1 Corinthians 9:13, Service in God’s Temple

1 Corinthians 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

The Apostle Paul now cites the example of the priests in the Old Testament times who served in the temple work. He observed that these priests partake of the offerings that the people brought for sacrifice in the temple. Even for the ones who assisted in the temple work who were not priests were duly compensated. He points out that it is rightly so for the smooth functioning of the temple. If the priests and helpers have to find own subsistence while working in the temple, the service in the temple would inadvertently be compromised.

The temple system was given by God for the support of the priests and Levites: Numbers 18:20-24 And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. 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. Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. 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.

It is God’s wisdom that calls for the support of priests and Levites. As such, it is to be carried out for His honour and glory. Amen.