While setting up the Levites with responsibilities in Numbers 4, we learned that the priests are to cover all of the articles in the sanctuary before the Levites enter to carry it. The Levites are not to even look at a holy thing or they will die (Numbers 4:17-20).God has already set limitations on the Levites’ service in the tabernacle. Death is the result of touching or looking at the holy things. Levites are to carry articles and disassemble tents AFTER the priests have wrapped them and prepared them for travel. The Levites who go beyond these limits will die. Even if there is just a momentary glance, death will ensue. No matter the motive in these forbidden glances or touches, the acts are punishable by death.
In Numbers 18, verse 3 we read that if a Levite goes near the sanctuary or the altar, they will die and so will the priest on duty! That’s right; the priest will also die. The Levites are assistants to the priest. They must not overstep their bounds. The priest will die along with any transgressor. He must keep them in line. “You are to be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the altar, so that my wrath will not fall on the Israelites again. I myself have selected your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the Lord to do the work at the tent of meeting. But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary is to be put to death.” (Numbers 18:5-7)
As an example to us, the greatest transgression recorded in the Bible is when King Uzziah became prideful and entered the Holy Place of the Temple to burn incense to God; something only the priests were authorized to do. "Azariah the priest with 80 other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in." (2 Chronicles 26:16-20) The priests tried to get the king to leave the temple, but he refused. Uzziah was raging at the priests when God caused leprosy to break out on his forehead. Well, the priests did not have to do much convincing after that! Uzziah had leprosy till the day he died and could never enter the temple again. So you see, if the priests tells someone to leave and he doesn't listen, the priest will not die because he did his best.
As an example to us, the greatest transgression recorded in the Bible is when King Uzziah became prideful and entered the Holy Place of the Temple to burn incense to God; something only the priests were authorized to do. "Azariah the priest with 80 other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in." (2 Chronicles 26:16-20) The priests tried to get the king to leave the temple, but he refused. Uzziah was raging at the priests when God caused leprosy to break out on his forehead. Well, the priests did not have to do much convincing after that! Uzziah had leprosy till the day he died and could never enter the temple again. So you see, if the priests tells someone to leave and he doesn't listen, the priest will not die because he did his best.
After telling Aaron about the priesthood and the help He is giving him, it is clear that God is bestowing two gifts on the priests in Numbers 18. It is an honor to be a priest. With the travel involved in the desert wandering, it is also a big responsibility. God had provided for the priests, so they had dedicated helpers. They are not dependent upon volunteers to sign up for a shift. The Levites belong to the priests and should take their role as the honor that it is. After the aggression of Korah’s rebellion, Aaron’s sons may have some doubts about the honor of being a priest. God affirms their position and its privilege by saying it is His gift to them.
A third gift is given to the priests in this passage. The tithes and offerings of Israel belong to the Levites and priests. There is a portion of every offering (except the burnt offering which is consumed by fire) that is reserved for God’s servants. The priests and Levites are to be supported by the Israelites. Just like our pastors today are to be supported by their churches.
The offerings given to the priests and Levites are called perpetual. Just like how God provides for us today. He will never leave or forsake us, and He gives us what we need. It may not be from traditional means that He provides for us. He might use others and the church to sustain us, but His provision is perpetual. Do you have a testimony that these statements spark? Share it with someone to honor God.
As God's chosen instruments, the priests and Levites receive the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire. God normally has a memorial portion at the very least. The aroma rising to heaven from the offering is pleasing to God. Today our sacrifices are from our resources of time, money, material possessions, or even emotions (praising when you don’t feel like it-a sacrifice of praise). Which offering is most difficult for you to give? Ask God to help you to be more faithful and sacrificial in this area.
Do you have an example of a time you gave until it hurt? Can you remember giving when it was hard to and how God blessed you for it? I was a single mom for over seven years. During that time, I became a Christian. The process of my salvation began a few years before that, but I guess I was a tough case. I gave to the Lord in obedience to His word, even though sometimes it was difficult. During those seven years, when things were tight financially, I often say I was like the Israelites. My shoes didn’t wear out nor did my clothing. Of course, my children grew the whole time, but whenever they needed clothing, I would make a list and I would find everything on my list at yard sales or used clothing stores and I always had enough money to pay for these items. God truly provided miraculously for us in every way for 7 and a half years!
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