And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
And regarding the tithe of cattle or sheep—whatever passes under the shepherd's counting rod—every tenth animal shall be set apart as holy to the LORD.
God is establishing that every tenth animal from a person's livestock must be given to Him as a holy offering.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from the final chapter of Leviticus, where Moses is outlining the laws about vows and dedicating things to God. In ancient Israel, shepherds would count their animals by having them pass single-file under a rod, marking every tenth one for the tithe. This agricultural tithing system was essential for supporting the Levites (the priestly tribe) and temple worship, since the Levites had no inheritance of land.
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