Numbers 18:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In His establishment of the most meaningful order for sacred rituals, God places the Levitical priesthood under the authority of the high priest, as stated in the book of Numbers: ‘declare to the Levites and tell them .... and you shall not die.’ Can you perceive the foreshadowing of Christ, presented in types and symbols? For 'he that receiveth tithes, ... gave tithes,' as expressed by the Apostle Paul (Hebrews 7:9). At that time, the figure was Melchizedek, during the era of Moses and Aaron, representing the supreme priest – Christ, the head and chief of the holy sanctuary, namely the Church – the Holy of Holies, the God of all gods, to whom we owe our offerings of firstfruits; for it is written, ‘all that are round about Him, let them bring gifts’ (Psalms 75:12). Yet, the Mosaic Law was merely a shadow; now the true guardians of the gospel's directives honor their Savior with spiritual offerings of gratitude.