The apostle here referred to the Lord's plan for the maintenance of the priests who ministered in the temple. Those who were set apart to this holy office were supported by their brethren, to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. "Verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law." Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priesthood. Of the priest it was said, "The Lord thy God hath chosen him . . . to stand to minister in the name of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 18:5.) One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as robbery.

Apostlen henviste her til Herrens plan for underhold af de præster, der tjente i templet. De, som var udtaget til dette hellige embede, fik deres underhold af deres medbrødre, for hvem de forvaltede de åndelige velsignelser. "Og de af Levi sønner, der bliver præster, har befaling til efter loven at tage tiende af folket." Heb.7,5. Levi stamme var udvalgt af Herren til den hellige tjeneste ved templet og til at være præster. Om præsten blev der sagt: "Thi ham har Herren din Gud udvalgt ..... for at han og hans sønner altid skal gøre præstetjeneste i Herrens navn " 5Mos. 18,5. En tiendedel af al indkomst krævede Herren som sin ejendom og at tilbageholde tienden betragtedes som røveri.