Numbers 3-4

Interestingly we are left in Numbers 2 with the LORD's command to Moses not to count the tribe of Levi in the census. Chapters 3 and 4 Moses is then commanded to count or number the Levites and in doing so God substitutes the consecration of the firstborn of all the Israelites for the tribe of Levi. In chapter 4 the LORD gives Moses instruction on how to split up the work and care for the tabernacle into three clans which were sons of Levi: Gershon (Gershonites), Kohath (Kohathites) and Merari (Merarites). One interesting phrase that is repeated over four times for each of the clans is the age of service in work at the tabernacle or tent of meeting, it is important to note that when something is important in scripture it is repeated, this is God's way of reiterating strong emphasis in the written literature tradition of both the old and new testaments. 

Numbers 4:3(23)(30)(35) (NIV) "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 significant because we know that Jesus, the great and permanent high priest of the new better covenant, began his work of ministry as a servant at the age of 30 and because he is alive and interceding for believers at the right hand of the Father was not decommissioned from serving after aging out after 50. This is emphasized clearly through chapters 7-8 of the book of Hebrews. 

Hebrews 7:23-25 (NKJV) "Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

This is an important point not to be understated. The Levitical priesthood had age limitations for working in the house of God, Jesus came as the perfect priest as a forever priest who doesn't offer sacrifices day after day for his own sins and the sins of the people, rather Jesus who is sinless offered himself for sin - once and for all. The old covenant appointed priests who were weak and sinful themselves, because we have Jesus as our great high priest we have what the author of Hebrews calls a better hope by which we can draw near to God. I am thankful that Jesus the perfect high priest guarantees the new covenant through a better complete salvation. Never will I tire of the truth that we are saved by God's grace from God's wrath through faith in God's son Jesus alone. Hallelujah to the King of Kings, the great and perfect high priest!

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