The Levites' Responsibilities

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Levites' Responsibilities

Date: Sep. 2, 2016

Passage

Numbers 1:47-54 (ESV)

47 But the Levites were not listed along with them by their ancestral tribe. 48 For the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 49 “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not list, and you shall not take a census of them among the people of Israel. 50 But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle. 51 When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down, and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death. 52 The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard. 53 But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.” 54 Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:53

But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.”

First, the Levites were not to be counted (47-49). The major purpose of the census was to count the men who could serve in the army. The Israelites were preparing for war. However, the Levites were not to be counted among the fighting men. The Lord had a different but very important mission for them. They were to be wholly dedicated to that mission.

Second, responsible for the tabernacle (50-54). God appointed the Levites to care for the tabernacle and everything related to it. The tabernacle was the place where God met with his people. The Levites were to camp around the tabernacle. As the guardians of the tabernacle and covenant law, the Levites mediated for the people. They also shielded the people from God's wrath. Their ministry was vital as the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for those who are wholly committed to you and your work. Grow me to be a steward of your gospel ministry.

One Word: Set apart for God's work

Worthy is Jesus the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

Key Verse: 5:12

saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

Today's Question

What does the fifth commandment forbid?

See answer and references