Numbers Chapter 8
Every aspect of the Tabernacle was clearly ordained by God. He gave specific instructions to Moses on how it was to be made and how every piece of furnishing in it was to be made. He also instructed how the priests (Aaron and his sons) would conduct their service to Him and now we read the instructions He gave Moses on how the tribe of Levi will conduct themselves in service to the priests and the Tabernacle of God. God also instructed that only men of a certain age group of the Levites would serve in the Tabernacle and after they turned 50 years old, they would serve as guardians.
One could never imagine that there would be a need for guardians of the Tabernacle. And in our modern time one could never imagine that there would be a need for police officers to serve as guardians in the halls of our churches while we worship the Lord, yet here we are. The enemy is ever trying to destroy what God has established.
Let's Reflect
1. The lampstands and the lamps were made from pure gold just as God instructed Moses from Mount Sinai, were to be arranged in such a way that they would give off the most light. Perhaps one side of the lamp had a gold backing to reflect the flame that burned in front of it. The lamps were to face the table of shew bread giving light to it. How many lamps were on the lampstand?
2. God gave specific instructions to Moses regarding the tribe of Levi or the Levites. God wanted the whole tribe to be what according to verse 16?
3. What was the first instruction given to Moses regarding the Levites? See verse 6.
4. The Levites were going to be “set apart” from the rest of Israel to be in service to God. Somewhat similar to the priests, the Levites were to be taken through some steps to become fit for God’s service. To start the process what did the Levites first have to do? See verse 7.
5. The whole of the Levites was presented to God as a wave offering. And we have one of the largest dedication services in history take place in this chapter. According to verse 10 in what way was the dedication service carried out?
6. Beginning with verse 16 God explained that He could have called every first-born child of all of Israel to serve in the Tabernacle because they belonged to Him as well. Instead, He called all the Levites to be a representative of all the first-borns and to take their place and to serve. In verse 19 what did God designate the Levites as?
7. The whole dedication service of the Levites was to “set apart” these men to be servants to the priests and to the Tabernacle but ultimately to serve God. This required purification and atonement. Why did they need purification and atonement? Isn’t this what you and I also need?
8. What was the age of the Levite men who served the Lord God? And what did the Levite men do after serving in the Tabernacle?
