“All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.”
My Notes
What Does Numbers 18:12 Mean?
"All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee." God provides for the priests through the people's offerings. The best (literally "the fat") of the oil, wine, and wheat — the firstfruits Israel brings to the LORD — are redirected to the Levitical priests as their sustenance. The priests receive what was offered to God. They eat from God's table.
This establishes an economic system where those who serve God full-time are supported by the community's worship. The provision isn't scraps — it's the best. The firstfruits. God doesn't provide for his servants with leftovers. He gives them the same quality he receives himself.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does your community support those who serve in ministry — with firstfruits or leftovers?
- 2.What does it mean that God feeds his servants from his own portion?
- 3.If you're in ministry, do you struggle to believe you deserve the 'best of the oil' — and why?
- 4.How would the culture of giving in your community change if this principle were applied?
Devotional
The best of the oil. The best of the wine. The best of the wheat. God doesn't feed his servants leftovers. He feeds them from his own table — the firstfruits that Israel brings to him, he redirects to the priests.
This establishes something important about how God provides for people in ministry. It's not a charity model — giving the clergy whatever's left over. It's a firstfruits model — the same quality that's good enough for God is good enough for those who serve him. The priests eat from the LORD's portion. What's offered to God sustains his workers.
If you're in any form of ministry or service — and if you've ever felt like you're surviving on scraps while everyone else enjoys abundance — this verse says God's intention is the opposite. He doesn't want his servants fed last. He wants them fed first. From the best. From the fat of the oil and the firstfruits of the harvest.
And if you're someone who supports ministries, leaders, or workers — this verse sets the standard. Not what's convenient to give. The best. Not what you won't miss. The firstfruits. The same quality you'd bring to God's altar is the quality you should bring to the people who serve at it. God's servants deserve the best of what you offer, because that's what God himself provides for them.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat,.... Or the "fat" (i) of them; the fat of…
The priest's service is called a warfare; and who goes a warfare at his own charges? As they were well employed, so they…
the best lit. -the fat" (as marg.). Cf. Deu 32:14; Psa 81:16. This vague expression is explained by the more technical…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture