Daily Bread for Feb 15, Num 8-10

Today's readings are Num 8-10.

In Num 8:5-22, the Levites, according to the commandments given in Num 3, are consecrated in service to the Lord. They, like Aaron and his sons, must be ritually cleansed before serving. They are offered as a "wave" offering, a term we've seen before. A wave offering is the symbolic lifting up of an offering, placing it before the Lord and dedicating it to Him.

Then, the clans are to lay their hands on the Levites, and the Levites are in turn to lay their hands on the sacrifices, transferring the sins of the people to the sacrifices. The Levites serve the High Priest and stand in as a substitute for the firstborn of God's people.

God’s character and nature are revealed in the rituals and observances. God is holy, pure, righteous and just. His people must be transformed into His likeness if they are to come into His presence. The rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies symbolize that transformation.

The Levites will eventually retire from the heavy work of moving and maintaining the tabernacle (Num 8:23-25). However, they will continue to serve (Num 8:26).

God commands the Passover in Num 9:1-14, the remembrance of their deliverance from Egypt. His people and all sojourners among them are to observe it, without exception (Num 9:9-14). This is to ensure that His people always remember who their deliverer is and the nature of His promises.

In Num 9:15-23, God's glory fills the tabernacle. When God moves, His people will move. When God stays, His people will stay with Him. He is their God and leader; the Great Shepherd and they are His flock. This unity points toward the union His children will have in Christ. Wherever they are, He is with them. But, it also exhibits His sovereign will. His people go where He wants, where and when He determines they will go.

When all the ceremonies and instructions are in place, God leads His people from Sinai (Num 10). Judah is in front with Dan bringing up the rear. God gives them a set of signals calling for various meetings, functions and as a call to battle. The signals are sounded through silver trumpets. The trumpets represent the audible presence of God among His people. There is a physical representation of Him as well, the column of fire and smoke that leads them. In the cloud, the fire and the trumpets, we learn that God will be seen and heard among His people. In other words, there will be tangible evidence of His presence among His children.