All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

NUMBERS 18:19KJV
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Numbers 18:19 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:19 mean?

Numbers 18:19 states that all the special offerings given by the Israelites to God are assigned to Aaron and his family as a permanent right, described as a "covenant of salt" before God for them and their descendants. This verse emphasizes the lasting and unbreakable nature of this arrangement between God and the priestly family.

In this verse, God is speaking to Aaron, the first high priest, about the privileges given to him and his descendants. The "heave offerings" are portions of sacrifices set aside for the priests. The phrase "covenant of salt" uses salt as a symbol of preservation and lasting agreement, showing that this priestly provision is meant to endure for all generations.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:19

  • "Covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a formal, binding agreement or promise. Here, it highlights the seriousness and permanence of God's promise to Aaron's family.
  • "Salt" (מֶלַח, melach): Salt in the ancient world was a symbol of durability and preservation. Calling this a "covenant of salt" signals that the agreement is meant to be lasting and unchanging.
  • "Statute" (חֻקָּה, chuqqah): This word means a fixed rule or regulation. Its use here underlines that this arrangement is not temporary or optional, but a permanent law for the priesthood.

Why Numbers 18:19 matters

  • Numbers 18:19 clarifies that the priestly rights to certain offerings are not just privileges for Aaron but are established by God as an enduring law for all his descendants.
  • The mention of a "covenant of salt" helps readers understand the seriousness and permanence of God's promises in the Old Testament, using a familiar symbol from daily life.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by explaining how the priests were provided for, showing the practical ways God supported those serving in the sanctuary.

Where else these words appear

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 12:3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:
  • 2 Kings 14:7 He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

“offerings” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

“statute” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.