Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The Lord said to Aaron, "You and your sons with you will bear the iniquity of the sanctuary. You and your sons with you will also bear the iniquity of your priesthood, for they are responsible for maintaining the rituals and sacrifices that keep the people holy.

Your relatives from the tribe of Levi, your father's tribe, will join you to serve at the tabernacle of witness. Together, you and your sons will serve before it, performing all the tasks required in the worship services. They will assist you with your responsibilities, keeping watch over the sacred vessels and the altar. However, they must not approach these areas lest both they and you die.

You and your assistants from the tribe of Levi will work together to keep the charge of the tabernacle for all its service. No stranger is allowed to join you in this ministry, so it remains a family affair within the tribe of Levi. In doing so, there will be no further wrath upon the children of Israel.

I have taken your brethren from among the children of Israel to serve me as priests and assistants. They are given to you as a gift to help with the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. You and your sons must keep your priestly office in all matters related to the altar, including what lies within the veil, and perform this duty faithfully.

I have entrusted you with sacred responsibility for the care of my offerings from all that is consecrated by the Israelites. This charge has been given to you and your sons by an ordinance for ever because of the anointing. You will receive every gift brought to me, including sin and trespass offerings, which are reserved from the fire as most holy things for you and your sons.

In the most holy place, only males may eat these sacred gifts. They are to be eaten in a state of ritual purity, and everyone who partakes is considered holy. This portion includes all the best gifts and offerings from the Israelites, which I have given you, your sons, and daughters with you as a permanent statute.

Every firstfruits offering brought to me, whether it's grain, oil, or wine, belongs to you. The first ripe produce of the land is also yours. You are to redeem only those animals that are not devoted to God, but every animal that opens its womb is sacred and must be eaten by you and your family.

The Levites will serve in the tabernacle of the congregation and bear their own guilt; it shall be a statute forever among the Israelites, so they have no inheritance. The tithes of the Israelites, which they offer to me as an offering, I have given to the Levites as their inheritance.

Among the Israelites, the Levites will not have any other inheritance but will live off the tithes and offerings that come from them. When you collect these tithes, set aside a portion for the Lord, selecting the choicest part of each gift. You can then eat this offering in every place as your reward for serving me.

You must be careful not to profane the holy things or incur guilt by eating the tithe offerings. Remember that I am your portion and inheritance among the children of Israel, so you have no need to seek wealth in their land."