Numbers

Numbers 3:1-4

Aaron's line was chosen by God for the priesthood from the beginning.  Imagine the effect of that on Aaron's life and the life of his family.  He went from being an elder within his tribe to being the head priest of a line of priests.  His sons are listed; Nadab, his firstborn, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.  These young men were anointed priests and consecrated to the ministry. 

Right at the beginning, Nadab and a Abihu discovered the Lord says what he means and means what he says.  Their life and death become a lesson of the holiness and the sanctity of the temple and reverence for God.

Numbers 3:5-10

The Levites were to be presented to Aaron.  Their mission was to be very clearly understood by both parties.  They were to serve him and this service was in transportation, assembly and function of the tabernacle as well as protection.  This was a physical protection of Aaron and his sons as well as physically protecting the sanctuary but also a spiritual protection from defilement.  This was serious business in which they were to be committed to.  The outsider invading their space as they surrounded the tabernacle was to be put to death.

Numbers 3:11-13

The Lord consecrated the firstborn for His service right after the 10^th plague in Egypt.  This may be formalizing what had been happening from the beginning.  The firstborn son became the facilitator of sacrifices and worship within his clan.  He would raise up his first-born to do the same.  With the building and consecration of the tabernacle and priests, the Levites took the place of these firstborn.

Numbers 3:14-39

The book of numbers takes place in the Wilderness of Sinai.  Moses was to number the Levites.  Their lineage was established so everyone was legitimate Levite.  The age of redemption started at a month old.  The eight clans of Levi descended from three sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

Numbers 3:40-51

Moses took the Levites as if God had taken them for service.  They were numbered among their tribes.  The taking of the firstborn appears to end.  The Lord declares His name and right to do this among the people. 

There were more firstborn among Israel than there were Israelites.  This was a one for one replacement, a Levite for a firstborn.  However, there weren't enough Israelites, so 273 remained in service to the Lord until they were redeemed.  They had to pay five shekels for each of the firstborn to redeem them from service. 

© 2023 Doug Ford, Calvary Chapel Sweetwater