§. 40. Of the Law of paying Tithes.
THe particular Commandement here set down was to take tithes of the people. This phrase, a 1.1 to take tithes of, is the interpretation of one Greek word: which we may answerably thus translate, to tithe. It is a compound verb. The simple verb, is derived from that which before was translated, b 1.2 tenth, §. 16. It sometimes signifi∣eth to pay tithes, as Luke 18. 12. But here to receive tithes. So doth the simple verb signifie both to receive and to pay tithes, v. 6, 9. The circumstance therefore of the place must direct us in finding out the meaning of the word: of paying and re∣ceiving 〈◊〉〈◊〉. See v. 2. §. 17.
By the c 1.3 people, are here meant all the other tribes, save the tribe of Levi: for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 else were exempted from this tax▪ The children of Levi were for the people in things pertaining to God, and did for them, what otherwise the people should have done themselves, and in recompence thereof, the people paid them tithes.
The Greek phrase word for word thus soundeth, d 1.4 to tithe the people: which im∣plieth both a duty on the peoples part in paying tithe: and also a power or privi∣ledge on the Levites part, to receive tithe.
This was it, which is here said to be according to the Law: and that the judici∣all, Ceremoniall and Morall Law.
- 1. By the judiciall Law the Levites had not their portion in Canaan for their in∣heritance, as other tribes had: therefore in lieu thereof, by the said Law, they had the tenth of the rest of the people.
- 2. The holy services which they performed to the Lord for the people were cere∣moniall. Therefore the recompence given, was by a like Law.
- 3. The generall equity that they who communicate unto us spirituall matters, should partake of our temporals: and that they who are set apart, wholy to attend Gods service, should live upon that service, is morall. See more hereof, v. 2. §. 16, 17.