But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to splatter their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
The priest's service is called a warfare; and who goes a warfare at his own charges? As they were well employed, so they were well provided for, and well paid. None shall serve God for nought. All believers are spiritual priests, and God has promised to take care of them; they shall dwell in the land, and verily they shall be fed, and shall not want any good thing.
Commenting on Numbers 18:8-19
And the flesh of them shall be thine,.... For him and his family to eat of, whether blemished or perfect the Jews say (l): as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine: which were his part of the peace offerings, for him and his sons to eat of, Lev 7:34; and the Jews observe (m), that as the wave breast and heave...
THE PRIESTS' PORTION. (Num 18:8-20) the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of my heave offerings--A recapitulation is made in this passage of certain perquisites specially appropriated to the maintenance of the priests. They were parts of the votive and freewill offerings, including both meat and bread, wine and oil, and the first-fruits, which formed a large and valuable item.
Commenting on Numbers 18:8-20