THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Observe how the sacred lineage is not esteemed among the nations and stands distinct not only through the nature of their service but also by their divergent aspirations. For those who live a worldly life, who cling to material possessions, and yearn for transient, ephemeral things, it can aptly be remarked, ‘This is your portion; this is your lot, your portion measured out to you by Me, saith the Lord’ (Jeremiah 13:25). Conversely, to those who aspire to a holy and faultless existence and are chosen for their virtue, it is appropriate to declare, 'In their land thou shalt have no inheritance, neither shalt thou have a portion among them; I am thy portion and thy inheritance,’ saith the Lord (Num. 18:20; Deut. 10:9; 18:1).
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Furthermore, the Redeemer addressed an individual who inquired about attaining ‘eternal life’: ‘You know the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal,” and so forth; and when the Redeemer affirmed that he had observed all these commandments and inquired, ‘What do I still lack?’ Jesus replied, ‘If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell thy possessions, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me’ (Mark 10:17-21; Matthew 19:16-21). Therefore, those who desire to serve God with their complete attention and consider it their calling to follow Him must separate themselves from worldly matters, acknowledge Him as their sole inheritance, and immerse themselves in hope in Him, as expressed in the Psalms: ‘Be comforted by the Lord.... Commit to the Lord... and He will fulfill’ (Psalm 36:4-5). Thus, the tithes are designated for the Levites as a reward for their faithful service, for their work is not in vain but is compensated with honorable and glorious rewards. For the Saviour instructs, ‘Do not be anxious for your soul about what you shall eat and what you shall drink, nor for your body what you shall wear.... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:25-33).