Definition: All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 18:19. It's a really important verse about God’s relationship with His people – specifically, the Israelites in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s a promise of a sacred and eternal agreement between God and the Israelites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “All the heave offerings of the holy things…” - This refers to sacrifices made to God in the Temple in Jerusalem. These were very significant rituals that showed reverence and devotion. “Heave” means heavy, suggesting a large amount. “…which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD…” – The Israelites were living under a long period of oppression by Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler. They were being treated unfairly and enslaved. “…have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.” – This is the core of the verse. It’s saying that this agreement (the covenant) will not change . It's been established from the very beginning, and it will last forever. Let's break down "a statute for ever": Statute: A rule or law. Forever: This is the key word here. It means it’s a binding agreement that continues unchanged throughout history. “To thee and to thy seed with thee” – This part emphasizes that this covenant isn't just for the Israelites; it’s for all of their descendants (including their children, grandchildren, and all future generations). It's a promise to pass on the covenant to the next generation. What does this covenant mean? It means: God has made a special agreement with the Israelites. This agreement is based on a specific set of rules and regulations – it’s a law that governs their lives, especially concerning how they should treat each other and worship him. Crucially, this covenant is about continuity . It's not just a temporary arrangement; it’s a permanent bond between God and his people. Why was this important? This covenant was a way for God to show His love and faithfulness to his chosen people. It was a guarantee of protection and blessing, and it established a framework for their relationship with him. In short: This verse describes a deeply significant agreement between God and the Israelites that will endure forever. It’s a promise of protection, blessings, and a lasting connection through generations. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in Bible history? Discuss the significance of the "salt" aspect of the covenant?