Numbers 18:10 - Exposition

In the most holy place thou shalt eat it. בְּקֹדֶשׁ הַדָקֹּשִׁים . Septuagint, ἐν τῷ ἀγίῳ τῶν ἁγίων . This expression is somewhat perplexing, because it stands commonly for the holy of holies ( Exodus 26:33 ). As it cannot possibly have that meaning here, two interpretations have been proposed.

1 . That it means the court of the tabernacle, called "the holy place" in Le Numbers 6:16 , Numbers 6:26 ; Numbers 7:6 , and there specified as the only place in which the meat offerings, the sin offerings, and trespass offerings might be eaten. There is no reason why this court should not be called "must holy," as well as "holy;" if it was "holy" with respect to the camp, or the holy city, it was "most holy" with respect to all without the camp, or without the gate.

2 . That the expression does not mean "in the most holy place," but "amongst the most holy things," as it does in Numbers 4:4 , and above in Numbers 4:9 . A distinction is clearly intended between the "most holy things," which only the priests and their sons might eat, and the "holy things," of which the rest of their families might partake also. It is difficult to decide between these renderings, although there can be no doubt that the "most holy" things were actually to be consumed within the tabernacle precincts.