There was one tribe of Israel who inherited no acreage, no vast land grant. Instead, they were forbidden of the Lord to have massive land holdings!
Yes, Numbers 18:24 speaks of the Levites, the Jews given to what we might call “full-time service” … “But the TITHES of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I HAVE GIVEN TO THE LEVITES TO INHERIT: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.”
In other words they were not to be “farmers,” but “servants” in the things of God, caring for the tabernacle and such. Their income obviously would not come from agriculture, but the “tithes” of the remaining tribes of Israel!
Then, logically, where would the sons and grandsons (etc.) of Levi live?
They, in Joshua chapter 21, were given “cities” to inhabit. Dozens of cities, equally scattered throughout the whole land of Israel. Not enough land to effectively farm, not enough to produce a harvest sufficient to sell and maintain a profitable existence … just cities, so they would always have a place to lay their heads!
Here’s the account: “Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these CITIES and their suburbs.” Joshua 21:1-3, which follows with the names of each of those towns!
Yes, those who serve God exclusively (with their time) must be compensated in some manner!
And here it is. The tithes of Israel … also an allotment on which to build a home!
Paul expressed this idea as such: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1st Corinthians 9:14
Is your Church properly caring for your Pastor?
Especially in light of 1st Timothy 5:17? “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
Wow, “elder” is another name for the “Preacher.”
And the expression “double honour” means “twice the pay,” no kidding!
Looks like ancient Israel really tried to obey God and care for her Levites!
Something to think about this Monday morning in February!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
By the way, I am not asking for a raise! I do not pastor a Church. As an Evangelist … the Lord pays our bills through the free-will support of His people. And I am reporting to you … God sure is good.