Numbers 4:34-49 & 5:1-10
Q.1. For what purpose did God call the priestly families? Did they all serve God in the same way? What is the lesson for us? – (Num.4:34-49 esp.49)
All the healthy men aged from thirty to fifty qualified to serve in the tent of meeting, whereas all men above twenty qualified to go to war (Num.4:37, 41, 45 c.f. Num.1:2-3). The priests were the offspring of Levi, the third son of Jacob … named Gershon [the Gershonites], Kohath [the Kohathites], and Merari [the Merarites] (c.f. Exo.6:16). Aaron, Miriam, and Moses were from the line of Kohath (c.f. Exo.6:18-20) Moses’ brother, Aaron and his sons were appointed to the priestly duties (c.f. Exo.6:23; Num.3:1-4). They were the priests. All the other offspring of Levi were known as Levites. All was done – according to the commandment of the Lord through Moses, they were numbered, everyone by his serving or carrying; These were his numbered men, just as the Lord had commanded Moses (Num.4:49). The Levites served the Tabernacle and carried out the practical functions relating to its transport from one location to another. Peter taught the church – 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified … (1 Pet.4:10-11).
Q.2. How did God protect the nation from infectious diseases? What is the implication for us? – (Num.5:1-4)
God demanded drastic action in the event of infectious diseases. Anyone suspected of leprosy or similar had to be removed from the camp, in order to stop the spread of disease (Num.5:1-4). Isolation has also been applied to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a similar way, such drastic measures are advocated when those claiming to be Christians bring false teaching and practices into the church. They are to be identified (‘marked’), avoided, and removed from fellowship. This makes their decision to follow apostasy clear to them, and to others (c.f. Rom.16:17; 2 John 10-11).
Q.3. What guidelines did God lay down to ensure that justice was practiced? – (Num.5:5-10)
Today the courts continually bend the rules in favour of the perpetrator thus leaving the victims feeling that they have not received justice. Israel was given clear guidelines that avoided such outcomes – then he shall confess his sins which he has committed, and he shall make restitution in full for his wrong and add to it one-fifth of it and give it to him whom he has wronged (Num.5:7). God punished the guilty by demanding that they repay an extra one-fifth. This both discouraged criminalities, and also more than fully restored the losses to the innocent party. This was extended to the family where possible, or to the priest to make atonement. Not surprisingly, God has also outlined for us steps to be taken to resolve differences between feuding parties. We cannot improve on God’s principles and when we remove the ancient landmarks, loss is inevitable (c.f. Prov.22:28; Mt.18:15-17).