Nehemiah 12:44

We have here an account of the remaining good effects of the universal joy that was at the dedication of the wall. When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people as that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty afterwards, then they are indeed acceptable to God and turn to a good account. So it was here. 1. The ministers were more careful than they had been of their work; the respect the people paid them upon this occasion encouraged them to diligence and watchfulness, Neh 12:45. The singers kept the ward of their God, attending in due time to the duty of their office; the porters, too, kept the ward of the purification, that is, they took care to preserve the purity of the temple by denying admission to those that were ceremonially unclean. When the joy of the Lord thus engages us to our duty, and enlarges us in it, it is then an earnest of that joy which, in concurrence with the perfection of holiness, will be our everlasting bliss. 2. The people were more careful than they had been of the maintenance of their ministers. The people, at the dedication of the wall, among other things which they made matter of their joy, rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited, Neh 12:44. They had a great deal of comfort in their ministers, and were glad of them. When they observed how diligently they waited, and what pains they took in their work, they rejoiced in them. Note, The surest way for ministers to recommend themselves to their people, and gain an interest in their affections, is to wait on their ministry (Rom 12:7), to be humble and industrious, and to mind their business. When these did so the people thought nothing too much to do for them, to encourage them. The law had provided then their portions (Neh 12:44), but what the better were they for that provision if what the law appointed them either was not duly collected or not justly paid to them? Now, (1.) Care is here taken for the collecting of their dues. They were modest, and would rather lose their right than call for it themselves. The people were many of them careless and would not bring their dues unless they were called upon; and therefore some were appointed whose office it should be to gather into the treasuries, out of the fields of the cities, the portions of the law for the priests and Levites (Neh 12:44), that their portion might not be lost for want of being demanded. This is a piece of good service both to ministers and people, that the one may not come short of their maintenance nor the other of their duty. (2.) Care is taken that, being gathered in, they might be duly paid out, Neh 12:47. They gave the singers and porters their daily portion, over and above what was due to them as Levites; for we may suppose that when David and Solomon appointed them their work (Neh 12:45, Neh 12:46), above what was required from them as Levites, they settled a fund for their further encouragement. Let those that labour more abundantly in the word and doctrine be counted worthy of this double honour. As for the other Levites, the tithes, here called the holy things, were duly set apart for them, out of which they paid the priests their tithe according to the law. Both are said to be sanctified; when what is contributed, either voluntarily or by law, for the support of religion and the maintenance of the ministry, is given with an eye to God and his honour, it is sanctified, and shall be accepted of him accordingly, and it will cause the blessing to rest on the house and all that is in it, Eze 44:30.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Neh 12:44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

Ver. 44. For Judah rejoiced] Heb. For the joy of Judah, the oil of spiritual gladness had so dilated their hearts, that they were most ready and willing to provide for the sacred ministers; and to pay them that which was appointed, as they had also newly covenanted to do.

For the priests and the Levites that waited] Heb. That stood, sc. before the Lord, and served in their courses. These they not only applauded, but liberally maintained. Today, ministers shall have hard work and good words, but slight wages. Men deal by them as carriers do by their horses, lay heavy burdens upon them, and then hang bells about their necks, &c.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Neh 12:44. For the offerings — Such as they had lately engaged themselves to give, or other voluntary or prescribed offerings. To gather out of the fields the portions of the law — That is, the aforesaid first-fruits and tithes, and other things, which God, by his law, appointed for them. For Judah rejoiced for the priests, &c. — For the eminent gifts and graces which they observed in many of them; for the great benefit which they had now received by their ministry; and for the competent provision which hereby was made for them, that so they might wholly wait upon their office. The sure way for ministers to gain an interest in the affections of their people is, to wait on their ministry, to spend their whole time, and thought, and strength therein.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

SECTION THIRD.

NEHEMIAH’S LATER REFORMS. Neh_12:44 to Neh_13:31.

LEVITICAL APPOINTMENTS, Neh_12:44-47.

44. At that time — This seems certainly to refer to the time of the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem, and hence some have very naturally supposed that the wall was not dedicated till after the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, when Nehemiah came the second time to Jerusalem. See introductory note before Neh_12:27.

Chambers for the treasures — Store chambers; rooms in the temple for the storing of such things as offerings… firstfruits,… tithes, which were gathered in for the support of the sacred services. It was necessary for certain responsible persons to have charge of these important chambers and their stores.

Fields of the cities — The suburbs or outlying fields that were attached to the different cities of Israel. The Israelites lived not on their lands, but in cities, from which they went forth at seed-time and harvest to sow and reap. So the fields of Boaz were in the vicinity of Bethlehem, but he abode in the city.

Portions of the law — That is, portions prescribed by law for the priests and Levites. See Num_18:20-24; Deu_18:1-8.

Judah rejoiced for the priests — That is, had great joy and comfort in their ministry and service, and gave willingly for their support.

That waited — Literally, the ones standing; that is, standing to minister before the Lord. Compare Deu_10:8.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

NEHEMIAH"S ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TEMPLE SERVICE, AND APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. (Neh_12:44-47) The good resolutions of the people at the time of the renewal of the covenant Neh_10:28-39) would have borne comparatively little fruit had they not been seconded and rendered effective by formal action on the part of the civil authority. The people, in the first flush of their zeal, had bound themselves to undertake the conveyance of the tithes, firstfruits, and freewill offerings from the country districts to Jerusalem, and the deposition of them in the temple treasuries. (Neh_10:37-39) But in practice this was found too great a burthen. (Neh_13:10) Nehemiah therefore appointed special officers to collect the tithes and other dues throughout the entire territory, and to bring them to Jerusalem, and lay them up in the proper chambers. (Neh_12:44) Over the chambers he appointed treasurers, whose duty it was, not only to collect the ecclesiastical dues, but also to distribute the proceeds among the individuals entitled to share in them. (Neh_13:13) Having in this way provided for the sustenance of the clerical body, he was able to insist on their regular performance of all their duties; and the success of his arrangements was such, that under him the temple service was restored, not merely to the condition established by Zerubbabel, (Neh_12:47) but to one not markedly different from that which had been attained in the time of David and Asaph (ibid. ver. 46). The priests, Levites, singers, and porters respectively performed their duties to his satisfaction, purifying themselves, and taking the service in their turns, "according to the commandment of David and Solomon" (ibid. ver. 45).

At that time. Literally, "On that day;" but a certain latitude must be allowed to the expression. The chambers for the treasures. On these adjuncts of the temple, see the comment on Neh_10:37. The "treasures" themselves consisted chiefly of tithes (including corn, wine, and oil), firstfruits, and free-will offerings. They also included frankincense, (Neh_13:5) and probably other spices. The portions of the law. i.e. the proportion of the produce required by the law to be set apart for sacred uses. These were to be gathered by the officers out of the fields of the cities, that is, out of the portions of cultivable soil attached to each provincial town. (Neh_11:25) For Judah rejoiced. The general satisfaction of the people with their spiritual guides led them to increase their contributions beyond the requirements of the law; whence there was at this time special need of treasurers and treasuries abundant occupation for the one, and abundant material requiring to be stored in the other.

Vers. 44-47. Joy of the Church in her ministers.

In these verses an account is given of the measures taken for the full and regular supply of the wants of the priests and Levites, and the readiness with which the people did their part, because "Judah rejoiced for the priests and Levites that stood before God; and they the priests and Levites kept the charge of their God, and the charge of the purification; and the institutions of the singers and the porters, according to the commandment of David," etc. (vers. 44, 45).

I WHENCE JOY IN MINISTERS ARISES.

1. On the part of ministers, from consistent lives and diligent attention to their duties. Israel felt satisfaction with the priests, etc. because they did their work well (vers. 44, 45), and because they were upright (ver. 47). As the people consecrated of their substance to the Levites, so did the Levites to the priests, according to the law. If ministers are negligent, and show no interest in their work, or if their conduct be inconsistent, they need not be surprised that the people become indifferent to them and their ministrations. But consistent, earnest, faithful, loving, diligent ministers go the way to secure the affections of their congregations and give them pleasure.

2. On the part of the people, the ability to appreciate good ministers. The best ministers fail to give satisfaction to many. They cannot appreciate them, owing to want of piety, the absence of earnest desire for instruction and salvation, love of novelties, "itching ears, censorious spirit, self-conceit, carnality of mind, etc. Some may hate them because of their faithful reproofs of their beloved sins. Thus the very excellences of a minister may prevent joy in him in some quarters. But where a true-hearted minister has the happiness to labour amongst an earnest, godly people, he will be their joy, as they will he his.

II How JOY IN MINISTERS SHOULD BE EXPRESSED. Not by mere words, not merely by praise to God for them and prayer on their behalf, but (as in the case of Israel and the ministers of the temple) by making suitable provision for their sustenance. This is according to the law of Christ no less than that of Moses, (1Co_9:13, 14 Gal_6:6 1Ti_5:17, 1Ti_5:18) and will be cheerfully done by such as rightly rejoice in their ministers. Such provision should be, as in the text,

(1) liberal,

(2) systematic and regular.

III THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH JOY SO EXPRESSED.

1. To the happiness and vigorous labours of ministers themselves. If good ministers make satisfied and generous congregations, they are also to a great extent made by them. The influence is reciprocal. The mental and spiritual powers of a minister cannot develop and exercise themselves to the full in an atmosphere of coldness, suspicion, dissatisfaction, or illiberality; his physical and mental energies will alike be impaired if he is scantily furnished with material supplies.

2. To the spiritual profit of hearers and their families. The teaching of a pastor in whom lively interest is felt, and to whom generosity is shown, will be listened to with the attention and confidence needful for profit. Children will be taught to respect and love him, and so will be likely to accept him as their guide and friend. But an opposite state of things will produce opposite results. Even satisfaction which expresses itself in words only, where deeds are needful and possible, will tend to give an unreality to the whole religious life, and prevent any real and lasting good.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The joint efforts of Nehemiah and Ezra succeeded both in restoring the enactments of the law for the performance and maintenance of the public worship, and in carrying out the separation of the community from strangers, especially by the dissolution of unlawful marriages (Neh 12:44-13:3). When Nehemiah, however, returned to the king at Babylon, in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, and remained there some time, the abuses which had been abolished were again allowed by the people. During Nehemiah's absence, Eliashib the priest prepared a chamber in the fore-court of the temple, as a dwelling for his son-in-law Tobiah the Ammonite. The delivery of their dues to the Levites (the first-fruits and tenths) was omitted, and the Sabbath desecrated by field-work and by buying and selling in Jerusalem; Jews married Ashdodite, Ammonitish, and Moabitish wives; even a son of the high priest Joiada allying himself by marriage with Sanballat the Horonite. All these illegal acts were energetically opposed by Nehemiah at his return to Jerusalem, when he strove both to purify the congregation from foreigners, and to restore the appointments of the law with respect to divine worship (13:4-31).

The narration of these events and of the proceedings of Nehemiah in the last section of this book, is introduced by a brief summary (in Neh 12:44-13:3) of what was done for the ordering of divine worship, and for the separation of Israel from strangers; and this introduction is so annexed to what precedes, not only by the formula ההוּא בּיּום (Neh 12:33 and Neh 13:1), but also by its contents, that it might be regarded as a summary of what Nehemiah had effected during his first stay at Jerusalem. It is not till the connective מזּה ולפני, "and before this" (Neh 13:4), with which the recital of what occurred during Nehemiah's absence from Jerusalem, in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, beings, that we perceive that this description of the restored legal appointments relates not only to the time before the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, but applies also to that of Nehemiah's second stay at Jerusalem, and bears only the appearance of an introduction, being in fact a brief summary of all that Nehemiah effected both before and after the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes. This is a form of statement which, is to be explained by the circumstance that Nehemiah did not compile this narrative of his operations till the evening of his days.

Neh 12:44

The reformations in worship and in social life effected by Nehemiah. - Neh 12:44-47. Appointments concerning divine worship. Neh 12:44. And at that time were certain appointed over the chambers of store-places for the heave-offerings, the first-fruits, and the tenths, to gather into them, according to the fields of the cities, the portions appointed by the law for the priests and Levites. Though the definition of time ההוּא בּיּום corresponds with the ההוּא בּיּום of Neh 12:43, it is nevertheless used in a more general sense, and does not refer, as in Neh 12:43, to the day of the dedication of the wall, but only declares that what follows belongs chiefly to the time hitherto spoken of. יום means, not merely a day of twelve or twenty-four hours, but very frequently stands for the time generally speaking at which anything occurs, or certum quoddam temporis spatium; and it is only from the context that we can perceive whether יום is used in its narrower or more extended meaning. Hence ההוּא בּיּום is often used in the historical and prophetical books, de die, or de tempore modo memorato, in contradistinction to הזּה היּום, the time present to the narrator; comp. Sa1 27:6; Sa1 30:25, and the discussion in Gesen. Thes. p. 369. That the expression refers in the present verse not to any particular day, but to the time in question generally, is obvious from the whole statement, Neh 12:44-47. לאוצרות נשׁכות are not chambers for the treasures, i.e., treasure-chambers; but both here and Neh 13:12, אוצרות signify places where stores are kept, magazines; hence: these are chambers for store-places for the heave-offerings, etc.; comp. Neh 10:38-39. With respect to נשׁכות, see rem. on Neh 3:30. הערים לשׂדי, according to the fields of the cities, according to the delivery of the tenth of the crop from the fields of the different cities. These contributions necessitated the appointment of individuals to have the care of the store-chambers; "for Judah rejoiced in the priests and the Levites who were ministering," and therefore contributed willingly and abundantly "the portions of the law," i.e., the portions prescribed in the law. The form מנאות is exchanged for מניות, Neh 12:47 and Neh 13:10. האמדים is a shorter expression for יהוה לפני האמדים, Deu 10:8 : standing before the Lord, i.e., ministering.

Keil & Delitzsch — Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament (1861–1891) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API. (Old Testament only.)

12:44-47 On that day, the day of the dedication of the wall (12:44; 13:1), men were appointed to take care of the tithes and gifts given for the physical needs of the priests and Levites. Their duties were to collect the gifts of the people for the priests and Levites (10:32-39; see also Exod 30:11-16; 38:25-26), to perform the service of their God (probably sacrifices; see Lev 1–5), and to oversee the service of purification of those people who were unclean. They also purified pans, knives, and clothing used in Temple worship as described in Lev 11–15 (see also 1 Chr 23:28).

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Which were chambers appointed by Hezekiah to put in the tithes, and such things, 2 Chron. 31:11 and now were repaired again for the same use.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

portions of the law--that is, "prescribed by the law."

for Judah rejoiced for the priests and . . . Levites that waited--The cause of this general satisfaction was either the full restoration of the temple service and the reorganized provision for the permanent support of the ministry, or it was the pious character and eminent gifts of the guardians of religion.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

(44) For Judah rejoiced.—Not only was the Temple service restored to something like the completeness of the Davidical period, the people also everywhere took pleasure in the ministrations of the Temple, and provided amply for them. Hence the need of men to take charge of the treasuries of the firstfruits and tithes.

(44-47) Economical arrangements.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

44. at that time] R.V. on that day. This is not an allusion to the day of rejoicing in the previous verse (‘that day’ Neh_12:43), but a general definition of time which the Compiler uses again in Neh_8:1. It is only a little less indefinite than ‘in those days,’ Neh_13:15; Neh_13:23.

some] R.V. men.

the chambers] The Hebrew word here used occurs elsewhere only in Neh_3:30, and Neh_13:7.

for the treasures] As in Neh_13:13, Nehemiah records his special appointment of ‘treasurers over the treasuries’ whose business it was ‘to distribute unto their brethren.’ The appointments mentioned in this verse are probably of a somewhat different nature. The men ‘appointed over the chambers’ were the regular receivers and custodians of the treasure, i.e. the firstfruits and tithes, &c.; the four appointed by Nehemiah were commissioners for the purpose of securing an honest distribution.

for the treasures] Either a general term denoting ‘stores’ and ‘provisions,’ of which ‘the heave-offerings’ are items, or a specific term, standing at the head of the list, and denoting special dedications and wealthy gifts. The former is the more probable alternative.

the offerings] R.V. the heave offerings.

the firstfruits] The use of this word seems here to include ‘the firstfruits’ and ‘firstlings’ mentioned in Neh_10:35-37.

the tithes] See on Neh_10:37-38.

It will be observed that there is no reference here to any tithe of cattle. The chambers are only intended for receiving the produce of the field (Neh_13:12). As this passage is clearly based upon Nehemiah’s own Memoirs, it has afforded support to the theory that the cattle tithe was introduced into the text of Lev_27:30; Lev_27:32, after the time of Nehemiah. See note at the end of chap. 10.

out of the fields of the cities] R.V. according to the fields of the cities.

The point of this clause is rather obscure. It probably refers to the method of storing, rather than to the size of the fields or to the succession in which the offerings were received and the tithe exacted.

An account was taken of the contributions from the fields of each city.

the portions of the law] R.V. the portions appointed toy the law. Marg. ‘Heb. of the law’. A unique phrase in the O.T. denoting the special requirements of the Levitical law.

Judah rejoiced &c.] The readiness of the people generally (‘Judah’) to support the priests and Levites according to ‘the law’ was due to their appreciation of their religious services. In proportion to their zeal for the priests and Levites it was necessary to provide officers to receive and regulate the contribution.

that wailed] R.V. Marg. ‘Heb. stood’.

In Deuteronomy the phrase ‘to stand before the Lord’ is the technical term for the ministrations of the priests. Here we find it used of the offices of ‘priests and Levites.’ In 1Ch_6:32-33 ‘And they waited on their office according to their order. And these are they that waited,’ it is applied to the Levites.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters every day his portion,.... While these two men governed they did their duty, and punctually paid the Levites their dues at the proper season:

and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; set them apart for their use, and brought them to them, their offerings, firstfruits, and tithes: and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron; the Levites set apart the tenth part of the tithes, and delivered them to the priests, and so each had what belonged to them.

Next: Nehemiah Chapter 13

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Judah rejoiced - Judah’s satisfaction with the priests and Levites took the shape of increased offerings, more ample tithes, and the like, from where the appointment of treasuries and treasurers became necessary.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Expiation. Or the legal purifications, (Menochius) when necessary. (Haydock)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

For the offerings; such as they had lately engaged themselves to give, or other voluntary or prescribed offerings.

The portions of the law, i.e. the foresaid first-fruits, and tithes, and other things which God by his law appointed for them.

Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited; partly for the eminent gifts and graces which they observed in many of them; and partly for the great benefit which they had now received by their ministry; and therefore for the competent provision which hereby was made for them, that so they might wholly wait upon their office to the people’s edification and comfort.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Rejoiced - For the eminent gifts and graces which they observed in many of them: for the great benefit which they had now received by their ministry: and for the competent provision which hereby was made for them, that so they might wholly wait upon their office. The sure way for ministers to gain an interest, in the affections of their people, is to wait on their ministry, to spend their whole time, and thought, and strength therein.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

Certain officers Appointed

v. 44. And at that time, at the Festival of the Dedication, were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, the cells or rooms where the gifts to the Temple were stored, for the offerings, for the first-fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities, the tilled ground surrounding the various towns, the portions of the Law, the delivery of which the Law required, for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited, the joy of the people evidenced itself also in their willingness to care properly for the ministers of the Lord who stood at their posts, performing their tasks as commanded by God.

v. 45. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, performing their appointed duties, and the ward of their purification, attending also to the duties of purifying, according to the commandment of David and of Solomon, his son, 1 Chronicles 25, 26.

v. 46. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, 2Ch 29:30, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God, and the purpose of Nehemiah was to restore the entire Temple service to its original beauty and completeness.

v. 47. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the portions of the singers and the porters, the dues intended for their maintenance, every day his portion; and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites, brought in their consecrated or dedicated gifts; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron, the priests, the Levites turning over to the priests the tithe of the gifts which were dedicated to them and entrusted to their care. It augurs well for the work of the Church if all its members rejoice for the Lord’s ministers and willingly take upon them the maintenance of the servants of the Word. The sacrifice of the lips is well-pleasing to the Lord only when supported by the sacrifice of the hands.

Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

men were appointed to be in charge

This can be stated in active form. It is not clear who appointed the men. AT: "they appointed men to be in charge" (See: Active or Passive)

the contributions

things the people gave to the priests

For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites

It seems that the people appointed the men because the people of Judah were grateful for the priests and Levites who were serving.

who were standing before them

The Levites and priests were not just standing, they were serving in their roles. The meaning can be made explicit. AT: "who were standing before them serving God" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

gatekeepers

These were people assigned to each gate, responsible to control access to the city or temple, as well as to open and close the gates at times and for reasons set by the administrator. See how you translated this in Nehemiah 7:1.

translationWords

firstfruits

tenth

law, laws

priest

Levi

works

kingdom of Judah

God

pure

command

David

Solomon

son

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

were appointed Heb. וַיִפָקְדוּ, a word meaning appointment.

the chambers Heb. הַנְשָׁכוֹת, like הַלְשָּׁכוֹת, the chambers of the Temple.

to gather in them And in these chambers they would place all the gifts of the priests and the Levites, and from there they would distribute [them] among them.

portions Heb. מְנָאוֹת like מָנוֹת.

for the priests and for the Levites The priests were taking what was due them and the Levites what was due them.

who stood and ministered there before the Holy One, blessed be He, with thanksgiving offerings and thanksgivings.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.