Números 8

Números 8

Wiersbe - The events recorded in Numbers 1–6 were preceded by those described in Numbers 7:1–9:15. We are now in the second year of Israel’s national history (Nu 1:1; 9:1). The tabernacle was erected on the first day of the first month (Ex. 40:2, Ex 40:17 = "Now in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected."). The twelve tribal leaders began to bring their gifts on that day (Nu 7:1), a procedure that lasted twelve days (Nu 7:78). On the thirteenth day, the Levites were consecrated (Nu. 8), and on the fourteenth day, the Jews celebrated Passover (Nu 9:1–14). (Ibid) Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE CALL OF THE LEVITES Numbers 8:1–14 “Choose Thou for me, and make Thy choosing mine, Whate’er Thy love may unto me assign; What work for Thee to do, where shall I go? O my Lord, order Thou, I do not know; I fear to choose self-pleasing scenes and things— Choose for me, Lord, and give the peace it brings.” The Levites were the descendants of Levi, and were chosen by the Lord, instead of the firstborn, to do the service of the sanctuary. Let us look at what they were— 1. By nature. When the dying Jacob called his sons together to leave his last message with them he characterised Simeon and Levi as “cruel and self-willed” (Gen. 49:5–7). The best of saints God can make out of such rough and unpromising material. Such were some of us. “Walking according to the course of the world” (Eph. 2:2). While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. He came not to call the righteous. 2. By grace. The same grace of God which brought salvation to us appeared unto them. By grace they were saved through faith. They were— 1. CALLED. “Take the Levites from among the children of Israel” (v. 6). They were outcalled from among the others as every Christian is. The calling out of the Church of God may be here prefigured. “The men which Thou hast given Me out of the world.” The elect according to grace. 2. CLEANSED. “And cleanse them” (v. 6). “Such were some of you, but ye are washed” (1 Cor. 6:11). Washing implies uncleanness. It is the first necessity to fellowship and service. This washing was done for them (Heb. 9:13, 14). 3. SANCTIFIED. “Let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and make themselves clean” (v. 7). After we have been cleansed by the Blood of Christ, and justified freely by His grace, we are called upon to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh. Shave off every unbecoming habit, and wash the spots of the world out of the clothes of our daily life, and walk worthy of the Lord, in all well-pleasing. 4. ATONED FOR. “Make an atonement for the Levites” (v. 12). Here they were taught that it was through substitution that the grace of God and the privileges of the believer comes. A sin-offering must be made, and could only be made through the sacrifice of life. Christ gave Himself for us, His soul was made an offering for sin (Isa. 53:10). 5. CONSECRATED. “Set the Levites and offer them an offering unto the Lord” (v. 13). After an offering had been presented to God for them, they themselves had to be presented to Him. Having been redeemed by His Blood, we are called upon to yield ourselves unto God (Rom. 12:1, 2). Ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price. 6. OWNED BY THE LORD. “The Levites shall be Mine.” They were His by choice. by grace and by blood; by love, favour, and life. A threefold cord not easily broken. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? Chosen by the grace of the Father, redeemed by the Blood of the Son, claimed by the power of the Spirit. They shall be Mine. They shall be My sons to love Me, My servants to serve Me, My saints to worship Me. Numbers 8:2 "Speak to Aaron and say to him, 'When you mount the lamps, the seven lamps will give light in the front of the lampstand.'" Ex 25:37 37:18,19,23 40:25 Lev 24:1,2 Ps 119:105,130 Isa 8:20 Mt 5:14 Joh 1:9 2Pe 1:19 Rev 1:12,20 2:1 4:5 Jensen - what kind of service would the Levites perform? That which brought its worshipers into shades of darkness? That which shed no light on other peoples of the world round about, dwelling in darkness? No, it would be service in a place where there was light, divine light. Aaron was given the directions: “When thou set-test up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the candlestick” (8:2, ASV margin). Light is the key word of 8:1–4. A Voice and a Light—with these the Israelites could be assured of a successful journey through the wilderness. Speak to Aaron and say to him, 'When you mount the lamps, the seven lamps will give light in the front of the lampstand G Campbell