MPV Commentary

The Priests' Portion.

In this passage, God recapitulates certain perquisites specifically set aside for the priests' maintenance. These included parts of votive and freewill offerings, such as meat, bread, wine, oil, and first-fruits – a significant and valuable item.

Every devoted thing in Israel was to be the priests', provided it could be consumed or used. However, gold and silver vessels dedicated as spoils of victory were not given to the priests but were reserved for use and decoration within the sacred edifice.

This covenant with the priests is described as "a covenant of salt," a perpetual ordinance. This figurative expression likely originated from the preservative properties of salt, which prevents meat from spoiling. In ancient cultures, eating salt was considered a pledge of fidelity, binding people in a covenant of friendship. Similarly, the altar meats set aside for the priests, accompanied by salt as a necessary component, were naturally referred to as "a covenant of salt" (Leviticus 2:13).