Numbers 18:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In determining the most appropriate arrangement for sacred rituals, God places the Levitical system under the authority of the high priest. This is affirmed in the book of Numbers: "declare to the Levites and tell them .... and you shall not die." Do you perceive the decree of Christ, still foreshadowed in symbols and reflections? For "he that receiveth tithes, ... gave tithes," as stated by the Apostle Paul (Hebrews 7:9). The representation then was Melchizedek, in the era of Moses and Aaron, symbolizing the High Priest—Christ, the Head and Chief of the holy tabernacle, which is the Church—the Holy of Holies, the supreme God, to whom we owe all our offerings; for it is declared, "all that are round about Him, let them bring gifts" (Psalms 75:12). Yet the Mosaic law was still veiled in symbols; now the genuine stewards of the Gospel commandments bring their Redeemer spiritual offerings of fruit.