Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
1:51 Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it. Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.
No one was to help the Levites on the threat of death! As Christians, there are times not to help. We don't always do people a favour by helping. This requires good discernment to know when to help and when not to.
1:51 Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it. Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.
No one was to help the Levites on the threat of death! As Christians, there are times not to help. We don't always do people a favour by helping. This requires good discernment to know when to help and when not to.
2:17 Then the tent of meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They will set out in the same order as they encamp, each in their own place under their standard.
I love how organized God is!
2:17 Then the tent of meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They will set out in the same order as they encamp, each in their own place under their standard.
I love how organized God is!
3:46-47 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites, collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs.
The Levites took the place of the first born son who were dedicated to God at the first Passover. God even redeems the 273 so no one is overlooked, everyone is accounted for and has a place in God's economy.
3:46-47 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites, collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs.
The Levites took the place of the first born son who were dedicated to God at the first Passover. God even redeems the 273 so no one is overlooked, everyone is accounted for and has a place in God's economy.
4:12 They are to take all the articles used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.
This whole chapter reminds me of the many times we have moved. The 'taking down' (v. 5), 'the covering' (v. 6) and 'the wrapping' (v. 10, 12) and 'the carrying'.
God still asks his people to physically move today and we can know that he understands the process – how time consuming it is and the importance of being careful.
4:12 They are to take all the articles used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.
This whole chapter reminds me of the many times we have moved. The 'taking down' (v. 5), 'the covering' (v. 6) and 'the wrapping' (v. 10, 12) and 'the carrying'.
God still asks his people to physically move today and we can know that he understands the process – how time consuming it is and the importance of being careful.
5:8 But if that person has no close relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest, along with the ram with which atonement is made for the wrongdoer.
(From Constable's Commentary) "The point is clear – wrongs committed against God's people were considered wrongs committed against God Himself" and "Within God's covenant with Israel there could be no hidden sin among God's people nor any suspicion of sin."
God wants a holy people. He identifies so closely with us that sin against us is sin against him.
NB If a woman was put through this ordeal (v. 11-31), it was protection against being stoned on a suspicion.
5:8 But if that person has no close relative to whom restitution can be made for the wrong, the restitution belongs to the LORD and must be given to the priest, along with the ram with which atonement is made for the wrongdoer.
(From Constable's Commentary) "The point is clear – wrongs committed against God's people were considered wrongs committed against God Himself" and "Within God's covenant with Israel there could be no hidden sin among God's people nor any suspicion of sin."
God wants a holy people. He identifies so closely with us that sin against us is sin against him.
NB If a woman was put through this ordeal (v. 11-31), it was protection against being stoned on a suspicion.