The Bible in a Year
“The cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel; from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few; every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inherits.” — Numbers 35:8
As we continue our journey through Scripture in The Bible in a Year, we come to a passage that might seem administrative at first glance. Numbers 35 outlines instructions for distributing cities to the Levites. Yet beneath the structure lies a theology of giving that reaches far beyond ancient Israel. When the tribes settled into their inheritance, the Levites received no tribal land allotment. Their inheritance was the Lord and the work of the Tabernacle. Therefore, the other tribes were commanded to give from their own possession to support those who served in sacred ministry.
This arrangement reveals first that everyone is to give. The phrase “every one shall give” removes any illusion that generosity belongs only to the wealthy or especially gifted. Giving was not optional participation; it was covenant responsibility. When Paul later instructs the Corinthian church, he echoes this principle: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Notice the inclusive language—every one. Christian giving is not a spectator practice. It is part of discipleship. Just as every believer prays and worships, every believer participates in sustaining the Lord’s work.
Second, Scripture establishes that giving is proportionate. “From them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few.” The Lord does not measure by equal amounts but by equal sacrifice. Paul clarifies this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 8:12: “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” God’s concern is not comparison but faithfulness. The Hebrew word nachalah—“inheritance”—reminds us that what we possess was first entrusted to us. We give not from ownership but from stewardship. What we call “mine” was first given by God.
This principle liberates both the wealthy and the struggling believer. Those with abundance cannot excuse themselves by pointing to others who give more. Those with modest means are not burdened by impossible expectation. Giving becomes a reflection of gratitude rather than pressure. John Wesley insightfully said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” His counsel captures the spirit of stewardship—productivity balanced with generosity.
Third, Scripture clarifies where giving is directed. Israel was to give “unto the Levites,” those who served in the Lord’s work. The Levites maintained the Tabernacle, led worship, and instructed the people in the Law. Their service sustained the spiritual life of the nation. In the New Testament, Paul affirms the same pattern: “The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). The primary focus of giving is the advancement of God’s kingdom through His appointed servants and ministries.
This does not forbid acts of compassion toward the poor; Scripture consistently commands generosity to those in need. Yet the structure of Numbers 35 emphasizes sustaining the worship and witness of God’s people. Healthy spiritual communities require faithful support. When we give to the work of the church, to missions, to gospel proclamation, we are participating in something eternal.
As I reflect on this passage, I ask myself practical questions. Do I see giving as an act of worship or merely as financial obligation? Am I measuring my generosity against others, or against the grace I have received? Do I prioritize kingdom work in my budget as deliberately as I prioritize personal comfort? Giving is not about loss; it is about alignment. It aligns my heart with the Giver of every good gift.
The early church understood this. In Acts 4:34–35, believers shared resources so that “neither was there any among them that lacked.” Their generosity flowed from resurrection faith. They recognized that their inheritance was not merely land or wealth but Christ Himself. When I grasp that truth, giving becomes less about subtraction and more about participation in God’s redemptive mission.
For further reflection on biblical generosity, this article from The Gospel Coalition offers helpful insight: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-does-bible-say-about-tithing/
As we move through our year-long journey in Scripture, passages like Numbers 35 remind us that God cares about both our hearts and our habits. He establishes patterns not to burden us but to shape us. Generosity guards us from greed. Proportionate giving teaches contentment. Supporting the Lord’s work keeps our focus on eternal priorities.
In the end, giving reflects who we believe God to be. If He is generous, we become generous. If He is faithful, we give in faith. And if our inheritance is secure in Him, we can release earthly resources without fear.
Let us continue reading, studying, and living the Word—allowing even the administrative instructions of Scripture to shape our daily obedience and joyful trust.
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