Numbers
chapter 3 explains the responsibilities of the Levites and the sons
of Aaron and their roles in ministering. Remember the Levites were
not counted in the census of the army of Israel because they were “in
charge of the tabernacle“.
Chapter 3 makes it clear, only Aaron and his sons were to fulfill
the role of priests, “Appoint
Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, anyone else that approaches
the sanctuary must be put to death“.
Although Aaron was from the tribe of Levi, the Levites were not
priests, they were to “Assist
him… perform duties for him and the community… care for the
furnishings“.
God also explains to Moses, “I
have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the
first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are
Mine.”
Wonderfully, you and I can know that Jesus Christ says the same
thing about us!
Moses
is instructed to “Count
all the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a
month old or more“.
The Levites are organized by three families, each family is counted,
given a responsibility for the Tabernacle and place to set up their
camp. “To
Gershone… the number of males… 7,500…camp on the west side of
the Tabernacle… responsible for the care of the Tabernacle and tent
and coverings, the curtain at the entrance… and everything related
to their use“.
To Kohath, “the
number was 8,600… camp on the south side of the Tabernacle… care
for the ark, the table, the lampstands the altars, the articles of
the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain and everything related
to their use.”
To Merari, “their
number was 6200… camp on the north side of the Tabernacle… take
care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbar, posts and
bases… everything related to their use“.
“Moses
and Aaron were to camp on the east side of the Tabernacle…
responsible for the care of the sanctuary“.
Isn’t it interesting that no matter where they made camp, they
always knew where they were in relation to God, and they always knew
their responsibility. If you feel like you don’t know where you are,
or what you should be doing, listen to Jesus in John 15; “I
am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in Me and I in him
bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing… These
things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you and that joy
may be made full“.
If you are lost in the wilderness now, draw close to God.
We
also read, “Count
all the first born Israelite males that are a month old or more“.
Then God reiterates, “Take
the Levites in place of all the first born of Israel“.
God explains, “When
I struck down every first born in Egypt, I set apart for Myself every
first-born in Israel… They are mine. I am the Lord“.
The blood of the lamb covered their transgressions and God allowed
that angel to Passover the homes that, by faith, accepted the
sacrifice. Exodus 12:13 reads, “On
that night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every first
born- both men and animals- and I will bring judgment. The blood
will be a sign… and when I see the blood, I will passover you. No
destructive plagues will touch you.”
The blood was Israel’s acceptance of the deal. They were literally
purchased by God. Since there were not enough Levites, God allows
for the Israelites that exceed the number of Levites to be redeemed
by paying money “for
the redemption of the remaining Israelites to Aaron and his sons“.
How much more exciting this makes 1 Peter 1:18-20 to believers
today, “For
you know it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold
that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down from
your forefathers, but the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without
blemish or defect. He was chosen before the foundation of the world,
but was revealed in these last times for your sake“.
Peter concludes, “Through
Him you believed in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified
Him, and so your faith and hope are in God“.
All we need to seal the deal is to say, “Yes God, I believe”.