Numbers 18:21-32

New International Version

²¹ “I give to the Levites all the tithes^(A) in Israel as their inheritance^(B) in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.^{(C) 22} From now on the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die.^{(D) 23} It is the Levites who are to do the work at the tent of meeting and bear the responsibility for any offenses they commit against it. This is a lasting ordinance^(E) for the generations to come.^(F) They will receive no inheritance^(G) among the Israelites.^{(H) 24} Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord.^(I) That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.’”

²⁵ The Lord said to Moses, ²⁶ “Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you^(J) as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.^{(K) 27} Your offering will be reckoned^(L) to you as grain from the threshing floor^(M) or juice from the winepress.^{(N) 28} In this way you also will present an offering to the Lord from all the tithes^(O) you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes you must give the Lord’s portion to Aaron the priest. ²⁹ You must present as the Lord’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.’

³⁰ “Say to the Levites: ‘When you present the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the threshing floor or the winepress.^{(P) 31} You and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere, for it is your wages for your work at the tent of meeting.^{(Q) 32} By presenting the best part^(R) of it you will not be guilty in this matter;^(S) then you will not defile the holy offerings^(T) of the Israelites, and you will not die.’”