Numbers 8-10
An Overview of Chapter 8
Instructions are given to mount the lamps so that they give light in front of the lampstands.
These are the instructions for cleansing and consecrating the Levites for God. First they bathed, shaved and washed their clothes. Next, all the congregation of Israel was to congregate in front of the tabernacle to watch the ceremony. A sin offering and a burnt offering were made to atone for the Levites (appease, or pacify God). Now that the Levites officially were qualified to serve the Lord and they belonged to Him, He gave them as a gift to the Priests (the sons of Aaron) to assist in the work of the tabernacle.
The Levites were to work in the tabernacle from age 25 to age 50. At age 50 they would retire from the work in the tabernacle, but could become servants of the working Levites. Remember that they could not carry any of the tabernacle until age 30 (Numbers 4:46-47)so it seems that the first 5 years of their service was an on the job training program.
An Overview of Chapter 9
In the second year when it came time to celebrate the Passover a few men were excluded because they were unclean. They questioned Moses why they were not able to worship God? Moses initial response is great, wait and let’s see what God has to say about this. God’s response was to offer a second time, a month later when they could celebrate the Passover. This is offered for those who are unclean and those who are out of town.
The cloud that covered the tabernacle on the day Moses set up the tabernacle would remain there until God wanted His people to pack up and leave. Sometimes the cloud would stay put for just a night and sometimes for as much as a year, but when it lifted they people knew it was time to leave.
An Overview of Chapter 10
The Lord instructs Moses to make two silver trumpets. They were to be blown by the Priests (sons of Aaron) at the following times:
- to summon the whole congregation (both trumpets)
- to summon the leaders of the congregation (one trumpet)
- when it was time for the camps to set out (they would blow an alarm)
- when they went to war (so that God would remember them and save them from their enemies)
- in days of gladness
- on feast days (over their sacrifices and burnt offerings)
- the first of each month
On the 28th of the 2nd month of the 2nd year the cloud lifted and the congregation left in the order they were supposed to; Judah, then the Levitical tribes of Gershon and Merari carrying the tabernacle, then Reuben, then the Kohathites carrying the of the tabernacle, then Ephraim, then Dan.
Before Moses left he asked his brother in law Hobab to come along as a scout. Then Moses said to the ark as it was leaving:
“Rise up, O Lord!
And let Your enemies be scattered,
And let those who hate You flee before You.”
When the ark arrived at its new location Moses would say:
“Return, O Lord,
To the myriad thousands of Israel.”
Reflection
Do you consider yourself set apart for God? Why or why not? Do you consider your service at church as a gift to God? If you feel that you are too old to lead ministries in the church, do you consider yourself able to serve those who are leading ministries? When you have a concern or question do you wait patiently and ask God for an answer? Do you follow God wherever He leads you?
For Further Study
Following God: Numbers 15:39, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:61-62, Acts 16:6-10, Romans 8:14
Instructions are given to mount the lamps so that they give light in front of the lampstands.
These are the instructions for cleansing and consecrating the Levites for God. First they bathed, shaved and washed their clothes. Next, all the congregation of Israel was to congregate in front of the tabernacle to watch the ceremony. A sin offering and a burnt offering were made to atone for the Levites (appease, or pacify God). Now that the Levites officially were qualified to serve the Lord and they belonged to Him, He gave them as a gift to the Priests (the sons of Aaron) to assist in the work of the tabernacle.
The Levites were to work in the tabernacle from age 25 to age 50. At age 50 they would retire from the work in the tabernacle, but could become servants of the working Levites. Remember that they could not carry any of the tabernacle until age 30 (Numbers 4:46-47)so it seems that the first 5 years of their service was an on the job training program.
An Overview of Chapter 9
In the second year when it came time to celebrate the Passover a few men were excluded because they were unclean. They questioned Moses why they were not able to worship God? Moses initial response is great, wait and let’s see what God has to say about this. God’s response was to offer a second time, a month later when they could celebrate the Passover. This is offered for those who are unclean and those who are out of town.
The cloud that covered the tabernacle on the day Moses set up the tabernacle would remain there until God wanted His people to pack up and leave. Sometimes the cloud would stay put for just a night and sometimes for as much as a year, but when it lifted they people knew it was time to leave.
An Overview of Chapter 10
The Lord instructs Moses to make two silver trumpets. They were to be blown by the Priests (sons of Aaron) at the following times:
- to summon the whole congregation (both trumpets)
- to summon the leaders of the congregation (one trumpet)
- when it was time for the camps to set out (they would blow an alarm)
- when they went to war (so that God would remember them and save them from their enemies)
- in days of gladness
- on feast days (over their sacrifices and burnt offerings)
- the first of each month
On the 28th of the 2nd month of the 2nd year the cloud lifted and the congregation left in the order they were supposed to; Judah, then the Levitical tribes of Gershon and Merari carrying the tabernacle, then Reuben, then the Kohathites carrying the of the tabernacle, then Ephraim, then Dan.
Before Moses left he asked his brother in law Hobab to come along as a scout. Then Moses said to the ark as it was leaving:
And let Your enemies be scattered,
And let those who hate You flee before You.”
When the ark arrived at its new location Moses would say:
To the myriad thousands of Israel.”
Reflection
Do you consider yourself set apart for God? Why or why not? Do you consider your service at church as a gift to God? If you feel that you are too old to lead ministries in the church, do you consider yourself able to serve those who are leading ministries? When you have a concern or question do you wait patiently and ask God for an answer? Do you follow God wherever He leads you?
For Further Study
Following God: Numbers 15:39, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:61-62, Acts 16:6-10, Romans 8:14
posted by Shaun Sells | 8:02 AM
1 Comments:
Sometimes, especially on cold-mornings I feel as if it would be good to retire at 50! Why do you suppose that 50 was the cut-off year?
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