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Numbers 18:26 - Levites' tithe to priests?

Hebrew Text

וְאֶל־הַלְוִיִּם תְּדַבֵּר וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם כִּי־תִקְחוּ מֵאֵת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַמַּעֲשֵׂר אֲשֶׁר נָתַתִּי לָכֶם מֵאִתָּם בְּנַחֲלַתְכֶם וַהֲרֵמֹתֶם מִמֶּנּוּ תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה מַעֲשֵׂר מִן־הַמַּעֲשֵׂר׃

English Translation

Thus speak to the Levites, and say to them, When you take of the children of Yisra᾽el the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall offer up from it a gift for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.

Transliteration

Ve'el-haleviim tedaber ve'amarta alehem ki-tikchu me'et bnei-yisrael et-hama'aser asher natati lachem me'itam benachalatchem vaharemotem mimeno terumat Adonai ma'aser min-hama'aser.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶל־הַלְוִיִּ֣ם תְּדַבֵּר֮ וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶם֒ כִּֽי־תִ֠קְח֠וּ מֵאֵ֨ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֧תִּי לָכֶ֛ם מֵאִתָּ֖ם בְּנַחֲלַתְכֶ֑ם וַהֲרֵמֹתֶ֤ם מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙ תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהֹוָ֔ה מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר מִן־הַֽמַּעֲשֵֽׂר׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 18:26) instructs the Levites regarding their obligation to separate terumat ma'aser (the tithe of the tithe) from the tithes they receive from Bnei Yisrael. This portion is then given to the Kohanim as a sacred offering to Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi clarifies that the Levites, who received ma'aser rishon (the first tithe) from Bnei Yisrael, were required to separate one-tenth of that tithe and give it to the Kohanim. This is referred to as terumat ma'aser. Rashi emphasizes that this mitzvah applies even though the Levites themselves do not own land, as their sustenance comes from the tithes given by others.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Ma'aser (1:4), the Rambam elaborates that the Levites' tithe is a permanent obligation, derived from the Torah. He explains that the terumat ma'aser must be given to the Kohen in a state of purity, just like other priestly gifts, underscoring its sanctity.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Gemara in Chullin 131b discusses the precise calculation of terumat ma'aser, stating that it must be exactly one-tenth of the tithe received by the Levite, no more and no less.
  • The Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah (18:21) highlights the reciprocal relationship between the tribes: just as Bnei Yisrael support the Levites, the Levites, in turn, support the Kohanim, creating a chain of sanctity and mutual responsibility.

Practical Implications

This verse establishes a hierarchical system of tithes:

  • Bnei Yisrael give ma'aser rishon to the Levites.
  • The Levites separate terumat ma'aser from this tithe and give it to the Kohanim.
  • The remaining nine-tenths of the tithe is the Levites' portion for their sustenance.

Spiritual Significance

The separation of terumat ma'aser teaches the importance of recognizing that all material blessings come from Hashem. By giving a portion of their tithe to the Kohanim, the Levites demonstrate gratitude and acknowledge that their livelihood is ultimately divinely ordained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:26 mean?
A: Numbers 18:26 instructs the Levites, who did not receive a portion of land in Israel, to take tithes (ma'aser) from the other tribes as their inheritance. However, they must then separate a tenth of this tithe (called 'terumat ma'aser') and give it to the Kohanim (priests) as an offering to Hashem. This teaches the importance of supporting those who serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).
Q: Why did the Levites have to give a tithe from their tithe?
A: The Levites received tithes from the other tribes since they were dedicated to serving Hashem and did not inherit land. However, they too had a sacred obligation to contribute. By giving 'terumat ma'aser' (a tenth of their tithe) to the Kohanim, they acknowledged that everything ultimately belongs to Hashem. This is derived from the Talmud (Chullin 131b) and Rambam's Hilchot Ma'aser.
Q: Does the commandment of giving tithes apply today?
A: While the full system of tithes (ma'aser) was tied to the Beit HaMikdash and agricultural laws in Israel, certain aspects remain relevant. Today, many observe the custom of separating 'ma'aser kesafim' (tithing money) for charity, based on this principle (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 249). However, the exact laws of 'terumat ma'aser' for Levites and Kohanim apply only when the Temple is standing.
Q: What is the difference between 'ma'aser' and 'terumat ma'aser'?
A: 'Ma'aser' (the tithe) refers to the 10% of produce that Israelites gave to the Levites (Numbers 18:21). 'Terumat ma'aser' is the 10% that the Levites then separated from their portion and gave to the Kohanim (Numbers 18:26). Rashi explains that this teaches that even those who serve in sacred roles must also contribute to a higher spiritual cause.