And yee shall beare no sinne by reason of it, when ye haue heaued from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die. Numbers 18:32 (KJV)
The book of Numbers records Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness and, in chapter 18, God designates Aaron and his sons as priests, assigning them specific duties concerning the tabernacle and the offerings brought by the people. This verse belongs to the instruction concerning the tithes and other offerings that the children of Israel were required to bring.
The term “heaving” refers to a particular type of offering in which a portion of the consecrated items is lifted up before the Lord as an act of dedication. By “heaving the best thereof,” the priest presents the finest part of the offering to God, demonstrating reverence and devotion.
The verse declares that when the priest has heaved the best portion, he “shall bear no sin by reason of it.” In other words, faithfully performing this duty frees the priest from guilt associated with the offering, provided the instruction is obeyed precisely. This underscores the importance of exact obedience to God’s commands in order to maintain purity.
Equally important is the warning not to “pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.” The holy things—sacred offerings set apart for God—must be treated with the utmost respect. Any careless or disrespectful handling of these items was considered a grave offense punishable by death, highlighting the seriousness of maintaining holiness.
Although the directive was given to Old‑Testament priests, the principle extends to believers today. It calls us to give God our very best—our time, resources, and talents—and to handle the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us with reverence. Faithful obedience protects us from spiritual defilement and honors God in our worship and service.
In conclusion, Numbers 18:32 teaches that offering the best to God and preserving the sanctity of holy things are essential to a life of reverence. By following God’s instructions faithfully, we honor Him and avoid sin, reflecting a heart wholly devoted to the Lord.
