Nehemiah 10:38
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This verse highlights a crucial safeguard: a priest's presence with the Levites wasn't just about counting, but about ensuring integrity and preventing any suspicion of the Levites skimming the "tithe of the tithes" meant for the priests. It reveals a system designed for mutual accountability and honest stewardship of God's provision.
And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a grand covenant to re-establish their relationship with God, the people are now detailing specific laws for the support of the temple and its workers. This verse clarifies how the Levites, who received tithes from the people, would then set aside a portion for the priests, ensuring everyone received their rightful share according to ancient commands. This careful distribution system was vital for the functioning of worship and the sustenance of those serving in the temple.
Have you ever wondered how ancient Israel ensured everyone got their fair share from the communal harvest? This verse reveals a specific role for priests in the process.
A System of Accountability
Nehemiah 10:38 describes a crucial step in the administration of tithes in post-exilic Jerusalem. It states that a priest, 'the son of Aaron,' was to be present with the Levites when they received their tithes. This wasn't just a formality; it was a safeguard.
The phrase 'tithe of the tithes' sounds like a lot! What exactly does this mean, and why was it so important in the structure of Israelite worship?
A Double Layer of Giving
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Nehemiah 10:38 highlights a specific ordinance known as the 'tithe of the tithes.' This was a second-level tithe, built upon the first.
What happened to the tithes after they were collected? This verse points to a specific destination and purpose for these sacred offerings.
The Storehouse: A Place for God's Provision
The ultimate destination for the 'tithe of the tithes' was the 'chambers of the storehouse' in the house of God. This was a vital part of the Temple's infrastructure.
This verse highlights a specific administrative detail within the broader context of post-exilic religious reform. It shows a practical application of the ancient Law of Tithes, demonstrating the community's commitment to re-establishing order and ensuring the Levites and priests received their due support after the disruptions of exile and the rebuilding of the Temple.
c. 1400 BC
The Law of Tithes Established
The Mosaic Law, including the regulations for tithes and the roles of priests and Levites, is given through Moses at Mount Sinai. This forms the foundational instruction for the distribution of temple resources.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
The First Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, establishing a central location for worship and the storehouses mandated by the Law for the collection and distribution of tithes and offerings.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and carry many of the Jewish people into exile. This event disrupts the established system of tithes and temple support.
515 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Jewish people rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. While a significant religious achievement, maintaining the full system of tithes and support proves challenging.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Reforms and Covenant Renewal
Nehemiah leads a renewal of the covenant, with the people and leadership solemnly pledging to uphold the Law, including the proper collection and distribution of tithes for the support of the priests and Levites.
This passage lays out the original divine instruction for the Levites to set aside a tenth of the tithes they received for the priests, directly explaining the 'tithe of the tithes' mentioned in Nehemiah.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29These verses describe the broader system of tithing for the support of the Levites and the people's participation in feasts, providing context for the different types of tithes and their purposes within ancient Israelite society.
Nehemiah 13:5This verse mentions a specific store-chamber used for the tithes, directly referencing the 'chambers of the storehouse' where the tithe of tithes was brought, showing the practical application of this ordinance.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Paul references the principle of those who serve the altar being supported by the altar, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament system where priests and Levites were sustained by tithes and offerings.
clarkeNehemiah 10:38: "And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house."
Tithe of the tithes - The tithes of all the produce of the fields were brought to the Levites; out of these a tenth part was given to the priests. This is what is called the tithe of the tithes. The law for this is found, Numbers 18:26 .
pooleNehemiah 10:38: "And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house."
The priest the son of Aaron, i.e. some priest or priests appointed to this work, that so neither the people might wrong the Levites, nor the Levites defraud the priests of their dues. The Levites shall bring up at their own charges, Into the treasure-house, to wit, of…
This verse highlights a crucial safeguard: a priest's presence with the Levites wasn't just about counting, but about ensuring integrity and preventing any suspicion of the Levites skimming the "tithe of the tithes" meant for the priests. It reveals a system designed for mutual accountability and honest stewardship of God's provision.
Following a grand covenant to re-establish their relationship with God, the people are now detailing specific laws for the support of the temple and its workers. This verse clarifies how the Levites, who received tithes from the people, would then set aside a portion for the priests, ensuring everyone received their rightful share according to ancient commands. This careful distribution system was vital for the functioning of worship and the sustenance of those serving in the temple.
Following a grand covenant to re-establish their relationship with God, the people are now detailing specific laws for the support of the temple and its workers. This verse clarifies how the Levites, who received tithes from the people, would then set aside a portion for the priests, ensuring everyone received their rightful share according to ancient commands. This careful distribution system was vital for the functioning of worship and the sustenance of those serving in the temple.
"And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse." — This verse highlights a crucial safeguard: a priest's presence with the Levites wasn't just about counting, but about ensuring integrity and preventing any suspicion of the Levites skimming the "tith…
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Last reviewed October 2026
