Numbers 3:1-37
Q.1. Why were the Levites chosen from among Israel? What did their calling signify? – (Num.3:1-14)
This chapter detailed the names, roles, and placement of the Levitical priesthood – the anointed priest whom Aaron ordained to serve as priests … they are wholly given to him from among the sons of Israel (Num.3:3 & 9). But why? This is what God declared to Israel through Moses – 12 Now, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn, the first issue of the womb among the sons of Israel. So, the Levites shall be Mine. 13 For all the firstborn sons are Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the Lord (Num.3:12-13). The priesthood REPRESENTED the people before God. This became an established principle from the time the Israelites were redeemed by the blood of the lamb from slavery in Egypt.
Q.2. How did God ensure that each Levite knew what to do and where to dwell? Did all the men have a significant role? – (Num.3:15-37)
God pre-determined the calling of each of the sons of Aaron and their descendants (Num.3:17-20) … (i) In the west was the family of Gershom – seven thousand five hundred males (Num.3:21-26); (ii) In the south was the family of Kohath – eight thousand six hundred males (Num.3:27-32); (iii) In the north was the family of Merari – six thousand two hundred males (Num.3:33-37). Each was given a specific task to fulfil. and each had a clear job description. God even gave a plan of where each would be located with reference to the Tabernacle. Moses and Aaron, the High Priest, were positioned to the east (Num.3:38-39). This is similar to the distribution of gifts within the church (c.f. Eph.4:9-11; 1 Cor.12:4-7, 11, 18). God is not a God of confusion, but a God of order (c.f. 1 Cor.14:33 & 40).