Exodus 29:28: “This is always to be the perpetual share for the Israelites from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the Lord from their fellowship offerings.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 29:28 establishes a perpetual provision for the priests from the Israelites. The verse specifies that a portion of the fellowship offerings, which the Israelites present to the Lord, is to be set aside for Aaron and his sons. This portion is referred to as their “perpetual share,” meaning it is a lasting, ongoing provision for the priests.
The fellowship offerings were sacrifices made by the Israelites to express peace and communion with God. From these offerings, a portion was given to the priests as their share, signifying that those who serve in the house of God are provided for through the offerings of the people. This arrangement not only ensured that the priests were sustained physically but also emphasized the ongoing relationship between the people, the priests, and God.
Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel, the priesthood was established by God to serve as the spiritual leaders of the nation. Aaron and his sons were the first to be ordained as priests, and their role included offering sacrifices, interceding for the people, and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle. The fellowship offerings were part of the broader sacrificial system that facilitated Israel’s relationship with God.
The “perpetual share” mentioned in this verse was part of the broader system of tithes and offerings that supported the priests, who had no inheritance of land like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, their inheritance was in the Lord and the provision made for them through the offerings of the people. This system ensured that the priests could dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual duties without worrying about their material needs.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 29:28 highlights the principle of provision and the mutual relationship between the people of God and those who serve Him. The verse underscores the importance of supporting spiritual leaders and recognizing that their ministry is vital to the spiritual health of the community. This principle is carried into the New Testament, where the support of those who preach the gospel is seen as both a privilege and a responsibility of the church.
The “perpetual share” also points to the idea that the work of the ministry is ongoing and requires continual support. The provision for the priests was not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment, reflecting the continual nature of spiritual leadership and the need for sustained support.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 29:28 is a straightforward verse that clearly outlines the ongoing provision for the priests. The language used—”perpetual share” and “contribution”—emphasizes the lasting nature of this provision. The verse is part of a larger narrative that includes the ordination of the priests and the establishment of the sacrificial system, both of which are central to the worship practices of ancient Israel.
The structure of the verse connects the act of offering with the response of provision, showing that the relationship between the people and the priests was designed to be mutually beneficial, with both parties serving and supporting each other in their relationship with God.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other biblical passages relate to the themes found in Exodus 29:28:
- Leviticus 7:34: This verse reiterates that the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the fellowship offering are given to the priests as their due share from the Israelites.
- Numbers 18:8-9: These verses explain the broader system of offerings that were set aside for the priests, emphasizing their dependence on the offerings of the people for their sustenance.
- 1 Corinthians 9:13-14: Paul draws a parallel between the Old Testament provision for priests and the New Testament principle of supporting those who preach the gospel, applying the same principle of ongoing provision.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 29:28 serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry. Just as the Israelites provided for the priests through their offerings, Christians are called to support their pastors and spiritual leaders. This support allows them to focus on their ministry without the burden of financial concerns.
The verse also challenges believers to consider the ongoing nature of their commitment to God and His work. Supporting ministry is not a one-time act but a continual responsibility that reflects the ongoing nature of God’s work in the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 29:28 reflects God’s love in His provision for those who serve Him. By ensuring that the priests were cared for through the offerings of the people, God demonstrated His care for their physical and spiritual needs. This provision is an expression of God’s love, showing that He values and supports those who dedicate their lives to His service.
God’s love is also seen in the way He involves His people in the process of provision. By giving the Israelites the opportunity to support their priests, God was teaching them about the importance of community, responsibility, and mutual care within the body of believers.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 29:28 connects to Jesus Christ, who is both the ultimate priest and the ultimate provider. Just as the priests in the Old Testament were provided for through the offerings of the people, Jesus provides for His people through His sacrificial death and ongoing intercession. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system, offering Himself once for all and continuing to care for His people as their High Priest.
In Hebrews 7:24-25, it is written that Jesus “lives forever” and “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” This connection highlights the ongoing provision and intercession of Christ, who cares for His people just as the priests cared for the Israelites.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the concept of a “perpetual share” in Exodus 29:28 challenge us to think about our ongoing responsibility to support those in ministry today?
- In what ways can we recognize and honor the ongoing nature of God’s work in the world, as reflected in the continual support of the priests?
- How does this verse encourage us to consider the mutual relationship between spiritual leaders and the community they serve?
- What does it mean for us to live in a way that reflects the ongoing provision and care that God demonstrates through His support of those who serve Him?
- How can we show gratitude for the way Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, provides for our needs both spiritually and physically, just as the priests were provided for in the Old Testament?