Numbers 3

Numbers 3 provides details about the Levites and their specific duties related to the service of the tabernacle. It outlines their role as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel and divides the Levites into three main families—the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites—detailing their responsibilities in caring for and transporting different parts of the tabernacle. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the Levites' role in maintaining the holiness of the camp and the worship system, as well as God's claim over them in place of Israel’s firstborn.

Numbers 3:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now these are the records of Aaron and Moses when the Lord spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai.
2 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab, the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he consecrated to minister as priests.

These verses introduce the sons of Aaron, the first priests of Israel, who were consecrated to serve in the priesthood. Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were the four sons. The mention of God speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai emphasizes the divine origin of their priestly role and the sacredness of their duties. Aaron’s sons represent the continuation of the priesthood, essential for maintaining the people's covenant relationship with God.

Numbers 3:4 (NKJV)
4 Nadab and Abihu had died before the Lord when they offered profane fire before the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests in the presence of Aaron their father.

Here we are reminded of the tragic fate of Nadab and Abihu, who died because they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord. Their death serves as a warning about the holiness required in serving God. Since Nadab and Abihu had no children, Eleazar and Ithamar took on the priestly duties alongside their father, Aaron. The continuation of the priesthood through Eleazar and Ithamar shows God’s provision in preserving the priestly line.

Numbers 3:5-7 (NKJV)
5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may serve him.
7 And they shall attend to his needs and the needs of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of meeting, to do the work of the tabernacle.

These verses highlight God’s command to Moses to set apart the tribe of Levi for service. The Levites are to assist Aaron and his sons in the priestly work, serving the entire congregation by maintaining the tabernacle. Their role is vital to the worship system of Israel, ensuring that the holy place remains functional and that the people's worship is conducted according to God’s instructions. The Levites act as a support system for the priesthood, which underscores their sacred role in the community.

Numbers 3:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Also they shall attend to all the furnishings of the tabernacle of meeting, and to the needs of the children of Israel, to do the work of the tabernacle.
9 And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are given entirely to him from among the children of Israel.
10 So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall attend to their priesthood; but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.

The Levites are tasked with taking care of all aspects of the tabernacle’s operation, from its furnishings to its overall function. God emphasizes that the Levites are completely dedicated to the service of Aaron and his sons, ensuring that the priesthood can focus on their specific responsibilities. The warning that outsiders who approach the tabernacle would face death shows the seriousness of protecting the holiness of God's sanctuary. It reinforces the separation between the sacred duties of the Levites and the general populace.

Numbers 3:11-13 (NKJV)
11 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
12 “Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine,
13 because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.”

God declares that He has taken the Levites in place of the firstborn of Israel. This action recalls the Exodus event when God spared the firstborn of Israel during the plague on Egypt’s firstborn. The Levites are thus dedicated to God’s service as a replacement for the firstborn, symbolizing Israel's redemption and ongoing covenant relationship with God. It emphasizes God's ownership and sanctification of the people of Israel, especially through the dedication of the Levites.

Numbers 3:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying:
15 “Number the children of Levi by their fathers' houses, by their families; you shall number every male from a month old and above.”
16 So Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.

Here, God commands Moses to conduct a census of the Levites, counting every male from the age of one month and older. This shows the significance of the Levites from a young age, as they were set apart for service to God from the earliest stages of life. Moses' obedience to God's command to take this census reflects the precision and order required in maintaining the structure of Israel's worship system.

Numbers 3:17-20 (NKJV)
17 These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
18 And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.
19 And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
20 And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their fathers’ houses.

These verses introduce the main divisions of the tribe of Levi. The Levites are divided into three main families: the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, named after Levi's sons. Each family has specific duties related to the tabernacle, which will be detailed in the following verses. This division ensures that the responsibilities are organized and that each family has a clear role in serving the Lord.

Numbers 3:21-23 (NKJV)
21 From Gershon came the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimeites; these were the families of the Gershonites.
22 Those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above—of those who were numbered, there were seven thousand five hundred.
23 The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle westward.

The Gershonites, one of the three Levitical families, are counted, and their total male population is 7,500. This family is assigned to camp on the west side of the tabernacle, indicating a specific place for them within the broader camp. The fact that their camp is located near the tabernacle shows their close association with the worship and service of God, and their role in maintaining the tabernacle’s structure.

Numbers 3:24-26 (NKJV)
24 The leader of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Lael.
25 The duties of the children of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting included the tabernacle, the tent with its covering, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting,
26 the screen for the door of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords, according to all the work relating to them.

The leader of the Gershonites is Eliasaph, and their duties are outlined. They are responsible for the maintenance and transport of the outer components of the tabernacle, such as the tent coverings, screens, and hangings. These tasks are vital for the assembly and disassembly of the tabernacle, which was a portable structure during Israel's wilderness journey. The meticulous description of their duties highlights the organized approach to maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:27-28 (NKJV)
27 From Kohath came the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izeharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites; these were the families of the Kohathites.
28 According to the number of all the males, from a month old and above, there were eight thousand six hundred keeping charge of the sanctuary.

The Kohathites are the next family counted, with a total of 8,600 males. Their responsibility is described as “keeping charge of the sanctuary,” indicating that they had direct involvement with the most sacred aspects of the tabernacle’s operation. The Kohathites’ larger population signifies their crucial role in caring for the heart of Israel's worship system, which included the most holy items within the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:29-31 (NKJV)
29 The families of the children of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
30 And the leader of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
31 Their duty included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them.

The Kohathites are assigned to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, with Elizaphan as their leader. Their responsibilities are significant, as they care for the most sacred objects in the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. Their duties involve maintaining and transporting these holy objects, which are central to Israel's worship. The importance of their role emphasizes the need for reverence and precision in handling the sacred items.

Numbers 3:32 (NKJV)
32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders of the Levites, with oversight of those who kept charge of the sanctuary.

Eleazar, the son of Aaron, is given a supervisory role over all the Levites. His responsibility includes overseeing the various tasks related to the sanctuary, ensuring that each family fulfills their duties according to God’s commands. Eleazar’s position signifies the connection between the priesthood and the Levites, maintaining the order and holiness required for worship in the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:33-35 (NKJV)
33 From Merari came the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites; these were the families of Merari.
34 And those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above, were six thousand two hundred.
35 The leader of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

The Merarites, numbering 6,200 males, are assigned to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. Zuriel, their leader, is responsible for overseeing their duties. The Merarites, like the other Levitical families, have a specific role to play in the care of the tabernacle, and their presence on the north side emphasizes the organized structure of the camp surrounding the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:36-37 (NKJV)
36 And the appointed duty of the children of Merari included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work relating to them,
37 and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets, their pegs, and their cords.

The Merarites are responsible for the structural components of the tabernacle, including its boards, pillars, sockets, and pegs. These items form the framework of the tabernacle, making their work crucial to the stability and transport of the sacred structure. Their duties, though not as visibly sacred as those of the Kohathites, are essential for the function of the tabernacle as the center of worship in the camp.

Numbers 3:38 (NKJV)
38 Moreover those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tabernacle of meeting, were Moses, Aaron, and his sons, keeping charge of the sanctuary, to meet the needs of the children of Israel; but the outsider who came near was to be put to death.

Moses, Aaron, and his sons are assigned to camp on the east side of the tabernacle, the most prominent location, facing the entrance. Their role is to oversee the sanctuary and ensure that it functions properly for the benefit of all Israel. The warning that any outsider approaching the sanctuary would be put to death emphasizes the holiness of the tabernacle and the need for strict boundaries to protect its sanctity. This underlines the seriousness with which God’s presence is to be treated.

Numbers 3:39 (NKJV)
39 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, by their families, all the males from a month old and above, were twenty-two thousand.

The total number of Levites is given as 22,000 males from one month old and older. This census, commanded by the Lord, reveals the size of the tribe set apart for the service of the tabernacle. The Levites are numerous, and their role in maintaining the tabernacle and assisting the priests is critical to the spiritual life of Israel.

Numbers 3:40-42 (NKJV)
40 Then the Lord said to Moses: “Number all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and above, and take the number of their names.
41 And you shall take the Levites for Me—I am the Lord— instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.”
42 So Moses numbered all the firstborn among the children of Israel, as the Lord commanded him.

God instructs Moses to number all the firstborn males of Israel, from one month old and older, and then take the Levites as substitutes for them. The Levites, including their livestock, are set apart in place of the firstborn, reflecting God's claim over the firstborn of Israel, which dates back to the Passover. This substitution reinforces the idea that the Levites are dedicated to God’s service as representatives of Israel's firstborn.

Numbers 3:43-45 (NKJV)
43 And all the firstborn males, according to the number of names from a month old and above, of those who were numbered of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three.
44 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
45 “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock. The Levites shall be Mine: I am the Lord.”

The total number of firstborn males in Israel is 22,273, slightly higher than the number of Levites. The Levites are again confirmed as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel, showing that God has claimed them for Himself. The phrase "The Levites shall be Mine" reiterates the special relationship between God and the Levites, who are set apart for His service as representatives of all Israel.

Numbers 3:46-48 (NKJV)
46 And for the redemption of the two hundred and seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, who are more than the number of the Levites,
47 you shall take five shekels for each one individually; you shall take them in the currency of the shekel of the sanctuary, the shekel of twenty gerahs.
48 And you shall give the money, with which the excess number of them is redeemed, to Aaron and his sons.”

Since the number of firstborn males exceeds the number of Levites by 273, God provides a means of redemption for the extra firstborn. Each of these additional firstborn is redeemed with five shekels, paid in the currency of the sanctuary. The money is given to Aaron and his sons, symbolizing the exchange and maintaining the principle that the firstborn are consecrated to God.

Numbers 3:49-51 (NKJV)
49 So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those who were redeemed by the Levites.
50 From the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred and sixty-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary.
51 And Moses gave their redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Moses collects the redemption money, totaling 1,365 shekels, from the firstborn who exceeded the number of Levites. He then gives the money to Aaron and his sons, in obedience to God’s command. This act completes the substitution process, ensuring that the Levites replace the firstborn of Israel in serving the Lord. The redemption payment emphasizes that all firstborn belong to God and that the Levites serve in their place, preserving the sacred relationship between Israel and God.