Where Do You Fit In?
(Numbers 3: 1-51).
One of life's inevitable tasks is finding where you fit in the world.
That felling I believe is acutely felt especially as you transition from youth to adulthood.
This can apply not only to choosing a career path but also to understanding your spiritual role. Every believer has a place in the Lord's work, but where do you belong? What is your function in the body of Christ?
Tonight, we will be looking at the Book of Numbers, particularly chapters 3, which focuses on the tribe of Levi.
While the book so far has been filled with various numerical data, our focus today shifts to understanding the service of the Levites. In the previous chapters, the Levites were omitted from the census, but now, their role comes to the forefront.
It's crucial to note a significant shift in God's plan is outlined in Numbers chapter 3 for us.
The Levites
1: This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses at the time the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai.
2: The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 3 Those were the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. 4 Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
5 The Lord said to Moses, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle. 8 They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. 9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.
(Numbers 3: 1-10)
10 Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.”
11 The Lord also said to Moses, 12 “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, 13 for all the firstborns are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.”
14 The Lord said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai, 15 “Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more.” 16 So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.
(Number 3: 10-16)
17 These were the names of the sons of Levi:
Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
18 These were the names of the Gershonite clans:
Libni and Shimei.
19 The Kohathite clans:Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
20 The Merarite clans:Mahli and Mushi.
These were the Levite clans, according to their families.
21 To Gershon belonged the clans of the Libnites and Shimeites; these were the Gershonite clans. 22 The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 7,500. 23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle. 24 The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. 25 At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting, 26 the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use.
(Number 3: 17-26)
27 To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites; these were the Kohathite clans. 28 The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. 29 The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle. 30 The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. 31 They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. 32 The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary.
(Numbers 3: 27-32)
33 To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites; these were the Merarite clans. 34 The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 6,200. 35 The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. 36 The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, 37 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes.38 Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.
(Number 3: 33- 38)
39 The total number of Levites counted at the Lord’s command by Moses and Aaron according to their clans, including every male a month old or more, was 22,000. 40 The Lord said to Moses, “Count all the firstborn Israelite males who are a month old or more and make a list of their names. 41 Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites. I am the Lord.” 42 So Moses counted all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the Lord commanded him. 43 The total number of firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.
(Numbers 3: 39-43)
44 The Lord also said to Moses, 45 “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites are to be mine. I am the Lord. 46 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites, 47 collect five shekels[c] for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. 48 Give the money for the redemption of the additional Israelites to Aaron and his sons.”
49 So Moses collected the redemption money from those who exceeded the number redeemed by the Levites. 50 From the firstborn of the Israelites he collected silver weighing 1,365 shekels according to the sanctuary shekel. 51 Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.
(Numbers 3: 44-51)
Initially, God claimed the firstborn of every family for His service, but now, He designates a portion of a tribe, the tribe of Levi instead. This change marks a pivotal moment in the organization of priestly duties among one tribe of Israel.
Within the tribe of Levi, we find there are three prominent families: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Understanding these names is key to understanding the Levites' service, so let's explore their roles in the broader context of the Lord's work.
Initially we encounter the lineage of Aaron, the high priest. Aaron had four sons, but tragically, two of them, Nadab and Abihu, met their demise after offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. This incident highlights the seriousness of observing God's commands, even in matters seemingly trivial, we are never in the position to water down what he calls us to do.
With Nadab and Abihu's deaths, the priestly lineage narrows down to Aaron's two remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. These two sons would now carry the responsibility of continuing the priestly service in the Tabernacle.
As we reflect on this opening section, we're reminded of the importance of obedience and importantly, reverence, in serving the Lord.
Just as Nadab and Abihu faced consequences for their disobedience, we too must heed God's commands and approach His service with humility and reverence.
In the following sections, it goes deeper into the roles of the Levitical families and gives us valuable insights into our own spiritual placement within the body of Christ.
Clues as to how if we approach God and his word with open hearts and minds, we can align ourselves with God's purposes and honour the call he has made upon our lives.
In Numbers chapter 3, we encounter a distinction between the priestly descendants of Aaron and the rest of the tribe of Levi. While all priests are Levites, not all Levites are priests.
This distinction is crucial to understanding the roles assigned to each group within the service of the Tabernacle.
So the chapter began by detailing the lineage of Aaron, the high priest, and the tragic fate of his two sons.
Following this, the Lord instructs Moses to bring forth the tribe of Levi, indicating a separate group from Aaron's priestly lineage.
Unlike the priests, who were descendants of Aaron, the rest of the Levites were tasked with serving Aaron and the other priests. They were responsible for attending to the needs of the congregation and caring for the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
While the priests conducted the rituals and ceremonies within the Tabernacle, the wider Levites family had additional responsibilities, including transporting the Tabernacle during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and re-assembling it at each new location.
Verse 9 emphasized the Levites' dedication to Aaron and his sons, signifying their exclusive assignment to the priesthood. Also, this chapter goes on to further elucidates the Lord's decision to claim the Levites as His own, in place of the firstborn males of Israel, whom He had previously set apart for service to the Lord from each family and for sacrifice from among the animals. All this implemented following the events of the Exodus from Egypt.
In essence, Numbers chapter 3 outlines the specific roles assigned to the priests and the Levites within the service of the Tabernacle. While the priests conducted the sacred rituals, the Levites provided crucial support, ensuring the Tabernacle's functionality, and facilitating the spiritual life of the congregation. Seeing the significance of the whole tribe of Levi and its role in the service of the Tabernacle.
Back in Egypt, during the time of the Exodus, the Lord claimed the firstborn sons who were dedicated to serving Him. However, the Lord now decides to change this arrangement, opting to use the rest of the tribe of Levi instead.
To clarify, while all priests are Levites, not all Levites are priests. Aaron and his descendants were the priests, whereas the other members of the wider tribe of Levi were designated as servants to assist the priests and support the operations of the Tabernacle.
Moses was instructed to conduct a census of the Levites, a task that involves counting every male from a month old and above.
This census serves a different purpose than the one conducted earlier, which focused on numbering the warriors. Now, the aim is to count the priests, the worshippers and servants of the Tabernacle.
Remember the Levites are divided into three main families: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Each family has its specific responsibilities. For instance, the Gershonites are tasked with carrying the coverings and curtains of the Tabernacle. They are positioned on the west side of the Tabernacle, forming the inner circle closest to the sacred structure.
Meanwhile, the Kohathites and the Merarites also have their designated roles, which involve carrying other essential components of the Tabernacle.
These assignments demonstrate the precise organization and division of labor within the tribe of Levi, ensuring that every aspect of the Tabernacle's operation is covered.
In summary, this whole portion of the passage highlights the unique responsibilities assigned to each family within the tribe of Levi. Their roles are crucial for the proper functioning and maintenance of the Tabernacle, enabling a wandering people to continue to worship God and reflect the divine order and purpose behind their service.
Let me overview the key stats from this section. According to verse 28, there were 8,600 members of the Gershonite family, tasked with camping on the south side of the Tabernacle and caring for its furniture and utensils. These items included significant elements like the brazen altar, the laver, the lampstand, the table of showbread, and even the ark of the covenant within the Holy of Holies. The Gershonites were responsible for packing and transporting these items during the Tabernacle's relocation.
In verse 32, Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, is appointed as chief over the leaders of the Levites, overseeing those responsible for the sanctuary's upkeep.
This decision highlights an interesting leadership principle: Within any group of people who are called to serve the Lord, there emerges a leader among leaders, someone who naturally rises to the forefront.
This concept is observable and serves as a template across many aspects of godly society seen in various setting to this day in various settings, from juries to leadership boards in schools and local political life where certain individuals naturally assume leadership roles.
The New Testament also reflects this leadership dynamic, particularly in its discussions about deacons and elders.
While the Bible provides qualifications for elders, it does not directly address them as a distinct group. Instead, we see letters addressed to individual’s local leaders like Timothy and Titus, suggesting that under the New Testament leadership roles will always vary depending on the situation or context and who naturally rise amongst the community to fulfil that role.
Okay let me finish my overview by breaking down the final section of this section from chapter 3.
In verses 33 to 37, the third family of the Levites, the Merarites, is mentioned. They totalled 6,200 members and were tasked with camping on the north side of the Tabernacle. Their responsibility included caring for the boards and bars of the Tabernacle's structure.
These structural items were essential components of the Tabernacle's construction. The boards were 15 feet high and formed the framework of the Tabernacle, while the bars held them together. The Merarites are the family group who were responsible for transporting and maintaining these structural elements.
Moving on to verse 39, we learn that the total number of Levites, including males from a month old and above, was 22,000.
It’s worth noting this figure makes the Levites the smallest tribe among the children of Israel, as indicated by their smaller population compared to the other tribes.
Now, in verses 41 to 43, the focus shifts to the firstborn males of the children of Israel. As I have already said, despite the Lord's original intention to use the firstborn for His service, He now instructs Moses to take the Levites instead.
However, there is a discrepancy: while there are 22,000 Levites, there are 22,273 firstborn males. This creates a surplus of 273 firstborn males.
To address this imbalance, as outlined in verse 44, the Lord commands Moses to take the Levites instead of the firstborn.
Additionally, for the 273 surplus firstborn males, a redemption process is established, requiring a payment of five shekels for each individual.
This passage demonstrates just how meticulous the organization and planning is involved in the distribution of roles and responsibilities among the tribes of Israel, ensuring that every aspect of the Tabernacle's service and maintenance is carefully accounted for according to the Lord's
Let's summarize the key points of this passage. In Numbers chapter 3, the Lord instructs Moses to take a census of just the Levites this time. They are designated to serve in the Tabernacle in place of the firstborn males of Israel.
Three families within the tribe of Levi are designated for specific tasks related to the maintenance and transportation of the Tabernacle. The Gershonites are responsible for carrying the curtains and coverings, the Kohathites are tasked with caring for the furniture and utensils, and the Merarites are assigned to handle the external structure comprising of the boards and bars of the Tabernacle's structure.
Additionally, Moses is instructed to redeem the 273 surplus firstborn males by collecting five shekels from each individual and giving the sum to Aaron and his sons.
Therefore total redemption money collected is 1,365 shekels, which is then given to Aaron in accordance with the Lord's command.
Can you see the underlying message of this passage is that everyone has a place in serving the Lord. Just as the Levites were assigned specific roles in the Tabernacle, each member of the congregation of a church today still has a unique role to play in God's work.
Every individual has a part to contribute to the body of believers.
Therefore, it's essential for each person to discern their role and actively participate in serving the Lord within their local congregation.
It’s important to recognise we are all called to a service role within our local community, but it is particularly important in the context of striving to be Christ-like together.
When we talk about becoming more like Christ, it's crucial to understand that servanthood lies at the heart of His character. This perspective is illustrated for us across all four Gospels accounts: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is depicted as the Son of God, emphasizing His divine nature and the fact that He died and rose from the dead. This highlights His deity but also his role as a servant and Savior.
Moving on to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is portrayed as the Son of Man, emphasizing His humanity and His sacrificial death and resurrection. Throughout Luke's account, Jesus's compassion for humanity and His willingness to serve others are evident.
Then we also have the Gospel of Matthew, which presents Jesus as the King of the Jews, emphasizing His royal lineage from the line of David. Matthew underscores Jesus's authority and kingship, but a kingship expressed in not just the fulfilling the Messianic prophecies, but in his service of his people.
Lastly, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is actually described man times as the Servant, the servant king, the suffering servant and the servant of all. This Gospel highlights Jesus's humble attitude and His mission to serve others, culminating in His ultimate act of service—laying down His life as a ransom for many.
Now, why is this significant? Because if we are to emulate Christ, we too must embrace servanthood as He did.
Jesus Himself taught that greatness is found in serving others, not in being served. This is exemplified in passages like Mark 10:45, where Jesus emphasizes His role as a servant as one who came to give His life for others.
So, when we talk about spiritual gifts and finding our place in God's service, it's important to remember that at the core of it all is the call to be servants.
While understanding our spiritual gifts is valuable, it's equally important to cultivate a servant's heart, following the example of Christ I order to express those gifts.
Therefore, as well as focusing on discovering our spiritual gifts, we should also focus on developing a mindset of servanthood, seeking opportunities to serve others in love and humility. By doing so, we not only reflect the character of Christ but also fulfil our purpose as His followers.
Absolutely, spiritual gifts are indeed important, but sometimes we can get overly fixated on identifying our specific gift and forget the broader call to serve as the means by which we express those gifts.
Here's the thing: every spiritual gift mentioned in the Bible comes with a corresponding responsibility. Let's take giving as an example. Just because someone has the gift of giving doesn't mean only they should give. No way! Everyone is called to give, as emphasized by Paul in Romans. Similarly, if someone has the gift of mercy, it doesn't absolve others from showing mercy. We're all called to be merciful.
Now, when it comes to encouragement, Hebrews 10 tells us to encourage one another daily. Again, this is not a job reserved for a select few with the gift of encouragement; it's for everyone.
So, don't just show up to church and passively sit through the service. Be engaged, participate, and serve one another. That's what it means to truly assemble as believers.
One key aspect of serving others is simply being there for them. Taking the time to listen can be incredibly powerful. Sometimes people just need someone to lend an ear, without immediately jumping in with Bible verses or solutions.
Listening attentively can provide immense comfort and support to those in need. In fact, I personally believe it is one of the most under resourced area of ministry in most churches. That is probably because it isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t particularly get noticed by other people, even when it is being done very effectively.
We should always be making a conscious effort to consider one another's needs and struggles. By empathizing with others and offering encouragement instead of criticism, by doing so we uplift and strengthen each other in our faith journeys.
So, let's all focus on serving one another with love, compassion, and a listening ear. That's where true ministry happens.
Here's the crux of the matter: for every spiritual gift bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit, there's a corresponding responsibility. So, instead of fixating on identifying your specific gift, just focus on fulfilling your responsibilities to express that gifting.
God has given each of us tasks to accomplish, just as He did with the Levites in this chapter.
Consider this: maybe the lesson today is a call for you start serving in a certain area within your Christian community. That way you can truly embrace both the gift and the responsibilities God has given you.
In church communities everyone has a role to play. Some may be like the pastors, leading and teaching, while others may be behind the scenes, carrying boards, bars, or curtains, so to speak. But each task is vital for the functioning of the church.
So, whether you're carrying boards through the desert or washing dishes after a church event, do it with cheerfulness. Sure, it may get tiring at times, but remember the importance of serving the Lord in even the smallest tasks. That's where true ministry lies.