Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 18:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
In the Bible, every verse holds deep meaning, and understanding the context, interpretation, and application of these verses can provide us with valuable lessons for living. One such verse is Numbers 18:20, which has an important message for the Israelites and for us today. This article will explore the context of Numbers 18:20, the verse itself, its meaning, how it applies to our lives, and a final conclusion on how we can live out the truth found in this passage.
The Context of Numbers 18:20 (KJV)
To understand Numbers 18:20, we must first look at the broader context within the book of Numbers and the Bible as a whole. Numbers is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and it details the journey of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt to their arrival at the Promised Land. In this book, God gives instructions for how the Israelites are to live, how they should structure their community, and how the worship of God should be conducted.
The Levites’ Role in God’s Plan
In Numbers 18, God is speaking directly to Aaron and the Levites. He addresses their special role as priests and how they are to serve in the tabernacle, the sacred tent where God’s presence dwelled. In the Old Testament, the priests (Aaron’s descendants) and the Levites (members of the tribe of Levi) were chosen by God to perform the duties of worship and maintain the holiness of the camp.
Aaron, as the high priest, and his sons were tasked with offering sacrifices, leading the people in worship, and maintaining the tabernacle’s sanctity. The Levites were to assist the priests and perform other religious duties but were not given a share in the land like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their support came through offerings and tithes from the people.
In Numbers 18, God outlines the responsibilities of the priests and Levites, as well as the provisions that will be made for them, since they do not have land of their own. God specifically addresses the priesthood, the offerings they will receive, and their sacred duties.
The Instruction of Numbers 18:20
Before we jump into Numbers 18:20, it’s important to note that God had just finished explaining the tithes and offerings that were meant to sustain the Levites and priests. This included receiving a portion of the offerings from the people, such as the first fruits, grain offerings, and animal sacrifices. God was providing for those who served in His sanctuary, ensuring that they could focus on their sacred duties without concern for their material needs.
Now, Numbers 18:20 marks a shift as God addresses the Levites themselves, telling them specifically that they do not have an inheritance or portion in the land like the other tribes.
Numbers 18:20 (KJV)
Here is the verse in question:
“And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.” (Numbers 18:20, KJV)
What is Being Said Here?
In this verse, God is telling Aaron and the Levites that they will not receive an inheritance in the land of Israel. While other tribes of Israel will receive portions of the Promised Land, the Levites will not. Instead, God promises to be their “part” and “inheritance.” This means that the Levites’ provision and security will come directly from God, and their inheritance is not a physical plot of land, but God Himself and His provision.
Numbers 18:20 Meaning
1. No Physical Inheritance
The first part of Numbers 18:20 tells Aaron and the Levites that they will not receive a physical inheritance in the land of Israel. This is important because the land was a central part of God’s promise to Israel. Every other tribe received a designated portion of the land, but the Levites were different. Instead of owning land, they would rely on the support of the other tribes through offerings, sacrifices, and tithes.
This arrangement highlighted the Levites’ unique role as servants of God and the people. Their work in the tabernacle (and later, the temple) was seen as a holy, sacred duty. By not receiving land, they were freed from the need to cultivate fields, raise livestock, or establish businesses. Instead, they could focus entirely on serving God.
2. God as Their Inheritance
The second part of the verse gives a profound promise: “I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.” God Himself would be the inheritance of the Levites. This was a powerful statement of God’s provision and favor. The Levites were given a unique and privileged relationship with God—they didn’t need land because they had God’s presence, His provision, and His blessing.
This promise shows the significance of the priesthood and the sacredness of their role. The Levites were not just physically separated from the other tribes (through their lack of land), but they were also spiritually set apart for God’s service. God Himself was their portion, and that was considered more valuable than any physical inheritance.
3. Spiritual Significance of Their Role
While the Levites were not given land, they were entrusted with the care of the tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of God on earth. Their role was vital to the spiritual health of the nation of Israel. They led the people in worship, ensured that sacrifices were offered properly, and maintained the sanctity of the place where God’s presence was most concentrated.
This connection between the Levites and God as their inheritance reflects a deeper truth: God’s presence is far more valuable than any material possession. The Levites’ inheritance was not something temporary or worldly, but it was eternal and spiritual. By choosing the Levites in this unique way, God emphasized the eternal nature of His relationship with His people.
Numbers 18:20 Application in Life
1. God is Our Ultimate Inheritance
While we may not serve as priests in the temple, the principle of God being our inheritance is still relevant today. In the New Testament, we learn that all believers, through Jesus Christ, are considered a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Just as God promised to be the inheritance of the Levites, He promises the same to us. Our true inheritance is not in earthly possessions or land, but in the eternal relationship we have with God.
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul writes, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” God has promised us a share in His glory, and the greatest inheritance we can have is a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
This truth should impact the way we live. If God is our inheritance, we should seek Him above all else. The pursuit of wealth, status, or material possessions should not be our primary goal. Instead, we should seek to grow in our relationship with God, trusting that He will provide for our needs and that our eternal inheritance is far greater than anything we can accumulate on this earth.
2. Trusting in God’s Provision
The Levites’ dependence on God for provision can be an example for us in our own lives. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear, because our Heavenly Father knows what we need. He will provide for us just as He provided for the Levites.
When we live according to God’s purposes and prioritize His Kingdom, we can trust that He will provide for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Just as the Levites did not need land to be secure, we too can find security and peace in knowing that God is our provider and protector.
3. Set Apart for God’s Service
The Levites were set apart for a unique role in God’s plan. In the same way, believers today are called to live set-apart lives, consecrated for God’s service. This means that our actions, attitudes, and priorities should reflect the holiness and dedication of the Levites. We are all called to serve God in our various capacities—whether in the church, in our workplaces, or in our communities.
Just as the Levites were entrusted with the sacred task of maintaining the tabernacle, we are entrusted with the task of advancing God’s Kingdom here on earth. This requires a life of holiness, service, and sacrifice. We may not live in a temple or tabernacle, but our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are called to honor God with our lives.
4. The Eternal Nature of God’s Promises
Lastly, Numbers 18:20 reminds us that God’s promises are eternal and far surpass the temporary things of this world. The Levites’ inheritance was not in land, which could be lost or taken away, but in God Himself. This serves as a reminder that our relationship with God is the most valuable thing we have, and it is eternal.
In a world where earthly possessions and achievements are often prioritized, this truth calls us to focus on what truly matters: our eternal relationship with God. The things of this world will fade away, but the promises of God will stand forever.
Conclusion
In Numbers 18:20, God provides a profound message to the Levites, assuring them that while they may not receive a physical inheritance like the other tribes, they have the most valuable inheritance of all—God Himself. This promise holds deep significance not just for the Levites, but for us today as well. Just as God was the Levites’ inheritance, He is our inheritance too, and our relationship with Him is the greatest treasure we can have.
As we apply the lessons of this verse to our lives, let us remember that God is our provider, our security, and our inheritance. We are called to live set apart for His service, trusting that He will supply all our needs, and that our eternal reward far outweighs anything this world has to offer. Let us seek first His Kingdom and trust in the eternal promises He has given us.
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