This chapter details the duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites (clans of Levites) regarding the moving of the tabernacle.
“The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their clans and their fathers’ houses, from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting. This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: the most holy things. And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.’ ” (v1-4,15)
The procedure and items listed are very detailed, so in summary, the clan of Kohath transported the holy things (eg. the ark, the incense burner, lampstand, etc.); the clan of Gershon transported all of the curtains and hangings (remember this is a tent, everything is a “hanging”); the clan of Merari transported all of the structural pieces (columns, stands, frames, etc.).
Despite the fact these clans were from the tribe of Levi, none were allowed to touch or even look upon the holy things, only Aaron and his sons could see and touch them (and package/unpack them for transport).
This is one of the fantastic changes made by Jesus’ death on the cross – there are no longer a select few from a specific bloodline in God’s innermost circle, who can see His glory and serve Him – anyone who accepts the free gift of salvation from sin and is reconciled to God can now serve Him.
A great passage that sums this up for me is: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Ti 2:11-14)
Just as the clans in this chapter were allowed to serve God because of their family ties, we too are allowed to serve God because we are adopted into Jesus’ clan (redeemed and purified for His possession). Through God’s grace (Jesus’ death and resurrection for our forgiveness) and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can live live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, joyfully contributing to God’s kingdom through obedience to Him.
My challenge for us today is to live as if this is true: we are God’s redeemed and chosen people, adopted into Jesus’ family, and we have the honor to serve in His holy presence doing the work of His kingdom. Doing God’s work is not supposed to be a chore, it’s meant to be a joy and privilege. What attitude do you think the Levites had when they served? “I only get to carry this one frame that nobody even sees, this stinks” or “I am actually allowed to do God’s work, carrying a piece of His glorious house, so that we can honor, worship and serve our mighty Lord and Savior”. Our attitude toward the work makes a huge difference, and I need to check the posture of my heart today. How about you?
Father God, glorious and mighty Savior, we bow before You today. We are humbled that You have called us according to Your purposes, to do the work of Your kingdom. There is no higher calling in this world than to serve our Creator God who called this universe into being hung the planets in their orbits. Please teach us a correct posture for our hearts, that we may serve You honorably and joyfully, giving You our best attitude and best work. May all that we say and do be for Your glory and Your service, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training