Numbers 18:21–32

²¹“I give to the Levites all the tithes^y in Israel as their inheritance^z in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.^{a 22}From now on the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die.^{b 23}It is the Levites who are to do the work at the tent of meeting and bear the responsibility for any offenses they commit against it. This is a lasting ordinance^c for the generations to come.^d They will receive no inheritance^e among the Israelites.^{f 24}Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord.^g That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.’ ”

²⁵The Lord said to Moses, ²⁶“Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you^h as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.^{i 27}Your offering will be reckoned^j to you as grain from the threshing floor^k or juice from the winepress.^{l 28}In this way you also will present an offering to the Lord from all the tithes^m you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes you must give the Lord’s portion to Aaron the priest. ²⁹You must present as the Lord’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.’

³⁰“Say to the Levites: ‘When you present the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the threshing floor or the winepress.^{n 31}You and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere, for it is your wages for your work at the tent of meeting.^{o 32}By presenting the best part^p of it you will not be guilty in this matter;^q then you will not defile the holy offerings^r of the Israelites, and you will not die.’ ”