Numbers 18 - Duties of the Priests and Levites | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to Numbers 18 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.

In Numbers 18 Aaron and his sons are told they have to “bear the iniquity” or carry the responsibility of the administration of God’s holy things. Thus they were accountable for things that others were not accountable for. In the preceding chapters Korah and others with him had aspired to this role and perished because of their terrible attitude, but this reminds Aaron not to be proud or presumptuous, but rather careful with the things of God.

This is also a reminder of James 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” It speaks to us of those serving God today that a similar weight rests on them. The priests also made a living from the offerings of the people. The benefits of this are two-fold.

Firstly who would serve in this highly responsible position at their own expense? And secondly, the priest can do the best job when his mind is given to it, and not concerned with supporting his family. This is also a reflection of the modern ministry, that those who serve God should be able to focus on service, and not be concerned about the welfare of their families. Some churches pay their pastors poorly thinking it is godly to do so, but such a thing is wicked.

Later in the scriptures, Paul DID work at his own expense, and many ministers do for varying reasons. Paul didn’t want to be paid for his work, because he wanted it to be a gift to God. Paul also didn’t want to be obliged to people, and gifts given must be obligation free, with no strings attached This video considers these things.