Big Idea: God provides for those whom he calls to ministry.

Understanding the Text

Numbers 16 deals with the question of who is holy and may thus serve as priests in the tabernacle (Num. 16:3). The followers of Korah discover to their shock that only the sons of Aaron can do this. In Numbers 17 the miracle of the staff that blossomed underscores that the tribe of Levi and especially the sons of Aaron have been set apart for divine service. Numbers 18:1–7 describes the role of priests and Levites as intermediaries and protectors between God and the people.

Although previously neither Moses nor Aaron has taken anything from the Israelites (Num. 16:15), God reiterates to Aaron (see Num. 18:1) the command that the Israelites support the priests and Levites through tithes and offerings in co…