1. Leviticus 7:34 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is significant about the pronoun “I” in Leviticus 7:34?

Leviticus 7:34 (ESV)

34 For the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed I have taken from the people of Israel, out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons, as a perpetual due from the people of Israel.

The sudden appearance of the first-person singular pronoun is striking. Moses highlights the fact that the contribution to the priests was by divine appointment. In other words, the gift was the Lord’s provision to the priests. The priests had no inheritance or income other than the tithes and offerings of the people. This mode of providing for their needs gave the people the opportunity to share in the work of God by supporting the ministry.