THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Observe how the sacred lineage is not esteemed among the populace, set apart not only by their service but also by a distinct hope. For those who are tied to worldly existence, yearning for fleeting and ephemeral pleasures, it can rightly be asserted, ‘This is your lot; this is the portion assigned to you by Me, saith the Lord’ (Jeremiah 13:25). Conversely, for those who aspire to a holy and blameless existence, who have been 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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Similarly, the Savior responded to a man who inquired about attaining ‘eternal life’ by referencing the commandments: ‘You know the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal,” and others; and after the man affirmed that he kept all these, the Savior asked, ‘What do I still lack?’ Jesus answered, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor; then you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me’ (Mark 10:17-21; Matthew 19:16-21). Therefore, those who desire to serve God without distraction and commit to following Him must turn away from earthly possessions, recognize Him as their true inheritance, and immerse themselves in hope for Him, as expressed in the Psalms: ‘Delight yourself in the Lord... Commit your way to the Lord… and He will act’ (Psalm 36:4-5). This also illustrates the designation of tithes to the Levites as a reward for their service, indicative that their labor yields not only temporal returns but also divine honors and glorious rewards. For the Savior advises, ‘Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or drink, nor about your body, what you will wear... but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you’ (Matthew 6:25-33).