Also he commandedthe peoplewho livedin Jerusalemto givethe portiondue to the priestsand the Levites,that they might devotethemselves to the lawof the LORD.
withoutregard to their genealogicalenrollment,to the malesfrom thirtyyearsoldand upward--everyonewho enteredthe houseof the LORDfor his dailyobligations--for their workin their dutiesaccording to their divisions;
"The firstof allthe firstfruitsof everykind and everycontributionof everykind, from allyour contributions,shall be for the priests;you shall also giveto the priestthe firstof your doughto cause a blessingto reston your house.
"For the lipsof a priestshould preserveknowledge,and men should seekinstructionfrom his mouth;for he is the messengerof the LORDof hosts.
The one who is taughtthe wordis to shareallgood thingswith the one who teaches[him].
"They shall eatequalportions,except[what they receive] from the saleof their fathers'[estates].
And thoseindeedof the sonsof Leviwho receivethe priest's officehavecommandmentin the Lawto collect a tenthfrom the people,that is, from their brethren,althoughthese are descendedfrom Abraham.
