Once the census of all the tribes of Israel was completed, God outlined the role of the Levites and began to implement those duties in the tabernacle. The Levites were to assist the priests (Aaron & His Sons), in the service of the tabernacle. An interesting point is made, which will be discussed further later: the Levites were the designated replacements for the firstborn of every family. They were to replace them as dedicated to the Lord, and serve in the tabernacle. I have little or no evidence as to why God chose the Levites, but nevertheless they were God’s choice to serve. They had no inheritance as the other tribes, but lived from the tabernacle, and, eventually, the temple.
A census was then made of the Levites, and they were numbered at 22,000 men. This tribe had the fewest number of men (even though they were numbered from one month old and above, as opposed to the rest of the tribes, whose census only included those 20 years of age and above). Three main descendants of Levi made up the divisions of the Levites: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The Gershonites camped on the west side of the tabernacle. Their primary responsibility was the covering, hangings, and cords of the tabernacle. The Kohathites camped on the south side of the camp and were responsible for the ark, lampstand, table, and utensils of the tabernacle. The Merarites camped on the north side of the tabernacle, and were responsible for the boards, posts, and structure of the tabernacle. Moses, Aaron, and his sons camped on the east side of the tabernacle, and were responsible for ministry within the tabernacle.
The interesting thing about these facts relating to the Levites was God’s foreshadowing of His calling and assignment of duties for ministers from all times and ages. First, ministers, like Levites, are dedicated unto the Lord for His service. The calling of God is a serious setting apart for service and ministry. In many movements, there is an official setting forth, with the laying on of hands in order to designate one as called unto ministry. Second, like the Gershonites, ministers are responsible to cover the church (tabernacle) in prayer and care. Third, like the Kohathites, ministers should be the caretakers of the presence of God and all things holy in the church. The pastor or minister must bring God’s presence to the people and invite and invoke the Holy Spirit. That is not to say that only ministers can touch God in worship services; far from it! However, it is the minister’s responsibility to make sure that God’s presence is welcomed and worshipped when God’s people come together. Fourth, like the Merarites, ministers should make sure that the foundation of the church, the structure, is solid, based upon the Word of God and Prayer, and not on current cultural conventions. The church cannot be built on anything less that Jesus Christ and righteousness, as the old hymn says. Finally, ministers should be responsible to minister, in and out of the church building. We are priests, representatives of the most High God. It is our responsibility to bring healing, deliverance, and salvation to the lost, hurting, and infirmed. Let us learn the lessson of the Levites!
Devoted To You 