Numbers 18:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In contrast, the other offerings, which are presented as gifts, occupy a secondary status and may be shared among the entire household of the sacred, provided the individual consuming them is pure, meaning not defiled. According to the law, this includes not being uncircumcised, foreign, leprous, or suffering from emission; in alignment with the teachings of the New Testament and the Church's doctrine, it means being holy and faithful rather than unclean and untrustworthy. It is especially appropriate for those elevated to the divine priesthood to associate with individuals of virtuous character, possessing hearts filled with the love of God.

Let your faith mature like the grain during harvest, as it yields a bountiful crop only after being scorched by the sun's heat. The testimony of scripture fortifies the spirit, immerses it in the fire of divine grace, strengthens rational thoughts, and dispels the dominion of irrational desires. Therefore, Esau grew feeble when the bonds of his virtue were loosened, while the Israelites, girded and commanded to consume the lamb's head, prepared not raw or boiled in water, but roasted with fire (Exodus 12:9). Thus, those steadfast in spirit crossed the sea on dry ground, as noted in Exodus. In the Gospel, the Lord Jesus also partook of baked fish, as written, signifying an outpouring of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this is the reason for Esau’s frailty; he craved food boiled in water, which Jacob offered to the weakened one, deeming it unworthy for himself.