Category: Levitical priesthood

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #107

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Under the Law of Moses, Israel’s yearly tax rate was 23.3% (two 10% [Levitical and festival] tithes given annually, and one 10% [welfare] tithe exacted triennially). These were fruits, vegetables, and animals whose value supported the tribe of Levi (priests), funded three yearly trips to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover and Pentecost and Tabernacles, and sustained the welfare system. Endeavoring to appear “spiritual,” denominationalists today give a measly “10% tithe” (ignorant of how there are really three biblical tithes!). Moreover, a select few brag about donating “reverse tithes” (“I make so much money as a feel-good preacher that I can afford to ‘tithe’ 90% of my income!”). This too is Bible ignorance. Who among them is willing to give away 100% of their income? The reason why we ask this is simple: though there is not one command in the New Testament to give a “ten-percent” tithe, there is 100% giving in Matthew to John and early Acts!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth” (Luke 12:33). “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all [!] that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). In early Acts, it was indeed 100% giving: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44,45; cf. Acts 4:32–5:11).

Let us study why this 100% giving was necessary….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #106

Sunday, September 6, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Under the Law of Moses, there were really three tithes. The first tithe was national, a gross federal income tax on Israel’s agricultural production—each tribe giving 10% to the tribe of Levi. Israel was a theocracy, God governing them by the Levites (the priestly tribe); these Levites served in the Tabernacle, and later, the Jerusalem Temple. See Leviticus 27:30-34 and Deuteronomy 14:27.

The second tithe, a net income tax (also 10%), was the “festival/vacation” tithe. All male Jews set aside resources to fund their personal trips to Jerusalem three times a year—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:16; cf. Exodus 23:14-17). “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always” (Deuteronomy 14:22,23). You can keep reading into verses 24-26.

The third tithe—an additional net tax of 10%, given every three years—supported the welfare system: “At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest” (Deuteronomy 14:28,29). Also see Deuteronomy 26:12,13.

Annual tithing in Israel under the Law thus averaged 23.3% (two 10% tithes [Levitical and festival] every year, plus one 10% [welfare] tithe every three years). Those bragging about giving “biblical tithes” today are likely not giving this much! In addition, they seldom show interest in giving the amount that replaced the tithe in Matthew to John….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #105

Saturday, September 5, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Frankly, we could not care less how denominations define tithing. What we are interested in is what the Word of God teaches. Under the Law of Moses, this is tithing: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD…. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD” (Leviticus 27:30,32). A 20% interest penalty was paid if this tithe was converted to currency: “And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof” (verse 31). Notice how the tithe pertained to “seed… fruit” (plants) and “herd… flock” (animals). See also Deuteronomy 12:17; 2 Chronicles 31:5,6; Nehemiah 10:37; Nehemiah 12:44; Nehemiah 13:5,12; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42. Each tribe of Israel gave a tenth of their yearly income (agricultural production) to their national government, the Levites or priestly tribe (Nehemiah 10:37,38; Nehemiah 13:5; Hebrews 7:5,8,9).

These tithes were to be deposited at the Tabernacle (later, the Jerusalem Temple), where there was a storehouse/granary/barn/warehouse/silo or chambers: “Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:…” (Deuteronomy 12:11). See also Deuteronomy 12:5,6; Deuteronomy 26:12; 2 Chronicles 31:11,12; Nehemiah 10:38,39; Nehemiah 12:44; Nehemiah 13:12; Malachi 3:10.

While at a denominational church building, I noticed a large metal box bolted to the wall. Below the narrow slot in the top was a sign: “Tithes & Offerings.” How could they place fruits, vegetables, and livestock in such a tiny opening? After all, a biblical tithe is not money or personal checks in envelopes but food for the Levites! See, religion does not make sense, and it is not supposed to make sense. It originated with mindlessness, and is preserved only by ignorance….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #104

Friday, September 4, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Tithing first appears in Genesis 14:18-20: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” After defeating various Gentile kings (verses 1-17), Abram brought to Melchizedek (King of ancient “Jerusalem”) “tithes” of all the spoils. The tithe is an income tax paid to government—“a tenth part of all” (10% tax) (Hebrews 7:1,2,6).

With the Law of Moses, Israel’s government was the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the other 12 tribes (Joseph reckoned as two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim), Levi was without inheritance in the land. Therefore, Levi received the tithes from the remaining tribes: “And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation…. But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance…. Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe…. Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye shall give thereof the LORD’S heave offering to Aaron the priest” (Numbers 18:21,23,24,26,28). Even the Levites had to tithe of the tithes they took from the other tribes!

There is more….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #69

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Just about everyone in Christendom has no grasp of why Christ was water baptized. Apparently, all they can manage saying is, “If you want to be Jesus’ disciple, you need to obey God by following Him in ‘believer’s baptism!’” Instead of supporting a manmade institution by mindlessly parroting some cliché they heard in church, it would be far better if they carefully searched the Holy Scriptures they claim to know and esteem. They will thus understand the purpose of water baptism and gain some spiritual enlightenment and maturity.

Water baptism is a sign, the representation of the Davidic Covenant (just as physical circumcision symbolizes the Abrahamic Covenant). It accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom, as Israel is to become a kingdom of priests and must therefore undergo a washing with water like the Levitical priests at their installation. Water baptism signifies a purification, the defilement of idolatry being washed away. If so, then why was Jesus water baptized? Observe! Friend, if we are going to adopt the Bible-believing view, here are four reasons for His own water baptism.

Firstly, since water baptism is needful for priests (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6), and Christ is repeatedly designated as Israel’s “high priest” (Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14,15; Hebrews 5:5,10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 10:21), He was water baptized and that “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-17; cf. Mark 1:9-11). Secondly, the Lord Jesus needed water baptism to be manifested to Israel as Messiah/Christ, the Son of God (John 1:29-34). Thirdly, Christ was water baptized to identify Himself with believing Israel (“Little Flock;” Luke 12:32) that was likewise water baptized (Luke 3:21,22—to wit, He blends in with “all the people [believing Jewish remnant coming to John the Baptist’s water baptism]”). Fourthly, by Jesus being water baptized, He was exposing as lost (unbelievers, or, not His people!) those Jews who had refused to be water baptized of John (Luke 7:29,30).

We reiterate. For believing Israel (and for believing Gentiles in prophecy), water baptism is necessary as an outward indication of inward cleansing. Let us see yet another sign in God’s purpose and plan for the nation Israel….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #68

Monday, July 27, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Water baptism has been fittingly titled “religious TNT.” Fiery, explosive arguments have arisen because, instead of letting the pure Word of God have preeminence, individuals have isolated verses from their contexts to uphold denominations. Precious few understand that water baptism is not a New Testament ordinance, but an Old Testament one.

Under the Law of Moses, Levitical priests washed with water at their ordination (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6). Therefore, for Israel to be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9), each believing Jew must be water baptized, and that to symbolize purification from idolatry’s pollution: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you” (Ezekiel 36:25). Water baptism is the sign of the Davidic Covenant. Therefore, John the Baptist, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, was water baptizing in Matthew 3:5-7: “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

Water baptism saves believing Israel from God’s end-times wrath. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “…the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:…” (1 Peter 3:20,21). Moreover, in prophecy, believing Gentiles are also water baptized so believing Israel sees how these Gentiles have forsaken their idols (Matthew 28:19,20).

Now, we address Christ’s own water baptism….

Lessons from the Biblical Apothecary #7

Friday, February 21, 2025

“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:25 KJV).

Let us learn some lessons from the biblical apothecary….

From the Book of Hebrews, which enlarges upon Jeremiah 31:31-34, we discover the Old Covenant was temporary and will be replaced by the New Covenant (see particularly Hebrews chapters 8–10). Considering that change, Messiah (Jesus Christ) speaks to Father God: “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:6-8). Hebrews 10:5-9 interprets this as Messiah submitting to Father’s will to sacrifice Himself on Calvary’s cruel cross, the foundation for the New Covenant.

“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;…” (Hebrews 10:10-12). This “offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” is described in Ephesians 5:1,2 as: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary was “a sweetsmelling savour”—just as pleasant to God’s nostrils as those aromas of the anointing oil and the perfume or incense (the context of today’s Scripture). The stench of the spiritual decay of our sin debt is overwhelmed by the blood sacrifice of the sinless Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, that does not deter works-religionist man from offering his own righteousness, his reeking “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) and stinky “dung” (Philippians 3:8), bragging, “I can be just as good as Jesus!” If nothing else, may the “sweetsmelling savour” of Calvary at least discourage us Christians from resurrecting the buried, rotting old man to boast, “I can live the Christian life!”

Lessons from the Biblical Apothecary #6

Thursday, February 20, 2025

“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:25 KJV).

Let us learn some lessons from the biblical apothecary….

Any hasty reading of the Law of Moses with respect to its Tabernacle and (subsequent) Temple and their furnishings and ministers, yields one undeniable fact: it was an extremely complex arrangement and rigorous routine, involving elaborate ceremonies, sacrifices and offerings, an altar, a laver, a candlestick (lampstand), shewbread, incense, a veil, an ark (chest) containing stone tablets, a mercyseat, and other items. See, for example, Exodus chapters 25–31, Exodus chapters 34–40, Leviticus chapters 1–10, and Leviticus chapters 16–17. The daily, weekly, and annual duties of the Levitical priests were endless—spanning over 1,500 years, encompassing countless generations of Aaron’s sons.

For a more abridged summary of the responsibilities of the Levitical priesthood as touching the Tabernacle and the Temple, see Hebrews chapters 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Suffice it to say that their work with those holy vessels, utensils, and furnishings—and even those vessels, utensils, and furnishings themselves—pointed to Calvary’s cross in a veiled or disguised form. Recall the holy anointing oil and the perfume or incense referenced in Exodus 30:22-38, the context of today’s Scripture. Intense, albeit pleasant, odors emanated from them, filling the Tabernacle and the Temple with fragrances. Moreover, the atmosphere would have been smokey, obscuring some priestly activities.

As we gag and recoil at sewage, body sweat, rotting bodies, and other offensive odors, so the holy, righteous Creator God is highly irritated at the stench of sin. Like we react in the physical realm, He responds in the spiritual world. Though He was dwelling in the Tabernacle and the Temple in the midst of sinful Israelites, though sinful priests were working in His service, He could tolerate it because the sweet aromas smeared on those men, their instruments, and their sacrifices covered the disagreeable smell. Hence, Mosaic sacrifices were “for a sweet savour” (Exodus 29:25,41; Leviticus 1:9,13,17; Leviticus 2:2,9,12; Leviticus 3:5,16; Leviticus 4:31; Leviticus 6:15,21; Leviticus 8:21,28; Leviticus 17:6; Leviticus 23:13,18; et cetera).

Let us see how to appreciate the delightful scent of Calvary in God’s nostrils….

Lessons from the Biblical Apothecary #5

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:25 KJV).

Let us learn some lessons from the biblical apothecary….

The ingredients of the holy anointing oil and the components of the perfume or incense were rare and imported, and therefore expensive. Additionally, the fragrances were a combination of sweet, floral, and woody. Think of the intense aroma of costly potpourri or pricey cologne. It was really tempting for someone in ancient Israel to apply for personal usage and/or copy the recipes. The LORD thus strictly forbade both activities!

Verses 31-33: “And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations. Upon man’s flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you. Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.” The adjective “holy” meant the anointing oil was set-apart (hallowed, sanctified) unto the LORD God’s purposes. It was not for ordinary use. No one was to duplicate its formula. Both violations carried the death penalty!

Verses 37,38: “And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD. Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.” The perfume or incense was also “holy” (verse 35), set-apart (hallowed, sanctified) unto JEHOVAH God’s purposes. It too was not for common use. No one was to copy its formula either. As with the holy anointing oil, both abuses resulted in capital punishment!

These two compositions of the biblical apothecary were reserved for usage as touching the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and its ministers, all equally holy (read verses 22-38, if necessary). Why would God be so particular about these scents and strictly govern their handling? To answer this, we must search the Scriptures to uncover the formulation of a far more superior aroma, personally mixed by an Apothecary of another world….

Lessons from the Biblical Apothecary #4

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:25 KJV).

Let us learn some lessons from the biblical apothecary….

Read verses 34-36: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.”

As touching the perfume or incense, it too was a recipe the LORD had invented. Of equal quantities the following “sweet spices” were to be mixed. “Stacte” was sap from various unidentified tree or plant species. “Onycha” was a type of mussel or mollusk shell that emitted an aroma when burned. “Galbanum,” also having an extremely strong odor, was rubbery resin extracted from the roots of a flowering plant native to Afghanistan, Syria, and Persia (Iran). “Frankincense” (Boswellia carteri) was tree sap or bark imported from Saudi Arabia or Ethiopia. This mixture was to burned on the altar of incense in the Tabernacle before the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 30:1-9).

See Exodus 30:1,6-9: “And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it…. And thou shalt put it before the vail that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations. Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.” Any such “strange [foreign] incense,” which God rejected, was produced when the recipe of Exodus 30:34-36 was not followed!

Let us see other Divinely-ordained specifications associated with the biblical apothecary’s work….