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NUMBERS 1–3; PSALM 38

Week 7, Day 6

The Book of Numbers gets its title from the first census of Israel, which is contained here. If it were titled for its most significant event, however, a cynic might well call it the Book of Retreat, because it is in Numbers that we read the sad story of the Israelites coming within reach of their land of promise, then retreating into their fears. But more of that later.

There is a sense of family lineage among many ancient peoples that we in America seem to have lost until recently. The Israelites are told to make a census in clans, by ancestral houses, so the people will know their origins. I think this was also part of a movement to establish their pride. A people who have lived in slavery for over four centuries need to know that they have proud roots of heritage.

What we mentioned earlier about Joseph is now established: Joseph is phased out, and his descendants are named through Ephraim and Manasseh (1:32-35). The tribe of Levi shall not be enrolled but shall have responsibility for the tabernacle (1:48-53).

The people are set up in orderly fashion, with three tribes to north, south, east, and west. At the center of the encampment is the tribe of Levi with the tent of meeting. The place of worship is at the center of life. The Levites have their role “as substitutes for all the firstborn among the Israelites . . . ; and the Levites shall be mine. I am the LORD” (3:45).

PRAYER: Let me be a Levite, Lord, remembering that whatever I have and whatever I gain is yours, as I am; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

List some of the duties of the Levites related to their care of the Tabernacle.