given them to you and to your sons and daughters as your permanent share. Any member of your family who is ceremonially clean may eat of these offerings. ESV Numbers 18:11 This also is yours: the contribution of their gift, all the wave offerings of the people of Israel. I have given them to you, and to your sons and daughters with you, as a perpetual due. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. NIV Numbers 18:11 "This also is yours: whatever is set aside from the gifts of all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I give this to you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. Everyone in your household who is ceremonially clean may eat it. KJV Numbers 18:11 And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it. YLT Numbers 18:11 'And this is thine: the heave-offering of their gift, to all the wave-offerings of the sons of Israel, to thee I have given them, and to thy sons, and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute age-during; every clean one in thy house doth eat it; LXE Numbers 18:11 And this shall be to you of the first-fruits of their gifts, of all the wave-offerings of the children of Israel; to thee have I given them and to thy sons and thy daughters with thee, a perpetual ordinance; every clean person in thy house shall eat them. ASV Numbers 18:11 And this is thine: the heave-offering of their gift, even all the wave-offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, as a portion for ever; every one that is clean in thy house shall eat thereof. CSB Numbers 18:11 "The contribution of their gifts also belongs to you. I have given all the Israelites' presentation offerings to you and to your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. Every ceremonially clean person in your house may eat it. NKJ Numbers 18:11 "This also is yours: the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them to you, and your sons and daughters with you, as an ordinance forever. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. NRS Numbers 18:11 This also is yours: I have given to you, together with your sons and daughters, as a perpetual due, whatever is set aside from the gifts of all the elevation offerings of the Israelites; everyone who is clean in your house may eat them. wave offerings: Nu 18:8 Ex 29:27,28 Lev 7:14,30-34 to you: Lev 10:14 De 18:3 everyone: Lev 22:2,3,11-13 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PROVISION FOR PRIESTS' FAMILIES This also is yours, the offering of their gift, even all the wave offerings of the sons of Israel; I have given them to you and to your sons and daughters with you as a perpetual allotment - NLT = "All the sacred offerings and special offerings presented to me when the Israelites lift them up before the altar also belong to you." Offering (08641) see notes above on terumah from rum = to be high or exalted, depicts something being lifted up as one would do in an offering. Note that terumah is a key word in Numbers 18 occuring 8 times - Nu 18:8; Nu 18:11; Nu 18:19; Nu 18:24; Nu 18:26; Nu 18:27; Nu 18:28; Nu 18:29; Perpetual (05769) see olam Allotment (due, ordinance, portion)(02706) see notes below on choq/hoq Wave offering (08573)(tenupah from nuph = to move to and fro, to wave, to sprinkle) is a feminine noun which means swinging, waving, then wave offering. Tenuphah implies the side to side motion involved in waving and thus is usually a reference to a "wave offering" but twice is translated simply as "offering" (Ex 38:24, 29). Halladay says it is "an offering waved toward the altar & away fm. it in consecration." All uses in Numbers - Num. 6:20; Num. 8:11; Num. 8:13; Num. 8:15; Num. 8:21; Num. 18:11; Num. 18:18; Andrew Bowling adds this note on wave offering - This noun has two cultic usages: first, as a general term applied to a variety of gifts and offerings and, secondly, as a specific term for those parts of the offerings which are designated for the officiating priest. As a general term it is applied to such diverse things as gold (Exodus 35:22), the "bronze of the wave offering" (Exodus 38:29; literal translation), the sheaf of the firstfruits (Leviticus 23:11-15), the two loaves offered on the Day of Pentecost (Leviticus 23:17), the male lamb of the trespass offering for cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:12, 21), and, finally, the entire tribe of Levi (Numbers 8:11). The verb nûp alone describes the offering of the cereal offering (ASV meal offering") of jealousy (Numbers 5:25). In some cases a ritual act of waving is clearly alluded to as when Moses waved the wave offering in Aaron's hands (Leviticus 8:27). In other cases the literal waving is impossible, as in the "waving" of the Levites. In such cases the significance of waving is lost and the terms mean offering" and to offer" respectively. If these terms have a characteristic, specific usage, it occurs in repeated references to the "breast of the wave offering" together with the "thigh of the heave offering" as the priest's portion of the peace offering (Leviticus 7:30; Leviticus 10:14; Numbers 6:19-20; Note: The second ram of Aaron's dedication ritual—Exodus 29:26-34; Leviticus 8:22-27, 31-32—with its wave breast and heave thigh is also a peace offering since it, like the peace offering, was eaten by the offerers). These portions are so characteristically the priest's that they serve as the standard to which other priest's portions are compared (Numbers 18:18). However, even in this usage, the terminology is not exact since the term "wave offering" once includes both the breast and the thigh (Leviticus 9:21) and the things burned as the "offering by fire" (cf. Leviticus 3:3-4) and the right thigh may be included in the term wave offering" (Exodus 29:22-24; Leviticus 8:25-27). (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) Related Resource: What is a wave offering? | GotQuestions.org Everyone of your household who is clean may eat it - Wenham says "as long as they are ‘clean’, i.e. not suffering from skin diseases, bodily discharges or contact with the dead (cf. 5:2; Lev. 7:19–21; 22:2–9)." (TOTC-Nu) NIVSB - Provisions for cleansing were stated in Lev 22:4–8. Clean (adjective) (pure) (02889)(tahor means pure, clean, purified, genuine, unalloyed (God's Word in Ps 12:6). "It is applied concretely to substances that are genuine or unadulterated as well as describing an unstained condition of a spiritual or ceremonial nature… Clean most frequently describes the purity maintained by avoiding contact with other human beings, abstaining from eating animals, and using things that are declared ceremonially clean. Conversely, cleansing results if ritual procedures symbolizing the removal of contamination are observed." (Vine) The idea of tahor is the identification and distinction of those things (utensils, places, people) that were culturally pure, capable of being used in, or taking part in the religious rituals of Israel. The Lord decreed that Israel must mark off the clean from the unclean (Lev. 10:10; 11:47; Job 14:4). While clean things were considered normal, unclean things were considered polluted, but could be restored to purity (Lev 13:13). However some things, especially certain animals were permanently unclean (Lev. 11:7, 26, 29-31). The deeper sense of tahor was in God's desire that His people be morally pure ("Your eyes are too pure to approve evil" = Hab 1:13), and so after his sin with Bathsheba, David asked God to create in him a clean heart. (Ps 51:10). The Septuagint uses the adjective katharos which describes that which is clean and free of adulterating matter Numbers 18:12 "All the best of the fresh oil and all the best of the fresh wine and of the grain, the first fruits of those which they give to the LORD, I give them to you. BGT Numbers 18:12 πᾶσα ἀπαρχὴ ἐλαίου καὶ πᾶσα ἀπαρχὴ οἴνου καὶ σίτου ἀπαρχὴ αὐτῶν ὅσα ἂν δῶσι τῷ κυρίῳ σοὶ δέδωκα αὐτά NET Numbers 18:12 "All the best of the olive oil and all the best of the wine and of the wheat, the first fruits of these things that they give to the LORD, I have given to you. NLT Numbers 18:12 "I also give you the harvest gifts brought by the people as offerings to the LORD-- the best of the olive oil, new wine, and grain. ESV Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the firstfruits of what they give to the LORD, I give to you. NIV Numbers 18:12 "I give you all the finest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain they give the LORD as the firstfruits of their harvest. KJV Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee. YLT Numbers 18:12 all the best of the oil, and all the best of the new wine, and wheat -- their first -fruits which they give to Jehovah -- to thee I have given them. LXE Numbers 18:12 Every first-offering of oil, and every first-offering of wine, their first-fruits of corn, whatsoever they may give to the Lord, to thee have I given them. ASV Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first-fruits of them which they give unto Jehovah, to thee have I given them. CSB Numbers 18:12 I am giving you all the best of the fresh olive oil, new wine, and grain, which the Israelites give to the LORD as their firstfruits. NKJ Numbers 18:12 "All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the LORD, I have given them to you. NRS Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the choice produce that they give to the LORD, I have given to you. best of the: Heb. fat, Nu 18:29 the first fruits: Nu 15:19-21 Ex 22:29 23:19 34:26 Lev 2:14 23:17,20 De 18:4 De 26:2 Ne 10:35-37 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE PRIESTS RECEIVE THE CREME OF THE CROP All the best of the fresh oil and all the best of the fresh wine and of the grain, the first fruits of those which they give to the LORD, I give them to you - The Hebrew word for best (heleb - used Nu 18:12, 29, 30, 32) refers to fat, the covering of the interior of the body, which was considered the best part of an animal and was God's portion in offerings (1 Sa 2:15,16), not to be eaten by men. In the present context it clearly refers to the best agricultural products of the land. So the phrase the "fat of the land" was the best part of the land (Ge 45:18) God gives His best to His priests! Today we are His priests! (1 Pe 2:9+) First-fruits (07225) (reshith) means (1) The beginning or the first step in a course of action (as in Ps 111:10, Pr 17:14, Mic 1:13) or as used here in numbers (2) The chief thing as the principal aspect or component of something and so as here refers to the first products of a harvest and so may be translated as "firstfruits" (e.g., Lev. 2:12; Nu 15:20; Deut. 26:2). Uses in the Pentateuch - Gen. 1:1; Gen. 10:10; Gen. 49:3; Exod. 23:19; Exod. 34:26; Lev. 2:12; Lev. 23:10; Num. 15:20; Num. 15:21; Num. 18:12; Num. 24:20; Deut. 11:12; Deut. 18:4; Deut. 21:17; Deut. 26:2; Deut. 26:10; Deut. 33:21. Reshith is translated with aparche the first of any crop or offspring of livestock, consecrated before the rest could be used and in Mosaic ceremonial law was a technical term for the first portion of grain and fruit harvests and flocks offered to God. Numbers 18:13 "The first ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours; everyone of your household who is clean may eat it. BGT Numbers 18:13 τὰ πρωτογενήματα πάντα ὅσα ἐν τῇ γῇ αὐτῶν ὅσα ἂν ἐνέγκωσιν κυρίῳ σοὶ ἔσται πᾶς καθαρὸς ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου ἔδεται αὐτά NET Numbers 18:13 And whatever first ripe fruit in their land they bring to the LORD will be yours; everyone who is ceremonially clean in your household may eat of it. NLT Numbers 18:13 All the first crops of their land that the people present to the LORD belong to you. Any member of your family who is ceremonially clean may eat this food. ESV Numbers 18:13 The first ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. NIV Numbers 18:13 All the land's firstfruits that they bring to the LORD will be yours. Everyone in your household who is ceremonially clean may eat it. KJV Numbers 18:13 And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto the LORD, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat of it. YLT Numbers 18:13 'The first-fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring in to Jehovah, are thine; every clean one in thy house doth eat it; LXE Numbers 18:13 All the first-fruits that are in their land, whatsoever they shall offer to the Lord, shall be thine: every clean person in thy house shall eat them. ASV Numbers 18:13 The first-ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring unto Jehovah, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thy house shall eat thereof. CSB Numbers 18:13 The firstfruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, belong to you. Every clean person in your house may eat them. NKJ Numbers 18:13 "Whatever first ripe fruit is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it. NRS Numbers 18:13 The first fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours; everyone who is clean in your house may eat of it. whatsoever: Ex 22:29 Jer 24:2 Ho 9:10 Mic 7:1 every one: Nu 18:11 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The first ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the LORD, shall be yours; everyone of your household who is clean may eat it - First ripe fruits is one Hebrew word (bikkuriym) a plural noun that refers to the first products of grain and food, a portion of which were to be given to Yahweh as a thank offering but here Yahweh assigns to the priests for their support. So in contrast to the restrictions to the priests (Nu 18:8-10), these provisions are for everyone in the priests household. The only condition is that the person partaking must be clean. Wiersbe explains why they had to be "clean" - whoever in the priestly family ate of the sacrifices given to God had to be ceremonially clean and treat the food with reverence, because it had been sanctified by being presented to God. (Be Counted) Clean (adjective) (pure) (02889) see notes above on tahor in the Septuagint katharos. Related Resource: What does the Bible mean when it says something is unclean? | GotQuestions.org Numbers 18:14 "Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours. BGT Numbers 18:14 πᾶν ἀνατεθεματισμένον ἐν υἱοῖς Ισραηλ σοὶ ἔσται NET Numbers 18:14 "Everything devoted in Israel will be yours. NLT Numbers 18:14 "Everything in Israel that is specially set apart for the LORD also belongs to you. ESV Numbers 18:14 Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours. NIV Numbers 18:14 "Everything in Israel that is devoted to the LORD is yours. KJV Numbers 18:14 Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine. YLT Numbers 18:14 every devoted thing in Israel is thine, LXE Numbers 18:14 Every devoted thing among the children of Israel shall be thine. ASV Numbers 18:14 Everything devoted in Israel shall be thine. CSB Numbers 18:14 "Everything in Israel that is permanently dedicated to the LORD belongs to you. NKJ Numbers 18:14 "Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours. NRS Numbers 18:14 Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours. Lev 27:28 Eze 44:29 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DEVOTED THINGS GIVEN TO THE PRIESTS Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours - The NLT is a relatively good paraphrase " "Everything in Israel that is specially set apart for the LORD (ED: THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF THE MEANING OF THE HEBREW WORD herem) also belongs to you." The Septuagint translated devoted (herem) with anathematizo which means in essence calling on God to punish if what is solemnly spoken is not true or carried out. As Leon Wood says (of herem) "Whatever is devoted to the Lord, whether man, animal, or property, is considered most holy by God and is therefore not to be sold or redeemed by substituting something else. According to Numbers 18:14 and Ezekiel 44:29, all such objects are to be given to the priests for the support of the religious ceremonies." (TWOT) Leviticus 27:28+ ‘Nevertheless, anything which a man sets apart to the LORD out of all that he has, of man or animal or of the fields of his own property, shall not be sold or redeemed. Anything devoted (herem) to destruction is most holy to the LORD. Devoted (02764)(herem) conveys the basic of the exclusion of an object from the use or abuse of man and its irrevocable surrender to God. In other words it is it is something devoted unto divine service, and is under a ban (forbidding to use for something else). It is interesting that the word “harem,” meaning the special quarters for Muslim wives, comes from it. NET NOTE on devoted - The “ban” (חֵרֶם, kherem) in Hebrew describes that which is exclusively the LORD’s, either for his sanctuary use, or for his destruction. It seems to refer to an individual’s devoting something freely to God. Numbers 18:15 "Every first issue of the womb of all flesh, whether man or animal, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours; nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. BGT Numbers 18:15 καὶ πᾶν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἀπὸ πάσης σαρκός ἃ προσφέρουσιν κυρίῳ ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους σοὶ ἔσται ἀλλ᾽ ἢ λύτροις λυτρωθήσεται τὰ πρωτότοκα τῶν ἀνθρώπων καὶ τὰ πρωτότοκα τῶν κτηνῶν τῶν ἀκαθάρτων λυτρώσῃ NET Numbers 18:15 The firstborn of every womb which they present to the LORD, whether human or animal, will be yours. Nevertheless, the firstborn sons you must redeem, and the firstborn males of unclean animals you must redeem. NLT Numbers 18:15 "The firstborn of every mother, whether human or animal, that is offered to the LORD will be yours. But you must always redeem your firstborn sons and the firstborn of ceremonially unclean animals. ESV Numbers 18:15 Everything that opens the womb of all flesh, whether man or beast, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours. Nevertheless, the firstborn of man you shall redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. NIV Numbers 18:15 The first offspring of every womb, both man and animal, that is offered to the LORD is yours. But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. KJV Numbers 18:15 Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. YLT Numbers 18:15 every one opening a womb of all flesh which they bring near to Jehovah, among man and among beast, is thine; only, thou dost certainly ransom the first-born of man, and the firstling of the unclean beast thou dost ransom. LXE Numbers 18:15 And every thing that opens the womb of all flesh, whatsoever they bring to the Lord, whether man or beast, shall be thine: only the first-born of men shall be surely redeemed, and thou shalt redeem the first-born of unclean cattle. ASV Numbers 18:15 Everything that openeth the womb, of all flesh which they offer unto Jehovah, both of man and beast shall be thine: nevertheless the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. CSB Numbers 18:15 The firstborn of every living thing, man or animal, presented to the LORD belongs to you. But you must certainly redeem the firstborn of man, and redeem the firstborn of an unclean animal. NKJ Numbers 18:15 "Everything that first opens the womb of all flesh, which they bring to the LORD, whether man or beast, shall be yours; nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. NRS Numbers 18:15 The first issue of the womb of all creatures, human and animal, which is offered to the LORD, shall be yours; but the firstborn of human beings you shall redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. Every first issue: Nu 3:13 Ex 13:2,12 22:29 34:20 Lev 27:26 the firstborn: Ex 13:13 34:20 Lev 27:27 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Nu 3:12 “Now, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn, the first issue of the womb among the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall be Mine. REDEMPTION OF THE FIRSTBORN Numbers 18:15-18 deal with this category of offerings that are given to the priests. Every first issue of the womb (literally "the splitter of the womb") of all flesh whether man or animal, which they offer to the LORD, shall be yours - In other words this describes the first one to "split" or separate from the mother's womb (cf Nu 8:16) and so it refers to the firstborn. Yahweh decrees the firstborn belong to the Aaronic priests. Nevertheless (Hebrew particle introduces a strong contrast) the firstborn of man you (Aaronic priests) shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem - (Compare Numbers 3:46–51) The GNT has "you must accept payment to buy back every first-born child" which emphasizes that it is the Israelite who presents his firstborn child who pays, not the priest. They were to redeem the firstborn of men and of unclean animals by payment of a price described in verse 16. Note that Redeem is repeated for emphasis of this point. The Hebrew word padah is translated in the first use in the Lxx with lutrosis which means providing a ransom. The second use of redeem is translated with lutroo meaning to free by paying a ransom. The unclean animals were those that were ritually impure, such as donkeys. UBS Handbook notes that "Firstborn sons belong to God but are not acceptable for sacrifice because their life is sacred, while the firstborn males of unclean animals are not acceptable because unclean animals cannot be used in the cult." Firstborn (01060)(bekor means an offspring who came first in the order of birth (animals Ge 4:4) or persons (Ge 25:13). The firstborn of clean animals were sacrificed to the Lord (Dt. 12:6, 17), but the firstborn males of unclean animals could be redeemed (Nu 18:15). The Septuagint (Lxx) translates bekor with Greek word prototokos. Redeem (06299)(padah) has the basic meaning to achieve the transfer of ownership from one to another through payment of a price or an equivalent substitute. Padah is used to depict God's act of redeeming; He redeemed His people with a mighty hand from Pharaoh and the slavery they were under in Egypt (Dt. 7:8; Mic. 6:4). Egypt was literally the house of slavery and became the symbol of slavery and oppression from which Israel was delivered (Dt. 9:26; 24:18). NET NOTE on shall surely redeem - The construction uses the infinitive absolute and the imperfect tense of the verb “to redeem” in order to stress the point—they were to be redeemed. N. H. Snaith suggests that the verb means to get by payment what was not originally yours, whereas the other root גָאַל (ga’al) means to get back what was originally yours (Leviticus and Numbers [NCB], 268). Unclean (02931)(tame) describes that which is (ceremonially) defiled or impure, ritually impure and unfit for use or consumption. It describes that which is not cleansed in a ceremonial sense and that which must be abstained from according to the Levitical law, lest impurity be contracted. Numbers 18:16 "As to their redemption price, from a month old you shall redeem them, by your valuation, five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. BGT Numbers 18:16 καὶ ἡ λύτρωσις αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ μηνιαίου ἡ συντίμησις πέντε σίκλων κατὰ τὸν σίκλον τὸν ἅγιον εἴκοσι ὄβολοί εἰσιν NET Numbers 18:16 And those that must be redeemed you are to redeem when they are a month old, according to your estimation, for five shekels of silver according to the sanctuary shekel (which is twenty gerahs). NLT Numbers 18:16 Redeem them when they are one month old. The redemption price is five pieces of silver (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel, which equals twenty gerahs). ESV Numbers 18:16 And their redemption price (at a month old you shall redeem them) you shall fix at five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. NIV Numbers 18:16 When they are a month old, you must redeem them at the redemption price set at five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. KJV Numbers 18:16 And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. YLT Numbers 18:16 'And their ransomed ones from a son of a month, thou dost ransom with thy valuation, of silver, five shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary, twenty gerahs it is. LXE Numbers 18:16 And the redemption of them shall be from a month old; their valuation of five shekels-- it is twenty oboli according to the holy shekel. ASV Numbers 18:16 And those that are to be redeemed of them from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary (the same is twenty gerahs). CSB Numbers 18:16 You will pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your assessment: five shekels of silver by the standard sanctuary shekel, which is 20 gerahs. NKJ Numbers 18:16 "And those redeemed of the devoted things you shall redeem when one month old, according to your valuation, for five shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. NRS Numbers 18:16 Their redemption price, reckoned from one month of age, you shall fix at five shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary (that is, twenty gerahs). according: Nu 3:47 Lev 27:2-7 which is: Ex 30:13 Lev 27:25 Eze 45:12 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SETTING THE PRICE OF REDEMPTION As to their redemption price (see above on padah), from a month old you shall redeem (padah) them, by your valuation ("according to your estimation" - NET), five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs - NLT = "as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel, which equals twenty gerahs." GNT = "Children shall be bought back at the age of one month for the fixed price of five pieces of silver.…” NIVSB - shekel. A unit of weight, not a coin (Ge 20:16). according to the shekel of the sanctuary. In keeping with the standard weights used at the tabernacle. They may have differed slightly from those used in the marketplace. Wenham - The redemption fee for first-born children is fixed at five shekels, that is about six months’ pay (TOTC-Nu) Gilbrant on shekel - The shekel was the common unit of weight throughout Canaan and Mesopotamia, but it apparently varied somewhat in weight according to the place and time. There is now evidence that suggests there were three kinds of shekels in use in Israel. The temple shekel weighed about ten grams, the standard shekel weighed about eleven and one-half grams and the royal shekel weighed about thirteen grams (TWOT). Related Resource: What was the sanctuary shekel? | GotQuestions.org - Excerpt - Scholars are uncertain what exactly a shekel was, but here is one calculation of its value: the sanctuary shekel was defined as 20 gerahs. A gerah has been traditionally measured as 1/50 of an ounce, or 0.6 gram. The sanctuary shekel would then equal 0.4 of an ounce of gold (20 times 1/50 of an ounce), or 12 grams. Based on a price of 46.43 USD per gram, the approximate value of a sanctuary shekel would be $557.16, in today’s market. An important distinction is that the standard shekel and the sanctuary shekel were two different weights. This is the reason the shekel in Exodus 30:13 is defined as a particular kind of shekel called “the shekel of the sanctuary.” This shekel was defined by weights kept in the tabernacle as the standard. (Click for full explanation) you shall redeem Redemption of the firstborn is one of the rites which are still practised among the Jews. According to Leo of Modena, it is performed in the following manner:--When the child is thirty days old, the father sends for one of the descendants of Aaron: several persons being assembled on the occasion, the father brings a cup, containing several pieces of gold and silver coin. The priest then takes the child into his arms, and addressing himself to the mother, he says, "Is this thy son?" Mother. "Yes." Priest. "Hast thou never had another child, male or female, a miscarriage, or untimely birth?" Mother. "No." Priest. "This being the case, this child, as firstborn, belongs to me." Then turning to the father, he says, "If it be thy desire to have this child, thou must redeem it." Father. "I present thee with this gold and silver for this purpose." Priest. "Thou dost wish, therefore, to redeem this child?" Father. "I do wish so to do." The priest then turning himself to the assembly, says, "Very well: this child, as first-born, is mine; as it is written in Bemidbar, (ch. 18:16,) Thou shalt redeem the first-born of a month old for five shekels; but I shall content myself with this in exchange." He then takes two gold crowns, or thereabouts, and returns the child to his parents. Numbers 18:17 "But the firstborn of an ox or the firstborn of a sheep or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar and shall offer up their fat in smoke as an offering by fire, for a soothing aroma to the LORD. BGT Numbers 18:17 πλὴν πρωτότοκα μόσχων καὶ πρωτότοκα προβάτων καὶ πρωτότοκα αἰγῶν οὐ λυτρώσῃ ἅγιά ἐστιν καὶ τὸ αἷμα αὐτῶν προσχεεῖς πρὸς τὸ θυσιαστήριον καὶ τὸ στέαρ ἀνοίσεις κάρπωμα εἰς ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας κυρίῳ NET Numbers 18:17 But you must not redeem the firstborn of a cow or a sheep or a goat; they are holy. You must splash their blood on the altar and burn their fat for an offering made by fire for a pleasing aroma to the LORD. NLT Numbers 18:17 "However, you may not redeem the firstborn of cattle, sheep, or goats. They are holy and have been set apart for the LORD. Sprinkle their blood on the altar, and burn their fat as a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. ESV Numbers 18:17 But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar and shall burn their fat as a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the LORD. NIV Numbers 18:17 "But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep or a goat; they are holy. Sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. KJV Numbers 18:17 But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD. YLT Numbers 18:17 'Only, the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou dost not ransom, holy they are: their blood thou dost sprinkle on the altar, and of their fat thou makest perfume, a fire-offering of sweet fragrance to Jehovah, LXE Numbers 18:17 But thou shalt not redeem the first-born of calves and the first-born of sheep and the first-born of goats; they are holy: and thou shalt pour their blood upon the altar, and thou shalt offer the fat as a burnt-offering for a smell of sweet savour to the Lord. ASV Numbers 18:17 But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savor unto Jehovah. CSB Numbers 18:17 "However, you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a fire offering for a pleasing aroma to the LORD. NKJ Numbers 18:17 "But the firstborn of a cow, the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and burn their fat as an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the LORD. NRS Numbers 18:17 But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall dash their blood on the altar, and shall turn their fat into smoke as an offering by fire for a pleasing odor to the LORD; the firstling: De 15:19-22 thou shalt: Ex 29:16 Lev 3:2-5 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries But (another strong contrast) the firstborn (bekor) of an ox (mature male bovine) or the firstborn (bekor) of a sheep or the firstborn (bekor) of a goat (female goat, kid that was milked and eaten), you shall not redeem (padah); they are holy (qodesh). - “But you must not accept payment to buy back any firstborn [male] calf, sheep, or goat.” (UBS) The idea inherent in they are holy is that they belong completely to Yahweh. God had prior claim on the firstborn of these animals. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar (mizbeah) and shall offer up their fat in smoke as an offering by fire, for a soothing aroma to the LORD - This describes the sacrifice to Yahweh of the 3 animals above. The priests would throw blood on the brazen altar after killing the animal (See see Lev 1:5, 11; 3:2, 8). The fat (heleb - translated "best" in Nu 18:12+) belonged to the LORD and thus was burned completely and was not to be eaten (Lev 3:16, 17). Sprinkle (scatter, throw) (02236)(zaraq) means to sprinkle, to toss, to throw, to scatter in abundance, to be sprinkled and most of the OT uses (see below) refer to the priest's actions in carrying out the rituals of the sacrifices and offerings. The priests were to sprinkle blood on the altar in the burnt offering (Lev 1:5,11, Lev 9:12, 2Ki 16:15), the peace offering (Lev 3:2, 8, 13, Lev 9:18, 17:5-6, 2Ki 16:13), the guilt (trespass) offering (Lev 7:2). Offer up in smoke (06999)(qatar from qetoreth = smoke, odor of burning sacrifice, incense) means to produce smoke, to cause to rise up in smoke, smoke, turn into fragrance by fire (esp as act of worship), burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice). Often smoke is made by burning incense, but every major offering may also be associated with this word (Ex. 30:7; Lev. 1:9; 2:2; 3:5; 4:10; 7:5). Offering by fire (0801)(ishsheh from esh = a fire) means an offering made by fire. It refers to any offering or portion of an offering that is wholly or partially consumed by fire -- burnt offering (Lev 1:9, 13); the cereal/grain offering (Lev 2:3); peace offering (Lev 3:3); the guilt offering (Lev 7:5); the consecration offering (Lev 8:28) Clearly this offering stresses the death of the sacrifice. Notice all uses except Josh 13:14 and 1Sa 2:28 are in the Pentateuch. All of these offerings were the Lord’s (Nu 28:2), and the phrase “to the Lord” is explicitly stated most of the time. The first use is in Ex 29:18 in Yahweh’s instruction to Moses regarding the ordination of priests "And you shall offer up in smoke the whole ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD: it is a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the LORD." The phrase "soothing aroma" is usually associated with the offerings by fire, this phrase signifying that Jehovah had accepted the offerer's offering. Other uses in Numbers - Num. 15:3; Num. 15:10; Num. 15:13; Num. 15:14; Num. 15:25; Num. 18:17; Num. 28:2; Num. 28:3; Num. 28:6; Num. 28:8; Num. 28:13; Num. 28:19; Num. 28:24; Num. 29:6; Num. 29:13; Num. 29:36; Soothing (sweet) (05207)(nihoah from nuach = to rest) means a quieting, soothing, tranquilizing. In 20 of the 43 uses of nichoach, this noun (usually with the sense of an adjective) is used with the phrase "burnt offering." Almost all uses describe the odor of a sacrifice as pleasing or acceptable to God. The Septuagint translates soothing with euodia and aroma with osme. Soothing aroma - phrase 42x - Gen. 8:21; Exod. 29:18; Exod. 29:25; Exod. 29:41; Lev. 1:9; Lev. 1:13; Lev. 1:17; Lev. 2:2; Lev. 2:9; Lev. 2:12; Lev. 3:5; Lev. 3:16; Lev. 4:31; Lev. 6:15; Lev. 6:21; Lev. 8:21; Lev. 8:28; Lev. 17:6; Lev. 23:13; Lev. 23:18; Num. 15:3; Num. 15:7; Num. 15:10; Num. 15:13; Num. 15:14; Num. 15:24; Num. 18:17; Num. 28:2; Num. 28:6; Num. 28:8; Num. 28:13; Num. 28:24; Num. 28:27; Num. 29:2; Num. 29:6; Num. 29:8; Num. 29:13; Num. 29:36; Ezek. 6:13; Ezek. 16:19; Ezek. 20:28; Ezek. 20:41 Dr S Lewis