Are quarantine, honesty and resolving accusations important for community well-being? Is living right important for Christians? Let’s look at Numbers 5.
Was quarantine a concern in the camp in the wilderness?
The Lord said to Moses, “Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone who has a defiling skin disease or a discharge of any kind, or who is ceremonially unclean because of a dead body. Send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them.” The Israelites did so; they sent them outside the camp. They did just as the Lord had instructed Moses. (Numbers 5:1-4 NIV)
Was there a place for confession and compensation for any wrong? Was there an added fine to be paid?
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit in unfaithfulness against the Lord, and that person is guilty, then he shall confess the sin which he has committed. He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give it to the one he has wronged. But if the man has no relative to whom restitution may be made for the wrong, the restitution for the wrong must go to the Lord for the priest, in addition to the ram of the atonement with which atonement is made for him. Every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring to the priest, shall be his. And every man’s holy things shall be his; whatever any man gives the priest shall be his.’ ” (Numbers 5:5-10 NKJV)
What is a sample case study of accusation and how that could be resolved?
And the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Suppose a man’s wife goes astray, and she is unfaithful to her husband and has sex with another man, but neither her husband nor anyone else knows about it. She has defiled herself, even though there was no witness and she was not caught in the act. If her husband becomes jealous and is suspicious of his wife and needs to know whether or not she has defiled herself, the husband must bring his wife to the priest. He must also bring an offering of two quarts of barley flour to be presented on her behalf. Do not mix it with olive oil or frankincense, for it is a jealousy offering—an offering to prove whether or not she is guilty.” (Numbers 5:11-15 NLT)
Was there a procedure to be undertaken through which God would reveal the truth?
The priest shall bring her near, and set her before Yahweh. The priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and the priest shall take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water. The priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse. The priest shall cause her to take an oath and shall tell the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you haven’t gone aside to uncleanness, being under your husband’s authority, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse. But if you have gone astray, being under your husband’s authority, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband—” then the priest shall cause the woman to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priest shall tell the woman, “May Yahweh make you a curse and an oath among your people, when Yahweh allows your thigh to fall away, and your body to swell; and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.” The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.” (Numbers 5:16-22 WEB)
Was God’s answer revealed to all through washing the ink into the water?
The priest will write these curses in the scroll and wipe them off into the water of bitterness. Then he will make the woman drink the water of bitterness that brings the curse. And the water that brings the curse will enter her, causing bitterness. The priest will take the grain offering for jealousy from the woman’s hands, elevate the grain offering before the Lord, and bring it to the altar. The priest will take a handful of the grain offering as a token part of it and turn it into smoke on the altar. And afterward he will make the woman drink the water. When he has made her drink the water, if she has defiled herself and has broken faith with her husband, then the water that brings the curse will enter her, causing bitterness, and her womb will discharge and she will miscarry. The woman will be a curse among her people. But if the woman hasn’t defiled herself and she is pure, then she will be immune and able to conceive. (Numbers 5:23-28 CEB)
What would be the result of this inquiry for the accused?
This is the ceremony that must take place at my altar when a husband suspects that his wife has been unfaithful. The priest must tell the woman to stand in my presence and carefully follow these instructions. If the husband is wrong, he will not be punished; but if his wife is guilty, she will be punished. (Numbers 5:29-31 CEV)
What did Peter write about living a holy and pure life?
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV)
What did John write about Christians living right?
If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who does righteousness has been born of Him. (1 John 2:29 LSB)
Are quarantine, honesty and resolving accusations important for community well-being? Is living right important for Christians? You decide!
Levitical Duties (Numbers 4)
How many sub-tribes were the Levites divided into? How were the duties of Kohath, Gershon and Merari organized? Did this foreshadow an eternal tabernacle? Let’s look at Numbers 4.
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Kohath in the tent of meeting? What were their ages of service?
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “Take a census of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. “This is the work of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things. When the camp is to move, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain and put it over the ark of the covenant law. Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather, spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles in place.” (Numbers 4:1-5 NIV)
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Kohath on the table of showbread, etc?
On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it. They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles. And they shall take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand of the light, with its lamps, its wick-trimmers, its trays, and all its oil vessels, with which they service it. Then they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of badger skins, and put it on a carrying beam. (Numbers 4:7-10 NKJV)
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Kohath on the gold incense altar?
Next they must spread a blue cloth over the gold incense altar and cover this cloth with fine goatskin leather. Then they must attach the carrying poles to the altar. They must take all the remaining furnishings of the sanctuary and wrap them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine goatskin leather, and place them on the carrying frame. They must remove the ashes from the altar for sacrifices and cover the altar with a purple cloth. All the altar utensils—the firepans, meat forks, shovels, basins, and all the containers—must be placed on the cloth, and a covering of fine goatskin leather must be spread over them. Finally, they must put the carrying poles in place. The camp will be ready to move when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the sacred articles. The Kohathites will come and carry these things to the next destination. But they must not touch the sacred objects, or they will die. So these are the things from the Tabernacle that the Kohathites must carry. (Numbers 4:11-15 NLT)
What were the responsibilities of Eleazar the son of Aaron in the tabernacle?
The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings. Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Don’t cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; but do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint everyone to his service and to his burden; but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die. (Numbers 4:16-20 WEB)
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Gershon in the tabernacle and the tent of meeting?
The Lord spoke to Moses: Take a census of the Gershonites also, by their households and their clans. You will enroll those from 30 to 50 years old, all who are eligible for service to do work in the dwelling. This is the duty of the Gershonite clans for work and for carrying the load: They will carry the fabric of the dwelling, the meeting tent with its covering, the outer covering of fine leather, the screen for the entrance of the meeting tent, the curtains of the courtyard, the screen of the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the meeting tent and the altar, their cords, and all their equipment for their work. They will do everything that needs to be done with these objects. All the duties of the Gershonites for carrying their load and for their work will be at the command of Aaron and his sons. You will assign to them the responsibility to carry their load. This is the work of the Gershonite clans in the dwelling. Their responsibility will be under Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. (Numbers 4:21-28 CEB)
What were those of the Levitical tribe of Merari in charge of carrying for the tabernacle?
As for the sons of Merari, you shall list them by their clans and their fathers' houses. From thirty years old up to fifty years old, you shall list them, everyone who can come on duty, to do the service of the tent of meeting. And this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle, with its bars, pillars, and bases, and the pillars around the court with their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their equipment and all their accessories. And you shall list by name the objects that they are required to carry. This is the service of the clans of the sons of Merari, the whole of their service in the tent of meeting, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. (Numbers 4:29-33 ESV)
How many of Kohath were there able to serve at the tent of meeting?
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the community registered the Kohathites by their clans and their ancestral houses, men from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who was qualified for work at the tent of meeting. The men registered by their clans numbered 2,750. These were the registered men of the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron registered them at the Lord’s command through Moses. (Numbers 4:34-37 HCSB)
How many of Gershon were there able to serve at the tent of meeting?
The tribes and the ancestral houses of the descendants of Gershon were numbered from 30 to 50 years old; that is, everyone who entered the service to perform work at the Tent of Meeting. The total according to their tribes and ancestral house numbered 2,630 from the tribes of the descendants of Gershon, everyone who would be serving at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to what the Lord had said. (Numbers 4:38-41 ISV)
How many of Merari were there able to serve at the tabernacle?
And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred. These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 4:42-45 KJV)
What was the total number of Levites serving in or carrying the tent of meeting?
All the numbered men of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families and by their fathers’ households, from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to perform the work of service and the service of carrying in the tent of meeting, their numbered men were 8,580. According to the word of Yahweh by the hand of Moses, they were numbered, everyone by his serving or carrying; thus these were his numbered men, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses. (Numbers 4:46-49 LSB)
Did John see a greater tabernacle awaiting us in our blessed eternity?
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4 NASB)
How many sub-tribes were the Levites divided into? How were the duties of Kohath, Gershon and Merari organized? Did this foreshadow an eternal tabernacle? You decide!
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Kohath in the tent of meeting? What were their ages of service?
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “Take a census of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. “This is the work of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things. When the camp is to move, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain and put it over the ark of the covenant law. Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather, spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles in place.” (Numbers 4:1-5 NIV)
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Kohath on the table of showbread, etc?
On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it. They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles. And they shall take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand of the light, with its lamps, its wick-trimmers, its trays, and all its oil vessels, with which they service it. Then they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of badger skins, and put it on a carrying beam. (Numbers 4:7-10 NKJV)
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Kohath on the gold incense altar?
Next they must spread a blue cloth over the gold incense altar and cover this cloth with fine goatskin leather. Then they must attach the carrying poles to the altar. They must take all the remaining furnishings of the sanctuary and wrap them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine goatskin leather, and place them on the carrying frame. They must remove the ashes from the altar for sacrifices and cover the altar with a purple cloth. All the altar utensils—the firepans, meat forks, shovels, basins, and all the containers—must be placed on the cloth, and a covering of fine goatskin leather must be spread over them. Finally, they must put the carrying poles in place. The camp will be ready to move when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the sacred articles. The Kohathites will come and carry these things to the next destination. But they must not touch the sacred objects, or they will die. So these are the things from the Tabernacle that the Kohathites must carry. (Numbers 4:11-15 NLT)
What were the responsibilities of Eleazar the son of Aaron in the tabernacle?
The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings. Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, Don’t cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; but do this to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint everyone to his service and to his burden; but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die. (Numbers 4:16-20 WEB)
What were the responsibilities of the Levitical tribe of Gershon in the tabernacle and the tent of meeting?
The Lord spoke to Moses: Take a census of the Gershonites also, by their households and their clans. You will enroll those from 30 to 50 years old, all who are eligible for service to do work in the dwelling. This is the duty of the Gershonite clans for work and for carrying the load: They will carry the fabric of the dwelling, the meeting tent with its covering, the outer covering of fine leather, the screen for the entrance of the meeting tent, the curtains of the courtyard, the screen of the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the meeting tent and the altar, their cords, and all their equipment for their work. They will do everything that needs to be done with these objects. All the duties of the Gershonites for carrying their load and for their work will be at the command of Aaron and his sons. You will assign to them the responsibility to carry their load. This is the work of the Gershonite clans in the dwelling. Their responsibility will be under Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. (Numbers 4:21-28 CEB)
What were those of the Levitical tribe of Merari in charge of carrying for the tabernacle?
As for the sons of Merari, you shall list them by their clans and their fathers' houses. From thirty years old up to fifty years old, you shall list them, everyone who can come on duty, to do the service of the tent of meeting. And this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle, with its bars, pillars, and bases, and the pillars around the court with their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their equipment and all their accessories. And you shall list by name the objects that they are required to carry. This is the service of the clans of the sons of Merari, the whole of their service in the tent of meeting, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. (Numbers 4:29-33 ESV)
How many of Kohath were there able to serve at the tent of meeting?
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the community registered the Kohathites by their clans and their ancestral houses, men from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who was qualified for work at the tent of meeting. The men registered by their clans numbered 2,750. These were the registered men of the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron registered them at the Lord’s command through Moses. (Numbers 4:34-37 HCSB)
How many of Gershon were there able to serve at the tent of meeting?
The tribes and the ancestral houses of the descendants of Gershon were numbered from 30 to 50 years old; that is, everyone who entered the service to perform work at the Tent of Meeting. The total according to their tribes and ancestral house numbered 2,630 from the tribes of the descendants of Gershon, everyone who would be serving at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to what the Lord had said. (Numbers 4:38-41 ISV)
How many of Merari were there able to serve at the tabernacle?
And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred. These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 4:42-45 KJV)
What was the total number of Levites serving in or carrying the tent of meeting?
All the numbered men of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families and by their fathers’ households, from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to perform the work of service and the service of carrying in the tent of meeting, their numbered men were 8,580. According to the word of Yahweh by the hand of Moses, they were numbered, everyone by his serving or carrying; thus these were his numbered men, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses. (Numbers 4:46-49 LSB)
Did John see a greater tabernacle awaiting us in our blessed eternity?
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4 NASB)
How many sub-tribes were the Levites divided into? How were the duties of Kohath, Gershon and Merari organized? Did this foreshadow an eternal tabernacle? You decide!
Levitical Census (Numbers 3)
Did God change the role of the firstborn dedicated to Him to another group? What were their various duties? Who is the firstborn for Christians? Let’s look at Numbers 3.
What family tragedy happened with Aaron’s four sons in the wilderness?
Now these are the records of the generations of Aaron and Moses at the time when the Lord spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. These then are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests. But Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of the Lord when they offered strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron. (Numbers 3:1-4 NASB)
Which tribe alone was appointed to perform the work of the tabernacle for the priests?
The Lord said to Moses, “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle. They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him. Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.” (Numbers 3:5-10 NIV)
Who became a substitute for the firstborn among the children of Israel?
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.” (Numbers 3:11-13 NKJV)
How were the Levite clans listed by their family groups?
The Lord spoke again to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. He said, “Record the names of the members of the tribe of Levi by their families and clans. List every male who is one month old or older.” So Moses listed them, just as the Lord had commanded. Levi had three sons, whose names were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The clans descended from Gershon were named after two of his descendants, Libni and Shimei. The clans descended from Kohath were named after four of his descendants, Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The clans descended from Merari were named after two of his descendants, Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, listed according to their family groups. (Numbers 3:14-20 NLT)
What was the result of the census of the Levite tribe of Gershon?
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites. Those who were counted of them, according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward, even those who were counted of them were seven thousand five hundred. The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward. Eliasaph the son of Lael shall be the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites. The duty of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service. (Numbers 3:21-26 WEB)
What was the result of the census of the Levite tribe of Kohath?
To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites. These were the clans of the Kohathites. The number of males over one month old, who would perform duties for the sanctuary, was 8,600. The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the dwelling. The chief of the household representing the clans of the Kohathites was Elizaphan, Uzziel’s son. They were responsible for the chest, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the equipment of the sanctuary with which they would minister, and the screen—all these furnishings. The head chief over the chiefs of the Levites was Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest. He was supervisor over those performing the duties of the sanctuary. (Numbers 3:27-32 CEB)
What was the result of the census of the Levite tribe of Merari?
The two Merari clans were the Mahlites and the Mushites, and they had 6,200 men and boys at least one month old. The Merarites, under the leadership of Zuriel son of Abihail, were to camp on the north side of the sacred tent. Their duties included taking care of the tent frames and the pieces that held the tent up: the bars, the posts, the stands, and its other equipment. They were also in charge of the posts that supported the courtyard, as well as their stands, tent pegs, and ropes. The Merari clans were responsible for setting these things up and taking them down. (Numbers 3:33-37 CEV)
On what side of the tabernacle were the priests to camp?
Those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, guarding the sanctuary itself, to protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who came near was to be put to death. All those listed among the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron listed at the commandment of the Lord, by clans, all the males from a month old and upward, were 22,000. (Numbers 3:38-39 ESV)
Why were they to count the firstborn males in every tribe?
The Lord told Moses: “Register every firstborn male of the Israelites one month old or more, and list their names. You are to take the Levites for Me—I am Yahweh—in place of every firstborn among the Israelites, and the Levites’ cattle in place of every firstborn among the Israelites’ cattle.” So Moses registered every firstborn among the Israelites, as the Lord commanded him. The total number of the firstborn males one month old or more listed by name was 22,273. (Numbers 3:40-43 HCSB)
How did the census of the firstborn Israelites and that of the Levites differ in number?
Then the Lord told Moses, “Separate the descendants of Levi in place of all the firstborn sons of Israel and the livestock of the descendants of Levi in place of their livestock. The descendants of Levi belong to me, since I am the Lord. You are to pay a ransom for the 273 first-born Israelis who exceed the census number of the descendants of Levi, so collect five shekels for each individual, denominated in shekels of the sanctuary, that is, the shekel that weighs 20 gerahs. Then give the money meant for ransom of their excess to Aaron and his sons.” (Numbers 3:44-48 ISV)
Who was the money given to and what did it redeem?
And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites: Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. (Numbers 3:45-51 KJV)
Who is the head of the church, our firstborn from the dead?
And He [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church; Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18 LSB)
Are we in the church also given a kind of status as firstborns (which is plural in Greek)? What could that mean for others not yet in the church?
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn[s] who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24 NASB)
Did God change the role of the firstborn dedicated to Him to another group? What were their various duties? Who is the firstborn for Christians? You decide!
What family tragedy happened with Aaron’s four sons in the wilderness?
Now these are the records of the generations of Aaron and Moses at the time when the Lord spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. These then are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests. But Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of the Lord when they offered strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron. (Numbers 3:1-4 NASB)
Which tribe alone was appointed to perform the work of the tabernacle for the priests?
The Lord said to Moses, “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle. They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him. Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.” (Numbers 3:5-10 NIV)
Who became a substitute for the firstborn among the children of Israel?
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.” (Numbers 3:11-13 NKJV)
How were the Levite clans listed by their family groups?
The Lord spoke again to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. He said, “Record the names of the members of the tribe of Levi by their families and clans. List every male who is one month old or older.” So Moses listed them, just as the Lord had commanded. Levi had three sons, whose names were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The clans descended from Gershon were named after two of his descendants, Libni and Shimei. The clans descended from Kohath were named after four of his descendants, Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The clans descended from Merari were named after two of his descendants, Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, listed according to their family groups. (Numbers 3:14-20 NLT)
What was the result of the census of the Levite tribe of Gershon?
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites. Those who were counted of them, according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward, even those who were counted of them were seven thousand five hundred. The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward. Eliasaph the son of Lael shall be the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites. The duty of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service. (Numbers 3:21-26 WEB)
What was the result of the census of the Levite tribe of Kohath?
To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites. These were the clans of the Kohathites. The number of males over one month old, who would perform duties for the sanctuary, was 8,600. The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the dwelling. The chief of the household representing the clans of the Kohathites was Elizaphan, Uzziel’s son. They were responsible for the chest, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the equipment of the sanctuary with which they would minister, and the screen—all these furnishings. The head chief over the chiefs of the Levites was Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest. He was supervisor over those performing the duties of the sanctuary. (Numbers 3:27-32 CEB)
What was the result of the census of the Levite tribe of Merari?
The two Merari clans were the Mahlites and the Mushites, and they had 6,200 men and boys at least one month old. The Merarites, under the leadership of Zuriel son of Abihail, were to camp on the north side of the sacred tent. Their duties included taking care of the tent frames and the pieces that held the tent up: the bars, the posts, the stands, and its other equipment. They were also in charge of the posts that supported the courtyard, as well as their stands, tent pegs, and ropes. The Merari clans were responsible for setting these things up and taking them down. (Numbers 3:33-37 CEV)
On what side of the tabernacle were the priests to camp?
Those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, guarding the sanctuary itself, to protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who came near was to be put to death. All those listed among the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron listed at the commandment of the Lord, by clans, all the males from a month old and upward, were 22,000. (Numbers 3:38-39 ESV)
Why were they to count the firstborn males in every tribe?
The Lord told Moses: “Register every firstborn male of the Israelites one month old or more, and list their names. You are to take the Levites for Me—I am Yahweh—in place of every firstborn among the Israelites, and the Levites’ cattle in place of every firstborn among the Israelites’ cattle.” So Moses registered every firstborn among the Israelites, as the Lord commanded him. The total number of the firstborn males one month old or more listed by name was 22,273. (Numbers 3:40-43 HCSB)
How did the census of the firstborn Israelites and that of the Levites differ in number?
Then the Lord told Moses, “Separate the descendants of Levi in place of all the firstborn sons of Israel and the livestock of the descendants of Levi in place of their livestock. The descendants of Levi belong to me, since I am the Lord. You are to pay a ransom for the 273 first-born Israelis who exceed the census number of the descendants of Levi, so collect five shekels for each individual, denominated in shekels of the sanctuary, that is, the shekel that weighs 20 gerahs. Then give the money meant for ransom of their excess to Aaron and his sons.” (Numbers 3:44-48 ISV)
Who was the money given to and what did it redeem?
And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites: Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. (Numbers 3:45-51 KJV)
Who is the head of the church, our firstborn from the dead?
And He [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church; Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18 LSB)
Are we in the church also given a kind of status as firstborns (which is plural in Greek)? What could that mean for others not yet in the church?
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn[s] who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24 NASB)
Did God change the role of the firstborn dedicated to Him to another group? What were their various duties? Who is the firstborn for Christians? You decide!
Encounters with Faith (Luke 7)
Are we sometimes amazed at the faith of those outside our church community? Whose faith healed a widow’s son? How great in God’s eyes is the least member of God’s kingdom? Can a sinner show more faith than many in our congregations? Let’s look at Luke 7.
Centurion
What was there about a Roman soldier that amazed Jesus?
When He had concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. A centurion’s slave, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” Jesus went with them, and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be cured. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. (Luke 7:1-10 HCSB)
Widow’s Son
What convicted many people regarding a widow’s son?
Soon afterwards, Jesus went to a city called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were going along with him. As he approached the entrance to the city, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only living son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he felt compassion for her. He told her, “You can stop crying.” Then he went up and touched the bier, and the men who were carrying it stopped. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The man who had been dead sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear gripped everyone, and they began to praise God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said, and “God has helped his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding countryside. (Luke 7:11-17 ISV)
John the Baptist
What great commendation did Jesus give regarding John the Baptist? What great commendation did Jesus give even the lowliest in the kingdom?
And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (Luke 7:18-28 KJV)
Who were baptized by John and who refused him?
And when all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and the scholars of the Law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John. (Luke 7:29-30 LSB)
Did that generation want people to just go along with their demands without thinking or wisdom? Is our generation similar?
To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a song of mourning, and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ And yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children. (Luke 7:31-35 NASB)
Sinner
What did Jesus teach about those who have sinned much?
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. (Luke 7:36-43 NIV)
How do we treat such people entering our congregations?
Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:44-50 NIV)
Are we sometimes amazed at the faith of those outside our church community? Whose faith healed a widow’s son? How great in God’s eyes is the least member of God’s kingdom? Can a sinner show more faith than many in our congregations? You decide!
Centurion
What was there about a Roman soldier that amazed Jesus?
When He had concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. A centurion’s slave, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with Him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” Jesus went with them, and when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell Him, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, since I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be cured. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel!” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health. (Luke 7:1-10 HCSB)
Widow’s Son
What convicted many people regarding a widow’s son?
Soon afterwards, Jesus went to a city called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were going along with him. As he approached the entrance to the city, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only living son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he felt compassion for her. He told her, “You can stop crying.” Then he went up and touched the bier, and the men who were carrying it stopped. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The man who had been dead sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Fear gripped everyone, and they began to praise God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said, and “God has helped his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding countryside. (Luke 7:11-17 ISV)
John the Baptist
What great commendation did Jesus give regarding John the Baptist? What great commendation did Jesus give even the lowliest in the kingdom?
And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (Luke 7:18-28 KJV)
Who were baptized by John and who refused him?
And when all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and the scholars of the Law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John. (Luke 7:29-30 LSB)
Did that generation want people to just go along with their demands without thinking or wisdom? Is our generation similar?
To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a song of mourning, and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ And yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children. (Luke 7:31-35 NASB)
Sinner
What did Jesus teach about those who have sinned much?
When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. (Luke 7:36-43 NIV)
How do we treat such people entering our congregations?
Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:44-50 NIV)
Are we sometimes amazed at the faith of those outside our church community? Whose faith healed a widow’s son? How great in God’s eyes is the least member of God’s kingdom? Can a sinner show more faith than many in our congregations? You decide!
Organization (Numbers 2)
How did Israel camp in the wilderness? Was it haphazard or organized? Should there be organization in the church? Let’s look at Numbers 2.
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the east, a distance from the tabernacle?
And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies; and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the leader of the children of Judah.” And his army was numbered at seventy-four thousand six hundred. (Numbers 2:1-3 NKJV)
Which were the other two tribes with Judah on the east side of the tabernacle?
Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar. The prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred. The tribe of Zebulun: the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon. His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. All who were counted of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first. (Numbers 2:5-9 WEB)
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the south, a distance from the tabernacle, and which were the other two tribes with them?
On the south side will be the banner of Reuben’s camp with its military units. The chief of the people of Reuben is Elizur, Shedeur’s son. His military unit and those enlisted in it are 46,500. Those camping on one side of him are the tribe of Simeon. The chief of the people of Simeon is Shelumiel, Zurishaddai’s son. His military unit and those enlisted in it are 59,300. On the other side, the tribe of Gad: the chief of the people of Gad is Eliasaph, Reuel’s son. His military unit and those enlisted in it are 45,650. All those enlisted in Reuben’s camp with their military units are 151,450. They will march second. (Numbers 2:10-16 CEB)
Who was in the center of the camp, and what was their marching order?
Marching behind Reuben will be the Levites, arranged in groups, just as they are camped. They will carry the sacred tent and their own banners. (Numbers 2:17 CEV)
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the west, a distance from the tabernacle, and which were the other two tribes with them?
On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim by their companies, the chief of the people of Ephraim being Elishama the son of Ammihud, his company as listed being 40,500. And next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh, the chief of the people of Manasseh being Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, his company as listed being 32,200. Then the tribe of Benjamin, the chief of the people of Benjamin being Abidan the son of Gideoni, his company as listed being 35,400. All those listed of the camp of Ephraim, by their companies, were 108,100. They shall set out third on the march. (Numbers 2:18-24 ESV)
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the north, a distance from the tabernacle, and which were the other two tribes with them?
Dan’s military divisions will camp on the north side under their banner. The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. His military division numbers 62,700. The tribe of Asher will camp next to it. The leader of the Asherites is Pagiel son of Ochran. His military division numbers 41,500. The tribe of Naphtali will be next. The leader of the Naphtalites is Ahira son of Enan. His military division numbers 53,400. The total number who belong to Dan’s encampment is 157,600; they are to move out last, with their banners. (Numbers 2:25-31 HCSB)
What is a summary of this military census of all Israel excluding the Levites?
Here is a summary of the census of the Israelis according to the tribes of their ancestral houses: All the divisions in the camps numbered 603,550, but the descendants of Levi were not numbered along with the other Israelis, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. So the Israelis did everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses; that is, they encamped under their standard as each person traveled with his own tribe and ancestral house. (Numbers 2:32-34 ISV)
What is a basis for organization in the local church?
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5 KJV)
Would God agree that the disorganized chaos found in some churches is led by the Holy Spirit?
But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. (1 Corinthians 14:40 LSB)
How did Israel camp in the wilderness? Was it haphazard or organized? Should there be organization in the church? You decide!
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the east, a distance from the tabernacle?
And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies; and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the leader of the children of Judah.” And his army was numbered at seventy-four thousand six hundred. (Numbers 2:1-3 NKJV)
Which were the other two tribes with Judah on the east side of the tabernacle?
Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar. The prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred. The tribe of Zebulun: the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon. His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. All who were counted of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first. (Numbers 2:5-9 WEB)
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the south, a distance from the tabernacle, and which were the other two tribes with them?
On the south side will be the banner of Reuben’s camp with its military units. The chief of the people of Reuben is Elizur, Shedeur’s son. His military unit and those enlisted in it are 46,500. Those camping on one side of him are the tribe of Simeon. The chief of the people of Simeon is Shelumiel, Zurishaddai’s son. His military unit and those enlisted in it are 59,300. On the other side, the tribe of Gad: the chief of the people of Gad is Eliasaph, Reuel’s son. His military unit and those enlisted in it are 45,650. All those enlisted in Reuben’s camp with their military units are 151,450. They will march second. (Numbers 2:10-16 CEB)
Who was in the center of the camp, and what was their marching order?
Marching behind Reuben will be the Levites, arranged in groups, just as they are camped. They will carry the sacred tent and their own banners. (Numbers 2:17 CEV)
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the west, a distance from the tabernacle, and which were the other two tribes with them?
On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim by their companies, the chief of the people of Ephraim being Elishama the son of Ammihud, his company as listed being 40,500. And next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh, the chief of the people of Manasseh being Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, his company as listed being 32,200. Then the tribe of Benjamin, the chief of the people of Benjamin being Abidan the son of Gideoni, his company as listed being 35,400. All those listed of the camp of Ephraim, by their companies, were 108,100. They shall set out third on the march. (Numbers 2:18-24 ESV)
Which tribe was the head tribe of the three that camped on the north, a distance from the tabernacle, and which were the other two tribes with them?
Dan’s military divisions will camp on the north side under their banner. The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. His military division numbers 62,700. The tribe of Asher will camp next to it. The leader of the Asherites is Pagiel son of Ochran. His military division numbers 41,500. The tribe of Naphtali will be next. The leader of the Naphtalites is Ahira son of Enan. His military division numbers 53,400. The total number who belong to Dan’s encampment is 157,600; they are to move out last, with their banners. (Numbers 2:25-31 HCSB)
What is a summary of this military census of all Israel excluding the Levites?
Here is a summary of the census of the Israelis according to the tribes of their ancestral houses: All the divisions in the camps numbered 603,550, but the descendants of Levi were not numbered along with the other Israelis, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. So the Israelis did everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses; that is, they encamped under their standard as each person traveled with his own tribe and ancestral house. (Numbers 2:32-34 ISV)
What is a basis for organization in the local church?
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (Titus 1:5 KJV)
Would God agree that the disorganized chaos found in some churches is led by the Holy Spirit?
But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner. (1 Corinthians 14:40 LSB)
How did Israel camp in the wilderness? Was it haphazard or organized? Should there be organization in the church? You decide!
Military Census (Numbers 1)
Did God require a census only counting men of military age? Were the Levites given an exemption for priestly duties? Do we view such things with modern prejudices or seek to understand God’s thinking? Let’s look at Numbers 1.
Have you ever heard someone misjudge the law as just human ideas and not divine? Was this census just Moses’ idea? Why did they just count men from twenty years old and above?
Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies. And with you there shall be a man from every tribe, each one the head of his father’s house.” (Numbers 1:1-4 NKJV)
Who were the men in charge of taking this census? Did you notice that Levi is missing?
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni; from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; from Asher, Pagiel son of Okran; from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel; from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” (Numbers 1:5-15 NIV)
Who were these census takers and what did they do to count the people?
These are the chosen leaders of the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel. So Moses and Aaron called together these chosen leaders, and they assembled the whole community of Israel on that very day. All the people were registered according to their ancestry by their clans and families. The men of Israel who were twenty years old or older were listed one by one, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. So Moses recorded their names in the wilderness of Sinai. (Numbers 1:16-19 NLT)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Reuben, Simeon and Gad?
The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred. Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those who were counted of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred. Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty. (Numbers 1:20-25 WEB)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Judah, Issachar and Zebulun?
There were the descendants of Judah, registered by their clans and their households. The men 20 years old and above eligible for military service were recorded by name. Those enlisted from the tribe of Judah were 74,600. There were the descendants of Issachar, registered by their clans and their households. The men 20 years old and above eligible for military service were recorded by name. Those enlisted from the tribe of Issachar were 54,400. There were the descendants of Zebulun, registered by their clans and their households. The men 20 years old and above eligible for military service were recorded by name. Those enlisted from the tribe of Zebulun were 57,400. (Numbers 1:26-31 CEB)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Joseph (Ephraim), Manasseh and Benjamin?
Of the people of Joseph, namely, of the people of Ephraim, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war: those listed of the tribe of Ephraim were 40,500. Of the people of Manasseh, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war: those listed of the tribe of Manasseh were 32,200. Of the people of Benjamin, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war: those listed of the tribe of Benjamin were 35,400. (Numbers 1:32-37 ESV)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Dan, Asshur and Naphtali?
The descendants of Dan: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered for the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700. The descendants of Asher: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered for the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500. The descendants of Naphtali: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered for the tribe of Naphtali numbered 53,400. (Numbers 1:38-43 HCSB)
What then was the grand total of all men ages twenty and up who were fit enough to serve?
These individuals were the ones whom Moses and Aaron registered from the twelve leaders of Israel, each person from his ancestral house. Everyone was numbered from the descendants of Israel, from their ancestral houses, from all the men who were 20 years and above and who could serve in the army. The total of all those who were numbered was 603,550. (Numbers 1:44-46 ISV)
Why were the Levites not to be counted in the census?
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. For the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying, Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. (Numbers 1:47-51 KJV)
What were the camping arrangements of the various tribes?
“And the sons of Israel shall camp, each man by his own camp, and each man by his own standard, according to their armies. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.” Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all which Yahweh had commanded Moses, so they did. (Numbers 1:52-54 LSB)
Did Jesus say the apostles would rule Israel in the future?
And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28 NASB)
Does heaven have an angel army ready to protect us if needed?
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:16-17 NIV)
Did God require a census only counting men of military age? Were the Levites given an exemption for priestly duties? Do we view such things with modern prejudices or seek to understand God’s thinking? You decide!
Have you ever heard someone misjudge the law as just human ideas and not divine? Was this census just Moses’ idea? Why did they just count men from twenty years old and above?
Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies. And with you there shall be a man from every tribe, each one the head of his father’s house.” (Numbers 1:1-4 NKJV)
Who were the men in charge of taking this census? Did you notice that Levi is missing?
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni; from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; from Asher, Pagiel son of Okran; from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel; from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” (Numbers 1:5-15 NIV)
Who were these census takers and what did they do to count the people?
These are the chosen leaders of the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel. So Moses and Aaron called together these chosen leaders, and they assembled the whole community of Israel on that very day. All the people were registered according to their ancestry by their clans and families. The men of Israel who were twenty years old or older were listed one by one, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. So Moses recorded their names in the wilderness of Sinai. (Numbers 1:16-19 NLT)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Reuben, Simeon and Gad?
The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred. Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those who were counted of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred. Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty. (Numbers 1:20-25 WEB)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Judah, Issachar and Zebulun?
There were the descendants of Judah, registered by their clans and their households. The men 20 years old and above eligible for military service were recorded by name. Those enlisted from the tribe of Judah were 74,600. There were the descendants of Issachar, registered by their clans and their households. The men 20 years old and above eligible for military service were recorded by name. Those enlisted from the tribe of Issachar were 54,400. There were the descendants of Zebulun, registered by their clans and their households. The men 20 years old and above eligible for military service were recorded by name. Those enlisted from the tribe of Zebulun were 57,400. (Numbers 1:26-31 CEB)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Joseph (Ephraim), Manasseh and Benjamin?
Of the people of Joseph, namely, of the people of Ephraim, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war: those listed of the tribe of Ephraim were 40,500. Of the people of Manasseh, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war: those listed of the tribe of Manasseh were 32,200. Of the people of Benjamin, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war: those listed of the tribe of Benjamin were 35,400. (Numbers 1:32-37 ESV)
How many men aged 20 and up were from Dan, Asshur and Naphtali?
The descendants of Dan: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered for the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700. The descendants of Asher: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered for the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500. The descendants of Naphtali: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered for the tribe of Naphtali numbered 53,400. (Numbers 1:38-43 HCSB)
What then was the grand total of all men ages twenty and up who were fit enough to serve?
These individuals were the ones whom Moses and Aaron registered from the twelve leaders of Israel, each person from his ancestral house. Everyone was numbered from the descendants of Israel, from their ancestral houses, from all the men who were 20 years and above and who could serve in the army. The total of all those who were numbered was 603,550. (Numbers 1:44-46 ISV)
Why were the Levites not to be counted in the census?
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. For the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying, Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. (Numbers 1:47-51 KJV)
What were the camping arrangements of the various tribes?
“And the sons of Israel shall camp, each man by his own camp, and each man by his own standard, according to their armies. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.” Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all which Yahweh had commanded Moses, so they did. (Numbers 1:52-54 LSB)
Did Jesus say the apostles would rule Israel in the future?
And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28 NASB)
Does heaven have an angel army ready to protect us if needed?
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:16-17 NIV)
Did God require a census only counting men of military age? Were the Levites given an exemption for priestly duties? Do we view such things with modern prejudices or seek to understand God’s thinking? You decide!
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