All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the firstfruits of what they give to the LORD, I give to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "the best" as just a general term for high quality, but the Hebrew here actually means "the fat." This emphasizes that God desired the richest, most prime part of the harvest for His priests, reflecting the same principle of giving Him the very best as seen in the sacrifices. This wasn't just about sustenance; it was a statement of honor and devotion to God's chosen servants.
All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the firstfruits of what they give to the LORD, I give to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is establishing the responsibilities and provisions for the priests, Aaron and his sons, in this section. Following the account of the rebellion of Korah, God is reasserting His order and clearly defining the roles and benefits belonging to the Levitical priesthood. This specific verse highlights the generous portion of agricultural first-fruits that God designates for the priests' sustenance, emphasizing that these prime offerings are their rightful due as a perpetual ordinance.
Ever wonder why the very best of the harvest was set aside? It wasn't just about the choicest parts; it was about honoring God's appointed servants.
In Numbers 18, God lays out the system for supporting the priests and Levites who served Him. Verse 12 specifically highlights what was designated for them: 'All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat.' The Hebrew word for 'best' literally means 'the fat,' which was considered the richest and most desirable part of any produce. This wasn't the leftover or inferior stuff. God commanded that the premium portions, the 'firstfruits' of everything, be given to those dedicated to His service. This ensured they had what they needed to live and minister without the distraction of daily labor, reflecting God's own generous provision.
These aren't just offerings; they're markers of a sacred, enduring relationship. What does this 'best' tell us about God's commitment?
The gifts described in Numbers 18:12 were more than just payment for services; they were part of a divine covenant. God states, 'them have I given thee.' This is a declaration of His own provision and a symbol of His commitment to His appointed ministers. By receiving the 'firstfruits' – the initial and best yield of the land – the priests were reminded daily that their sustenance came directly from God's hand, mediated through the people's faithfulness. This established a tangible link between the worship of the community and the provision for its spiritual leaders, reinforcing the sacredness of their roles and the covenant relationship.
Understand the original words
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reshit · Hebrew Noun
The best or choicest part of the harvest or produce, offered to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging that the entirety of the harvest belongs to Him.
This passage defines the priests' divinely appointed share of the sacrifices and firstfruits. It wasn't just arbitrary; it was a foundational aspect of how God intended to sustain the ministry and His presence among His people, even before they entered the Promised Land.
~1445 BC
Wilderness Wanderings Begin
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai desert for 40 years.
~1445 BC
The Tabernacle is Erected
During the wilderness period, the portable Tabernacle was constructed as the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people.
~1445 BC— this verse
Institution of the Levitical Priesthood
God establishes the lineage of Aaron as priests and the Levites as their assistants, defining their roles and responsibilities in serving the Tabernacle.
~1445 BC
Laws of Offerings and Portions Defined
Specific laws are given regarding the various sacrifices and offerings, detailing which portions belong to God, the priests, and the people.
~1405 BC
Entry into the Promised Land
After 40 years, the Israelites, led by Joshua, cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan.
c. 1000 BC - 586 BC
Temple Era
Following the settlement in Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy, the Tabernacle is replaced by the permanent Temples in Jerusalem, continuing the priestly system.
This passage describes the command to offer the 'firstfruits' of the harvest to the Lord, directly connecting to the concept of giving the best to God and then to His designated servants.
Deuteronomy 18:3This verse specifies that the 'shoulder and the stomach and the maw' are to be given to the priests, highlighting the concept of specific portions of offerings being set aside for their support.
Malachi 3:10This prophet calls the people to 'bring the whole tithe into the storehouse' and test God, paralleling the idea of giving generously to God and His service as a matter of faithfulness and blessing.
1 Corinthians 9:14Paul explicitly states that 'the Lord ordered that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel,' drawing a direct parallel between the Old Testament provision for priests and the support of New Testament ministers.
calvinNumbers 18:8-19: "And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever."
- And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by…
ellicottNumbers 18:12: "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."
(12) All the best . . . — Hebrew, all the fat, as in Genesis 45:18 . The firstfruits of them . . . —The quantity is not defined. St. Jerome, in his Commentary on Ezekiel 45, mentions the fortieth part as a liberal contribution, and the sixtieth as a scanty one, according to Jewish tradition.
It's easy to read "the best" as just a general term for high quality, but the Hebrew here actually means "the fat." This emphasizes that God desired the richest, most prime part of the harvest for His priests, reflecting the same principle of giving Him the very best as seen in the sacrifices. This wasn't just about sustenance; it was a statement of honor and devotion to God's chosen servants.
God is establishing the responsibilities and provisions for the priests, Aaron and his sons, in this section. Following the account of the rebellion of Korah, God is reasserting His order and clearly defining the roles and benefits belonging to the Levitical priesthood. This specific verse highlights the generous portion of agricultural first-fruits that God designates for the priests' sustenance, emphasizing that these prime offerings are their rightful due as a perpetual ordinance.
God is establishing the responsibilities and provisions for the priests, Aaron and his sons, in this section. Following the account of the rebellion of Korah, God is reasserting His order and clearly defining the roles and benefits belonging to the Levitical priesthood. This specific verse highlights the generous portion of agricultural first-fruits that God designates for the priests' sustenance, emphasizing that these prime offerings are their rightful due as a perpetual ordinance.
"All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the grain, the firstfruits of what they give to the LORD, I give to you." — It's easy to read "the best" as just a general term for high quality, but the Hebrew here actually means "the fat." This emphasizes that God desired the richest, most prime part of the harvest for Hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026