Numbers 18:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In determining the most fitting arrangement for the sacred rites, God places the Levitical order under the authority of the high priest, as indicated in the book of Numbers: ‘declare to the Levites and tell them .... and you shall not die.’ Can you perceive the ordinance of Christ foreshadowed in these symbols and images? For ‘he that receiveth tithes, ... gave tithes,’ as stated by the Apostle Paul (Hebrews 7:9). At that time, the figure was Melchisedec, alongside Moses and Aaron, symbolizing the ultimate priesthood of Christ, the Chief and Leader of the holy tabernacle, which is the Church— the Holy of Holies, the Sovereign of all deities, to whom we offer all our spiritual sacrifices; as it is written, ‘all that are round about Him, let them bring gifts’ (Psalms 75:12). However, during the Mosaic period, these were merely symbolic; now, the true followers of the gospel joyfully present their Redeemer with spiritual fruits.