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....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 1:44-46
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:47-54, we see God speaking to Moses, sharing with him how the Levites are not part of the census and how they have a special role with regard to the tabernacle. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: The Levites were given three commands with regards to the tabernacle (and all of its furnishings and all that belongs to it per v50) (1) to carry it, (2) to take care of it, and (3) to camp around the tabernacle. The role of the Levites is expanded with commands to setup and take down the tabernacle and to protect Israel from coming too close to the tabernacle lest they suffer the wrath of God. Outsiders are not allowed near the tabernacle lest they are put to death. This passage broadly speaks of restrictions God placed on Israel about how the people were to worship Him - see also this sermon on Exodus 19 for similar text. Here in Numbers 1, God places the Levites between Himself and the people of Israel. Ultimately, as my pastor's sermon lays out, Jesus removes these restrictions for anyone to go to Jesus directly. See also Hebrews 4:16.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The people of Israel were obedient and they did all that the Lord commanded Moses - v54. Believers, those who love God (per most important commandment), as a natural response to their love for Him, do not see obedience to Him as a burden (see also 1 John 5:3).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid placing anything in front of or above God - go to Him first and above anything else - God is our number one priority. Claim the promise that we can approach Him directly with confidence. Follow the example of those who understand that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." See obedience as not burdensome.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and there are no restrictions on how and when I can approach You...thank You Jesus that I can approach You in confidence. I am not deserving of how You save and how I can come to You. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
