This passage sets before us the particular service of the Levites in transporting the tabernacle and holy vessels, when the camp of the Israelites was set in motion during their wilderness journeys. It serves to show very distinctly that the work of the priests takes precedence of the service of the Levites. It also shows that the higher the order of the service, the more care must be taken to prevent any intrusion of the self-satisfaction so natural to man's heart.
Of the three families of the Levites, the Kohathites had the highest privilege, in that their particular office was to carry the holy vessels, but they were not permitted, on pain of death, so much as to catch sight of them, before they were covered. Particular injunctions, such as we do not find mentioned in the case of Gershon and Merari, were given to them, to carry everything confided to their care, upon their shoulders. It was doubtless a token of their complete subjection and submission to God's order. The Gershonites had charge of the coverings and hangings, and the Merarites, of the boards, pillars, and silver sockets.
The priests, whose duty was to cover the holy vessels, and prepare the burdens of the Kohathites, had their sphere of service particularly in the inside of the tabernacle, except for the Most Holy Place, as well as the privilege of feeding upon the sacrifices, and presenting the value of these to God.
Worship should precede all true service, and should characterize it. We should remember too that all believers are priests. Service is more of a specialty, and is fitly represented by the Levites. It is of deep interest to each one of us, for all are called to serve the Lord in some way or other.
Each family of the Levites had its allotted portion, and was required to keep to it, whereas worship is the portion of all God's people at all times. Of this, the attitude of Mary in Luke 10, affords a precious example. The portion she chose was a better one than that of Martha who was cumbered about serving the Lord.
Jesus may have been weary with His journey, and Martha's service may have appeared most fitting and appropriate, and to our point of view even necessary, bin Mary sees behind that hunger and weariness. Her soul is enthralled by the fullness and all-sufficiency of Christ, and in artless simplicity, she draws upon His unfailing resources. What a portion was hers! She had a choice to make, and she made it; she used the opportunity afforded her, as one which was not likely to occur again, and that without any special effort on her part. She did not have to go out of her way to get the "good part." which the Lord said "should not be taken away from her." And consequently she had Jesus all to herself, while she sat at His feet, and heard His word. No wonder Martha envied that, though she was filled with her own good thoughts about serving.
Levitical service is of a different character. Each Levite had a burden, but not according to his own choice. He had simply to do what the High Priest told him. He was in absolute dependence, and there was to be perfect obedience, and the utmost reverence in carrying out all that was allotted to him.
The great thing for God's servant is to hear the Master's voice, and to obey it. We should not choose as to where we would go, nor determine what we would do. It is not ours to decide whether our burden is to be the holy vessels, the curtains, or the boards. The question for each one is, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" It is, however, in all cases, very important to remember that our service as priests, feeding upon the value of Christ's sacrifice, precedes all suited Levitical service.
There is another precious truth set forth in the journeys of the Israelites through the wilderness. We find it in Num. 9:1515And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. (Numbers 9:15) to the end, and how beautiful it is to see it! God Himself is with His people, in the midst of their camp. And so it is with us; God is with us here in our allotted place on earth. The commandment of the Lord decides where the rest is to be, and His commandment settles the movement proper for the journey. Whether the rest be long or short, or by whatever pathway He may lead us, all is ordered by Him, and our part is simply to "keep His charge.”
In chapter 10, we have the trumpets, and by these God's mind was communicated to the people. Every movement in the camp was to be directed by the silver trumpets. How this speaks to us of the Word, in all our movements. May we always be ready listeners, expecting to hear the trumpet-sound! May God's Word be known and followed by us, all along our wilderness journey!
We have a portion unknown in times gone by, for, as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, we are called more or less to all the varied services set forth by priests, Levites, and camp-servants. It is our happy and blessed privilege to feed upon the Sacrifice inside the court, and then, as directed by our great High Priest in heaven, who is ever watching over us in all our journey, to listen to the trumpet-sound of the Divine Word, and thus do whatever we do, in word or deed, "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”
Num. 16 presents man's failure, and God's way of dealing with it, showing clearly who were His, and who were privileged to draw near to Him. The next chapter gives God's defense and exaltation of His servant in the presence of all. In chapter 19, we have the provision for any defilement, provided in the red heifer, without spot, or blemish, and never subjected to a yoke. What a type of our blessed Lord! Not only have our sins been put away by the sacrificial work of Christ, but as we journey on, we learn how the ashes of the red heifer, which furnished the water of separation, meet every defilement contracted along the road. Christ is not only our great High Priest, but our Advocate. He is the one who keeps us constantly in communion with Himself, through the operation of the Holy Ghost by the Word.
W. Lowe