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.