Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 18:32 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance for living a life that pleases God. The Book of Numbers, which is part of the Torah, contains detailed laws and regulations given to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. In the middle of these laws, we find teachings that still have relevance today. One such verse is Numbers 18:32, which provides important insights into the concept of offerings, obedience, and responsibility in the context of the priesthood. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Numbers 18:32, how it applies to our lives, and its spiritual significance.
The Context of Numbers 18:32 KJV
Overview of the Book of Numbers
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible, written by Moses, and covers the period from the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt to their arrival at the border of the Promised Land. This book takes its name from the two censuses, or numberings, of the Israelites. It is a book that blends historical narrative with laws, instructions, and regulations that were given to the people of Israel as they traveled through the desert.
One of the key themes of Numbers is the organization of the Israelite community. God gives detailed instructions regarding the priesthood, sacrifices, and the role of the Levites in the worship system. The Levites were set apart by God to serve in the tabernacle and care for the sacred duties of worship. Because the Levites did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes of Israel, their support came from the tithes and offerings brought by the people.
The Role of the Levites
The Levites were chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle, performing duties like offering sacrifices, teaching the people, and taking care of the sacred items. They were entrusted with the spiritual well-being of the nation. In return for their service, the Levites did not receive a tribal inheritance of land. Instead, God commanded that the people of Israel bring tithes (one-tenth of their produce) to support the Levites.
However, the Levites were also required to give back a portion of the tithes to God, as an offering to honor Him for His provision. This responsibility is outlined in Numbers 18, where the instructions about the tithe and offerings are given to Moses and the priests. Numbers 18:32 is part of these instructions and emphasizes the importance of handling these offerings with care and reverence.
Numbers 18:32 (KJV)
Numbers 18:32 (KJV) says:
“And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved the best thereof from it: and the hallowed part thereof shall be reckoned unto you, as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the increase of the winepress.”
This verse is a continuation of the instructions given to the Levites about how to handle the tithes and offerings they receive. Let’s break it down and understand its meaning.
Numbers 18:32 Meaning
1. “Ye Shall Bear No Sin by Reason of It”
The first part of the verse assures the Levites that if they follow the proper procedures for giving the offerings, they will bear no sin. This is a reassurance from God, emphasizing the importance of doing things His way. If the Levites followed God’s instructions and offered a portion of the tithes back to Him as He had commanded, they would be blameless.
This phrase highlights the importance of obedience in following God’s laws. When we obey God, we are not held accountable for sin in those areas, because we are acting in accordance with His will. The Levites were responsible for making sure that the offerings were presented in a way that was acceptable to God, and this reassurance was given to help them understand the significance of their role.
For us today, this serves as a reminder that obedience to God’s commands leads to righteousness. When we follow God’s instructions, we can be confident that we are doing what is pleasing to Him.
2. “When Ye Have Heaved the Best Thereof from It”
The “heaving” of the best refers to the act of dedicating a portion of the tithes and offerings to God. The Levites were required to give back a portion of the best, not the leftovers. Just as the people were to bring the best of their produce to the priests, the priests, in turn, had to offer the best portion back to God.
This teaches us the principle of giving God the best of what we have. Whether it’s our time, money, or talents, we should give God the first and the best. This is a heart attitude of generosity and gratitude, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him.
3. “The Hallowed Part Thereof Shall Be Reckoned Unto You”
The term “hallowed” refers to something that is consecrated, set apart, or made holy for God. The Levites were instructed to set apart the best portion of the offerings and give it back to God as a consecrated offering. The phrase “shall be reckoned unto you” means that the Levites would be credited with the benefit of offering this portion to God. In other words, by following God’s command and dedicating the best part of the tithes, they would receive God’s approval and blessing.
This principle of offering a portion to God reminds us that our acts of worship and obedience are pleasing to Him, and He honors those who offer their best to Him. When we dedicate our lives to God’s service and give of ourselves generously, we receive spiritual blessings in return.
4. “As the Increase of the Threshingfloor, and as the Increase of the Winepress”
The “threshingfloor” and “winepress” are metaphors for abundance and fruitfulness. The threshingfloor is where the grain is separated from the chaff, and the winepress is where grapes are pressed to make wine. These were places of harvest and production, symbolizing the increase of crops and fruit.
In this context, the increase of the threshingfloor and winepress represents the blessings that come from God. Just as the harvest yields fruit, the Levites’ offerings would bring spiritual rewards and blessings. When they followed God’s command to offer the best of the tithes, they were participating in a cycle of giving and receiving that reflected God’s abundance and provision.
This metaphor also suggests that God blesses those who honor Him with their best offerings. It emphasizes that when we give generously and with a pure heart, God rewards us with spiritual blessings and favor.
Numbers 18:32 Application in Life
1. Obedience Brings Blessings
The assurance that the Levites would bear no sin if they followed the instructions given by God shows the importance of obedience. In our own lives, when we obey God’s commands, we are walking in alignment with His will, and we can trust that He will bless our efforts. While salvation is not earned by our works, our obedience to God’s commands allows us to live in harmony with Him and experience His blessings in our lives.
God promises to bless those who obey Him, and this includes both material and spiritual blessings. Whether it is through financial provision, peace of mind, or spiritual growth, God rewards those who faithfully follow His teachings.
2. Giving God the Best
The principle of giving the best applies not just to the Levites but to all believers. When we offer the best of what we have to God, we are demonstrating our love and reverence for Him. This applies to our time, talents, and resources. Are we offering God the first part of our day in prayer and worship? Are we giving Him our best in service to others?
Our offerings should not be afterthoughts but intentional, thoughtful gifts to God. Whether it’s financial giving, volunteering, or dedicating time to study God’s Word, we should give God the best of what we have.
3. Consecrating Our Lives to God
The act of “heaving” the best portion back to God symbolizes consecration—setting apart what we have for God’s purposes. This principle can apply to every area of our lives. As Christians, we are called to consecrate ourselves to God, setting apart our thoughts, actions, and desires for His glory. This requires intentionality and a heart committed to serving God.
Consecration goes beyond the physical act of giving; it reflects a heart surrendered to God. When we live with consecrated lives, we live in a way that reflects God’s holiness and brings glory to His name.
4. Living in God’s Abundance
The metaphors of the threshingfloor and winepress remind us that God provides abundantly for those who honor Him. When we trust God with our finances, time, and talents, He blesses us abundantly. This might not always mean material wealth, but it includes spiritual abundance, such as joy, peace, and a deeper relationship with Him.
Living in God’s abundance is not about focusing on what we can get but about trusting that God provides for all our needs. When we give generously to God and others, we participate in the cycle of His provision and blessing.
Conclusion
Numbers 18:32 teaches valuable lessons about obedience, generosity, and consecration. The Levites were instructed to offer the best portion of the tithes they received, symbolizing the principle that we are to give God the best of what we have. Through this act of obedience, they would receive God’s blessing, just as we can expect blessings when we follow His commands.
The spiritual application of this verse is clear: God desires us to give our best to Him in every area of our lives. Whether it is through our resources, time, or talents, we are called to honor God with the best of what we have. By living obediently, consecrating our lives to Him, and trusting in His abundance, we can experience the blessings that come from faithfully serving Him.
May we all seek to live lives that reflect our gratitude to God by giving Him the best of what we have, knowing that He will honor our offerings and bless us abundantly in return.
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