The Literal Commandment

But if a man eats a holy gift unintentionally, then he shall add to it a fifth of it and shall give the holy gift to the priest." (Leviticus 22:14-15)

 

The literal commandment is that, should a person eat food dedicated to the priests unintentionally, that person should replace it and add an additional fifth (20%) to it and give it to the priest.

 

Messiah Says

Messiah implicitly affirmed this commandment when He spoke about the Law:

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)

 

 

Pictures of Messiah

Work in progress.

 

How Messiah Fulfilled

We know that Messiah did not sin (Hebrews 4:15) and so we know Messiah fulfilled this commandment by not eating untithed fruit.

 

Traditional Observance

The traditional observance of this commandment is found in the understanding that the "holy gifts" are the tithe: the tenth part of the produce of the field or the tenth of the flocks and herds that are given to the Levites.

 

Other Notes

We are not able to fulfill this commandment today absent the Temple and a functioning Levitical priesthood. When Messiah returns and re-establishes the Temple worship system, this commandment would only be binding upon those in the Land... where the laws of the tithe apply.

 

<><