The Book Of NUMBERS
Numbers 21:8 "And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole:
and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
|
CHAPTER 17:
In the aftermath of Korah’s rebellion, God is going to prove to His chosen people once and for all His appointed man for the role of high priest, the spiritual leader and intercessor of the nation. Chapter 16 focused on Moses and God’s affirmation to the people, once and for all, that Moses is their corporate leader. Now, in chapter 17, God affirms for the nation His appointment of Aaron as the spiritual leader and high priest. Verses 1-5: God instructs Moses to get a rod of almond wood from each leader of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the cultures of the ANE at this time, a rod or staff served several functions: a symbol of authority for a man over his household (Genesis 38:18, Psalm 110:2), a tool for shepherds (Exodus 4:2, Psalm 23:4), a walking stick, and a method of discipline for a father to his children. (Proverbs 22:15) Each tribal leader is to bring their rod to Moses, and each rod will have that man’s name carved on it. (v.2-3) Aaron’s rod and name represent the tribe of Levi. Moses will then place the rods in the tabernacle before the ark of the covenant. (v.4) The word used here in verse 4 is “testimony”, which refers to the ten commandments that are in the ark. (Exodus 25:16) Though the text doesn’t say specifically, it seems logical to conclude that God is allowing Moses himself to enter the holy of holies since that is where the ark of the covenant is located. We know from Leviticus 16 that only the high priest can enter the holy of holies on the annual Day of Atonement, and even then only after he has thoroughly bathed himself and performed all the necessary blood sacrifices and offerings on behalf of himself. So that leaves only two possible explanations for the LORD’s commandment to Moses in verse 4: 1) God makes a special exception in this case, allowing Moses to enter the holy of holies; or 2) God allows Aaron to enter the holy of holies to place the rods before the ark since he is the high priest. In both cases, of course, the ritual bathing as well as the necessary blood sacrifices and offerings would be done first. Since verse 7 clearly states that it’s Moses – and only Moses – who lays the rods before the ark, we can safely conclude that God made a special exception to His law regarding the high priest and the Day of Atonement. We can also logically infer that Moses completed the ritual cleansing and blood sacrifices, the latter performed by Aaron on Moses’ behalf, before entering the tabernacle. God tells Moses that the rod of the man whom He chooses as spiritual leader will blossom. (v.5) This will, once and for all, end the rebellion of the Israelites against Aaron and Moses. (Numbers 16:5, 11) Verses 6-13: The tribal leaders and Aaron obey Moses’ instructions, bringing their rods to him with each man’s name carved into them. (v.6) Moses lays them before the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies. (v.7) The next morning, when he enters the tabernacle, Moses finds only Aaron’s rod to have “…brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” (v.8) (Ezekiel 17:24, Hebrews 9:4) For dead wood – having no root in any earth and, thus, no water or any other nourishment by which to naturally blossom and bear fruit – to bring forth new life is a miracle that only God can perform! This is a beautiful picture of every sinner that is saved by grace, being renewed to eternal life by the washing of the shed blood of Christ and being risen with Him to glory! (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, Colossians 3:1) The stems and lamps of the golden lampstand were shaped and formed to resemble almond branches and blossoms (Exodus 25:33-36), so this miracle is closely connected to the tabernacle itself, thus further cementing in the eyes of the people God’s choice of Aaron to serve there as high priest. Moses takes the rods and lays them before the Israelites so that they can see for themselves whom God has chosen. (v.9) God then instructs Moses to keep Aaron’s rod within the ark of the covenant, alongside the jar of manna and the ten commandments. (v.10) He again states that this should silence the rebellious murmurings of the people against Him, “…that they die not.” In other words, the rod will also serve as a memorial and reminder of God’s wrath against the rebellion and disobedience of the Israelites. (Numbers 16:38, Deuteronomy 9:7, 24) Moses does as God commands him. (v.11) Verses 12-13: As usual, though, the children of Israel have no trouble finding the cloud within the silver lining. They are, as always, focused only on themselves, and they utterly ignore the miracle that God has just performed. Rather than rejoice at His love and mercy and return to their tents to go about their day, they complain that they will all perish because they can’t ever come near the tabernacle for fear of God’s wrath! (Numbers 1:51, 53, 18:4, 7) Like Adam and Eve, the Israelites reject all the bounty of God’s provision and what He has given them and allowed them to have and to be, and instead zero in on just His commandments of what they can’t do or should not do. In this case, they’re complaining about his restrictions regarding the tabernacle, and they completely miss the point of this whole demonstration of the budding of Aaron’s rod! “Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?” (v.13) The LORD, infinite in mercy and longsuffering, responds to this complaint in chapter 18. CHAPTER 18: Verses 1-7: This chapter follows the pattern of God reminding His people of His law following a major incident of sin among the congregation of Israel. This passage is God’s direct response to the people’s fear of His wrath as expressed in the last two verses of chapter 17. God speaks directly with Aaron here since he and his sons are in charge of the tabernacle and all of its furnishings. The LORD reminds Aaron that he and his sons are responsible for ensuring the sanctity of the tabernacle. (v.1) (…bear the iniquity of the sanctuary…) (Exodus 28:38, Leviticus 10:17, 22:16) The other men of the tribe of Levi are also designated to assist the priests as described in Numbers 3 and 4, which was the whole point of Korah’s rebellion. God is, once again, making it clear to Aaron, his sons, and the whole nation the roles and responsibilities of the high priest, the priests, and the other men of the tribe of Levi. (v.2-3, 6-7) The purpose of this instruction is so that the holiness of the tabernacle and its furnishings is not violated, thus causing judgment by God upon Aaron, his sons, or the people. (v.3, 5) Notice here that God doesn’t say anything about the priesthood or the service of the tribe of Levi that He didn’t already give to Moses earlier at Mount Sinai. God’s response to the people’s latest complaint is essentially this: “Yes, you’re correct. Anyone that doesn’t adhere to My instructions exactly as I have given them will suffer my wrath and judgment. Now, let’s go over them again.” The seemingly infinite patience of the LORD is once again shown in this passage as He reiterates for Aaron and Moses His commandments regarding the priesthood and the tabernacle. God also reminds Aaron that the priesthood and its service were given to him and his sons as a gift (v.7) (Matthew 10:8, 1 Peter 5:2-3), as are the three clans of the tribe of Levi that assist them in their service (v.6) (Numbers 3:12, 45) This is the same point that Moses had tried to make clear to Korah: that service to God – no matter the type or role – is a gift, a high honor that should never be taken lightly. It’s a sin against the LORD for us to look at another’s role and responsibility with jealousy or resentment. Rather, we should humble ourselves and thank God for what He has given us as we learn to be content with the tasks He’s assigned to us. That is where we will find true happiness and joy. Verses 8-19: Next, God reminds Aaron of the portions of all the sacrifices that are given to him and his sons for their sustenance and provision. (v.8-10) As described earlier in Leviticus, portions of the meat and sin offerings, firstfruits of the harvest, and the firstborn animals are to be given to the priests to support and provide for them and their families. (v.11, 13) (Exodus 22:29, 23:19, Leviticus 2:2-3, 6:16-18, 10:12-13, 23:20, Numbers 5:9-10, Nehemiah 10:35-36) As long as all members of the priest’s household are clean and in right standing with the LORD, they may partake of his sustenance. Everything that is consecrated in Israel also belongs to the priests because it belongs to God. (v.14) But the people are allowed to give the priests five shekels of silver in lieu of the animal if he/she desires to keep it instead. (v.15-16) (Leviticus 27:6) The only exception to this rule, however, is the firstborn of the clean beasts, for those are to be offered as sacrifices unto the Lord. (v.17) They are holy. (Deuteronomy 15:19) Portions of these offerings, too, belong to the priest for his sustenance. (v.18) (Exodus 29:26, Leviticus 7:31) Salt is mentioned again in verse 19. (Leviticus 2:13, 2 Chronicles 13:5, Mark 9:49-50) According to the Moody Bible Commentary, “Salt often suggested inviolability or permanence, thereby indicating an unbreakable covenant. A ‘covenant of salt’ can also be taken as an idiomatic expression expressing loyalty or agreement. The notion is that if a person shares ‘salt’ (in a meal) with someone, that one is a recipient of the host’s hospitality, and the guest was to look after his gracious host’s interests (Ezra 4:14).” In summary, God is reminding Aaron and his sons of their responsibility as priests of the tabernacle, but He’s also reminding them of the many blessings and provisions that come with that role. God was pleased by Aaron’s intercession on behalf of the people in chapter 16, and these blessings are proof of that. Verses 20-24: Next, God reminds Aaron that he and his sons are to have no inheritance of tribal land once the nation finally conquers the promised land. (v.20) (Deuteronomy 10:8-9, 12:12, 14:27, 18:1-2, Joshua 13:14, 33) Instead, the LORD Himself is the inheritance of the priests! (“…I am thine part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.”) (Psalm 16:5, Ezekiel 44:28) There is no higher honor or blessing in this life than to be in full time service to the LORD. That’s what it means to have Him as one’s inheritance. The Levitical priests were entirely dependent on God for their daily sustenance and provisions. To put this in today’s parlance, the priests could not have a second job in addition to their pastoral ministry in the church. That’s why God commands the Israelites to tithe of everything they brought to the priests for sacrifice, which is what He reiterates in verses 21 and 24. He tells Aaron that the tithes of the nation are not only for the priests but also for the whole tribe of Levi, which includes those of the clans that were assigned to assist the priests in their daily service. (Leviticus 27:30, Deuteronomy 14:22, Nehemiah 10:37, 12:44, Malachi 3:8, Hebrews 7:4) God closes his statements to Aaron by repeating the warning He gave in verses 1-5. No one outside the tribe of Levi is to come near the tabernacle itself or touch any of the holy things within it. Only the priests and the three clans of Levi may serve in the tabernacle. (v.21-22) (Leviticus 22:9, Numbers 1:51) Anyone that violates this commandment, whether Israelite or stranger, will bear his/her own iniquity and suffer the wrath and judgment of the LORD accordingly. What God is making clear to Aaron, his sons, and the rest of congregation is that the people were correct in their complaint at the end of chapter 17. They were right to fear God and His wrath for anyone that would disobey His commandments. But fear of punishment is not what should be motivating the Israelites – or us today – to obey God. We should obey because we desire to do what’s right. The Israelites are still missing the entire point of God’s Law. Obedience will bring fellowship with the LORD, but disobedience will break that fellowship. They should be seeking God and obeying His commandments from a desire to have God dwelling among them, not just in order to escape His wrath and punishment. Verses 25-32: God now turns to Moses with further instructions and reminders about tithing. The first is that the Levites and the priests are to tithe of their portion of tithe that they receive from the people. (v.26) (Nehemiah 10:38) That tithe is to be offered up as a heave offering to the LORD, as though it were the firstfruits of their own grain or vineyard harvest. (v.27) Every tithe is to be the best part of their portion from the people (v.29), and only afterwards may the priests and Levites take it as their portion for them and their families to eat. (v.30-31) This is the reward for their service to Him. (Matthew 10:10, Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 9:13, 1 Timothy 5:18) Again, God is not saying anything new here. All of these commands regarding tithing were given in Exodus and Leviticus. God is merely restating them for clarity’s sake, and one can almost hear the patient, gentle sigh in His voice here as he speaks to Moses, like a teacher explaining – yet again – to His disciples a basic concept they all should have easily understood in the first lecture. As before, God closes this passage with a warning. Those who do not obey these commandments will bear their own iniquity and suffer judgment accordingly. (v.32) (Leviticus 19:8, 22:2, 15-16, Ezekiel 22:26)
0 Comments
CHAPTER 7: Numbers 7 is the second longest chapter in the whole Bible. (Psalm 119 is the longest with a total of 176 verses.) These 89 verses describe the gifts brought by the twelve tribes to the Levites immediately following the erection and dedication of the tabernacle. As stated earlier, the events described in this book are not arranged chronologically. (See the table below, courtesy of the Moody Bible Commentary) The sacrifices and offerings described in this chapter take place just before the census described in chapter 1 and immediately following those described in Exodus 40. Each of the representatives of the twelve tribes named here are the same ones named in chapter 1 who assisted Moses with the census. Verse 1-9: All twelve tribes bring forth six covered wagons and twelve oxen. (v.3) These are for the Gershonites and the Merarites (v.5, 7-8) so that they can store and transport their portion of the tabernacle safely and efficiently when it’s time to move camp, as described in chapter 4. But the Kohathites have no need of oxen or carts because the pieces and furnishings that they are responsible for are to be borne on their shoulders. (v.9) (Numbers 4:15) Verses 10-88: A detailed and repetitive list of each of the twelve sacrifices and offerings is described here. To modern readers, the repetition of many of the verses of this passage – some of them literally word for word – seems dull and unnecessary, and even somewhat boring. But to the successive generations of Israel this chapter is a celebration of the participation and obedience of each tribe. To the peoples of the ANE, repetition of this sort was a standard writing style, especially for any kind of record keeping, and it’s important we keep this in mind when we read these passages throughout the Bible. God includes them in this way as part of His holy word, and while it may be somewhat tedious for us today to read, we must acknowledge that this is God’s word as He laid it out for us. That alone should be reason enough for us to take our time while reading it and not try to rush through it just because of the repetitive style in which it’s written. This is what each of the twelve representatives brought forth as their offering and sacrifice for the dedication of the tabernacle:
Verse 89: As noted earlier, Moses speaks directly with God within the tabernacle. (Exodus 33:9, 11, Numbers 12:8) This is testimony that all the law written down in these first five books of the Bible is the true and living word of God, spoken by God directly to His servant Moses. God always speaks from the mercy seat, from between the cherubim that sit atop the ark of the covenant. The tabernacle is not an empty tent, but it is the house of Almighty God, filled with His holy presence! What an honor and privilege for the man of God to enter and commune with his Lord!  CHAPTER 8:
This chapter picks up the narrative thread regarding the Levites which was left off at the end of chapter 4. (See table above) The purification and consecration of all the eligible adult males of the tribe of Levi is described here, which takes place in the two days between the twelve days of offerings and sacrifices described in chapter 7 and the second passover that is described in chapter 9. Again, Moses’ arrangement of these chapters is to highlight Israel’s complete obedience to all of God’s laws and ordinances. It’s also clear from the description of events in these early chapters that the focus of Numbers is on the tribe of Levi. Verses 1-4: God gives a specific instruction to Moses for Aaron regarding the lighting of the golden candlestick. (v.2) (Exodus 25:37, 40:25, Leviticus 24:2) This instruction here makes sense given that the tabernacle has just been erected and dedicated to God as described in the previous chapter. All seven lamps of the candlestick are to be kept burning continually day and night (Exodus 27:20-21) and its position inside the tabernacle will illuminate the table of the shewbread and the altar of incense. Another brief description of the lampstand is given in verse 4 which, again, highlights the obedience of Moses and the craftsmen that constructed the candlestick. They followed precisely the pattern that was given to Moses by God. (Exodus 25:18, 31, 40, Acts 7:44) Verses 5-19: God gives instruction to Moses regarding the purification and consecration of the Levites. It’s important to note that these instructions are not for Aaron and his sons. Though similar, some of the steps of this cleansing ritual are different from those prescribed for the Levitical priests. This purification ritual is for the other men of the tribe of the three clans that were named in chapters 3 and 4, the ones who will be assisting the priests. Verse 7 is the only place in scripture where the phrase “Sprinkle water of purifying upon them…” is used. (Psalm 51:2, 7, Hebrews 9:13-14) Chapter 19 gives some more detail about how the water used here is made pure. (Numbers 19:9, 13, 17, 20) After this, each man is to shave himself and wash his entire body as well as his clothes. (v.7) Then he is to bring two young bulls, as well as flour and oil, for a burnt offering and a sin offering. (v.8, 12) As with Aaron and sons when they were consecrated, so the rest of the Levites are also to be brought to the door of the tabernacle. (v.9) (Exodus 29:4, 40:12) The whole congregation of Israel is to lay their hands on them, and then Aaron is to present them before the Lord. (10-11) The last step is to have the Levites lay their hands on the young bulls before sacrificing them as the burnt and sin offerings. (v.12) (Exodus 29:10) This whole process is to set apart the Levites for their assigned tasks in the service of the priests and the tabernacle. (Numbers 16:9) They are then presented to Aaron and his sons, ready to begin their service. (13-15) As was already stated in chapter 3, the Levites are substitutes for the firstborn of all the tribes of Israel. (v.16) (Numbers 3:12-13) All of the Levite males between the ages of twenty-five and fifty are assigned exclusively to Aaron and his sons. (v.16, 24-26) (Numbers 3:9) The reason for their consecration and service to the tabernacle is to be an atonement and protection for all the children of Israel, hence the reason for the laying on of hands by the congregation and the tribe of Levi setting up their tents around the tabernacle. (v.19) (Numbers 1:53, 16:46, 18:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16) They are the buffer zone, so to speak, between the most holy dwelling place of God and the rest of His chosen people. Verses 20-22: Once again, the central theme of obedience is on display here. Moses, Aaron, and all the children of Israel do as God commands. The spectacle of at least 603,000 adult male Israelites laying hands on the 22,000 adult male Levites (refer back to chapters 1 and 3) must have been something to behold! And to accomplish all the steps of the purification ritual prescribed in this chapter in just two days must have also been an exhausting task, especially for Moses and Aaron who are directing and coordinating all of this. Verses 24-26: The age range of 25-50 for all eligible Levite males ensures that only those who are physically fit and in good health are serving in the tabernacle. This makes sense given the amount of physical labor that is needed to properly disassemble and reassemble the tabernacle each time that the Israelites move camp. (Numbers 4:3, 1 Chronicles 23:3, 24, 27) In chapter 4, the starting age of the Kohathites is given as 30. One possible explanation for the age range stated here in verse 24 is that the first five years are an apprenticeship, according to the Moody Bible Commentary. 1 Chronicles 23:25-26 states the reason the age for beginning service in the tabernacle was lowered to twenty for all eligible Levite males is because the tabernacle was then in a permanent location in Jerusalem, never to be moved again. CHAPTER 3: Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the tribe of Levi. After the rest of Israel has been numbered and their position in the camp assigned, God now turns His attention to the Levites whom He has chosen to help Aaron and his sons in the tabernacle. Verse 1: The Hebrew word for “generations” in this verse is the same one used in Genesis 5:1: tôledâh. Strong’s concordance defines it as “an account of men and their descendants”. It can also mean “results, proceedings, generations, or genealogies”. The Holman Bible Commentary has this to say about verse 1: Within the cultural framework of the ancient Near East, genealogical records served several purposes: (1) to provide historical connection to a pivotal point in the past; (2) to preserve familial community and organization within the larger societal structure; (3) to justify one’s position within the societal structure by providing a historical precedent from within one’s family line; and (4) to provide future generations with a source of pride. In this chapter, Moses is using the genealogy of Levi, the son of Jacob, to establish his and Aaron’s authority over the people. Verses 2-4: Aaron’s sons are listed in the order of their birth: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. (v.2) All four had been anointed and consecrated to serve as priests before the Lord alongside their father who is the high priest. (v.3) (Exodus 28:41) The deaths of Nadab and Abihu had occurred less than a month earlier (Leviticus 10:1-2), and neither of them had any children. That leaves only Aaron’s youngest sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, to continue the priestly line. (v.4) There is another important reason for Moses inserting this note about Nadab and Abihu. Besides the genealogical record, this is a reminder to all of Israel about the consequences of disobedience to God, especially regarding the holiness of His sanctuary. Obedience, remember, is one of the central themes of this book. Verses 5-10: The tribe of Levi is ordered by God to assist Aaron and his sons in their daily duties of the tabernacle, as well as being responsible for the assembly and disassembly of the tent itself when it comes time to move camp. (v.6-8) (Numbers 8:6, 19, 18:6-7, Deuteronomy 10:8, 33:8) This includes packing up and storing all the dishes, utensils, and other items used by the priests in their daily ministry. The entire tribe is to be given over to this service (v.9), but only Aaron and his sons are to serve in the roles of high priest and priests. (v.10) Anyone besides them that attempts to come near to the tabernacle to do any task other than what is prescribed to the priests alone will be put to death. (Numbers 1:51, 16:40) This warning is repeated again in verse 38. Verses 11-13, 40-51: God institutes a new rule regarding the Levites and the firstborn of all Israel and their livestock. (Exodus 13:2) From the night of their exodus from Egypt, and because of His striking all the firstborn of the Egyptians, God had claimed all the firstborn of Israel, both man and beast. (v.13) Up to this point, the firstborn belonged to God and His service, but now God is setting aside the entire tribe of Levi to serve Him instead. (v.12, 45) However, because of the census that He orders Moses to conduct of the tribe of Levi (v.15-16) and then of all the firstborn of Israel (v.40), there are 273 more of the firstborn of Israel older than one month than of all the males of the Levites. (v.43, 46) So the Lord tells Moses to redeem those 273 according to the law that was given in Leviticus 27 since only the Levites are now needed for service to the priests. He is releasing all the other firstborn from their obligation to Him. (v.47-48) This results in a sum of $1,365 shekels that is given to Aaron and his sons. (v.50-51) (Leviticus 27:6, Numbers 18:16) Verses 14-39: The three sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. (v.17) (Genesis 46:11, Numbers 26:57, 1 Chronicles 6:1, 16, 23:6) From these three descends the entire tribe of Levi which now numbers 22,000. (v.39) The tribe is divided into three groups according to the descendants of each of those three sons, and each group has an assigned section or category of tabernacle responsibilities. (Refer to the table below, courtesy of the Moody Bible Commentary.) Each group also has an assigned place to set up camp around the tabernacle in the same manner that God assigned the rest of Israel a specific side of camp in the previous chapter. From the totals given in verses 22, 28 and 34, you will see that there is a difference of 300, not 273. From the Moody Bible Commentary: “The simplest solution is that the additional 300 were excluded from consideration because they were themselves firstborn of the Levites and thus were not eligible to redeem the firstborn of Israel. All of the Levites over a month in age were tallied, and the count was 22,000.”  The locations of the camps for each of the three groups are as follows: Gershonites: west side of the tabernacle (v.23); Kohathites: south side of the tabernacle (v.29); Merarites: north side of the tabernacle (v.35). One member from each family is designated as the head of that family, and another as the overseer of their assigned tasks. (Refer to the table in Figure 2.) (v.24, 30, 32, 35) Moses, Aaron, and their families are to camp on the east side of the tabernacle, in front of the entrance. (v.38) They are the primary guard that will keep the tabernacle from defilement. According to the Moody commentators, “The Kohathites were the most favored clan of the tribe of Levi because of their responsibility to care for the objects of the holy place. Because both Moses and Aaron descended from that clan, the Lord gave Moses and Aaron and his sons a campsite on the favored east side of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise.”
CHAPTER 4: Of the three clans of the tribe of Levi that were named in the previous chapter, God instructs Moses to conduct another census. (v.1-3) (Numbers 8:24, 1 Chronicles 23:3, 24, 27, Ezra 3:8) This one counts all the males between 30 and 50 years of age for the purpose of organizing and assigning them their respective tasks within the tabernacle. Contrary to chapter 3, the three sons of Levi are not named here in their birth order but rather in the order of the importance of what part of the tabernacle they will be working on, starting from greatest to least. Verses 4-20: The Kohathites are named first because they will be responsible for transporting the most holy things: the two altars, the ark of the covenant, the table of the shewbread, the golden lampstand, and all the dishes and utensils. (Numbers 3:31) However, no one but Aaron and his sons are allowed to enter the tabernacle and, thus, look upon the most holy things. To do so is to suffer immediate death by the judgment of God. (v.15) Therefore they must first pack up all the furnishings so that the sons of Kohath may then transport them safely when it’s time to move the camp. (v.19-20) The veil which separates the holy place from the holy of holies is to be used to cover the ark of the covenant. On top of that is a layer of badgers’ skins and then a cloth of blue. (v.5-6) The last step is to insert the poles by which it may be borne. Only then may the ark be safely transported upon the shoulders of the Kohathites. Eleazar is put charge of all the furnishings of the tabernacle, including the oil used for the lamp, the incense, the daily meat offering, and for anointing. (Exodus 25:6, Leviticus 24:2) He will direct the other priests in the covering and packing of the furnishings and all the dishes and utensils, and then he will oversee the transportation of them by the Kohathites. Verses 21-28: The Gershonites are responsible for the skins which form the ceiling of the tabernacle and all the curtains that are hung in the outer court, as well as that which forms the door of the court and the door of the tabernacle itself. (v.25-26) But the curtains within the tabernacle, and especially that which separates the holy place from the holy of holies, are handled only by Aaron and his sons. (v.5-6) Ithamar, Aaron’s youngest son, is put in charge of the Gershonites. (v.28) Verses 29-33: Lastly, the Merarites are put in charge of dismantling all the framework of the tabernacle once the previous two tasks have been completed. Verse 32 mentions a system of numbering and categorization by which each board, pillar, socket, and peg are labeled so that the whole framework may be easily and properly reassembled. “…and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.” This group is also under the charge of Ithamar. (v.33) Verses 34-49: These are the totals of each clan: 2,750 Kohathites, 2,630 Gershonites, and 3,200 Merarites. That total number, 8,580, represents about 39% of the total number of male Levites, 22,000, that was given in verse 39 of chapter 3. Four times in this chapter does the phrase “…according to the commandment (word) of the Lord…” appear. (v.37, 41, 45, 49) Thus far, Moses, Aaron, and all the Israelites are obedient and submissive to all of God’s directives and commands. There is no record here of any of the Levites or Aaron’s sons rebelling against the authority that God placed over them. The commentators of my study Bible have this to say about the final verses of this chapter: “Note the New Testament exhortation in Hebrews 13:17 to “…obey them that have rule over you, and submit yourselves…”. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Peter 5:5) Then note the admonitions to leaders to “command” (1 Timothy 4:11) and “rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15), for by adhering to scriptural teaching “…thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee…” (1 Timothy 4:16). |
Click here to get back to the chapter links on the Bible study homepage.
Archives
October 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed