Numbers 18:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is essential for instructors to be adequately provided with all they require in abundance, so they are not burdened by labor, fatigued, or deprived of significant blessings by focusing on trivial matters. They should devote themselves to spiritual endeavors, showing no concern for temporal matters. The Levites exemplified this principle; they were free from worldly distractions because the laypeople managed those concerns. The law established their provisions, including tithes, specific portions of silver, offerings, prayers, and various other necessities. These provisions were naturally designated for them according to the law, as they were dedicated to the present realities. I assert that leaders should possess nothing beyond sustenance and garments, so they are not distracted by worldly pleasures.

He allocates the tithes to the Levites as compensation for their service, for their work holds significance for the faithful, manifesting in chosen honors and glorious rewards. The Saviour advises, "do not be anxious for your soul what you shall eat and what you shall drink, nor for your body what you shall put on.... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:25, 33).

The Gospel of the Lord instructs ordinary people to hold wealth in disdain, and even more so for you Levites, whose inheritance comes from God. Therefore, you must shun worldly desires! When Moses allocated the earthly possessions among the tribes, the Lord set the Levites apart, granting them a perpetual inheritance, for He Himself was their portion.

The Hebrews followed a commandment that outlined the requirement of giving a tithe, which amounted to a tenth of one's earnings meant for charitable deeds. However, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, found this prescribed standard insufficient for his own contributions, opting instead to declare, “I will give half of my possessions, Lord, to the poor” (Luke 19:8). While Zacchaeus' approach to charity may be seen as excessive or challenging by some, the established Jewish law may also not resonate well with many. The Christian Church has not adopted the Jewish regulation regarding tithing, which may be due to the challenges it presents or from a place of honoring Christian freedom, leaving it to individual conscience. It is important to note that, in light of the dignity of Christianity, the standard of Christian virtue should surpass that of Jewish virtue.