Read Numbers 18
Questions from the Scripture text: To whom does YHWH speak in Numbers 18:1? Regarding whom? Of what two things will they bear the iniquity? Whom else is he to bring (Numbers 18:2)? That they may do what? What mustn’t they come near (Numbers 18:3)? To whom are they joined (Numbers 18:4)? Who mustn’t come near the house of Aaron? What must Aaron’s house attend to (Numbers 18:5)? For what purpose? To Whom did the Levites belong (Numbers 18:6)? To whom did He give the Levites? What specific places are Aaron’s house to serve (Numbers 18:7)? How does verse 7 describe this priesthood? What if someone else tries to serve at one of these places? To whom does YHWH speak in Numbers 18:8? What else has He given to Aaron and his sons (Numbers 18:8-9)? Where may they eat it (Numbers 18:10)? Why? What else has He given them (Numbers 18:11)? Who may eat it with them? What else has He given them (Numbers 18:12-13)? Who may eat it with them? What else is theirs (Numbers 18:14)? What are some examples (Numbers 18:15-17)? For which must money be given in its place (Numbers 18:15-16, and what must be done to the others (Numbers 18:17-18)? How does Numbers 18:19 summarize the provision? For whom? How does He describe the preservative/unbreakable nature of this provision? To whom does YHWH speak in Numbers 18:20? What won’t he have? Why; what (Whom!) will he have? What do the Levites have (Numbers 18:21)? What can the rest of Israel not do (Numbers 18:22)? Why not? Who will do the work there (Numbers 18:23)? Instead of having what? What has YHWH given to the Levites instead of land (Numbers 18:24)? To whom does YHWH speak in Numbers 18:25? To whom is he to speak (Numbers 18:26)? What must they do from the tithes they receive? How are they to treat the portions that they receive (Numbers 18:27)? To whom do they give YHWH’s tithe (Numbers 18:28)? Which part (Numbers 18:29-30)? What may they do with the rest (Numbers 18:31)? What will they be doing if they do not tithe (Numbers 18:32)?
What is the purpose and privilege of the priesthood? Numbers 18 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these thirty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the priesthood exists to save the lives of God’s people, and obtains the high privilege of having God Himself as their portion.
Iniquity, guilt, must be borne. Ultimately, this would come not by the blood of bulls and goats but of Christ (cf. Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 10:4). But under the Mosaic administration, the Lord brought the people near by sacrifices that looked forward to Christ at the altar, and a fellowship of His presence that looked forward to Christ in the Holy of Holies. So, even the altar had to be atoned for, and even the Holy of Holies had to be atoned for, and even the priesthood had to be atoned for.
This meant that only whom God had chosen, the house of Aaron, could come near and bear this guilt (Numbers 18:1). And the Lord added an extra buffer of the rest of the house of Levi as those who could come near to the house of Aaron and their work (Numbers 18:3-4). The Levites were the Lord’s, and He gave them to the house of Aaron (Numbers 18:6). Still, the work at the altar and behind the veil were exclusive to the house of Aaron (Numbers 18:5, Numbers 18:7). Death would be the consequence for any Levite who intruded upon Aaronic duties (end of Numbers 18:3, Numbers 18:7). Just as death would be the consequence for any of the children of Israel who intruded upon Levitical duties (Numbers 18:22).
Don’t you see, dear reader? Even if it were possible for you to atone for your sin or make your way to God (it’s not!), it still wouldn’t be acceptable. Priestly duties are only for them whom the Lord has appointed, and He has honored His Son with the true, ultimate, and everlasting priesthood!
YHWH Himself is the portion of the priests (Numbers 18:20), so the Lord gives them no competing earthly portion. Still, He provides for all of their families’ needs (Numbers 18:8-19). He is conveys the certainty of His faithfulness in providing for them by calling it a “covenant of salt forever” (Numbers 18:19). Salt, as a preservative, indicates the persistence and permanence of this covenant.
Similarly, the Lord provides Israel’s tithes for the Levites (Numbers 18:21), since they cannot have a land inheritance like the rest of the children of Israel (Numbers 18:23-24). From the best tenth, which the Levites receive, they are to give the best tenth to the house of Aaron as their own tithe (Numbers 18:28). Just like the rest of the ministry of the house of Aaron and of the Levites, this tithing and tithing of tithing was a life-saving measure. If the Levites did not offer it, they would die (Numbers 18:32)!
In the New Testament, there is just the one, Great High Priest forever. But, in union with Christ, every single believer comes into the Holy of Holies—not just a shadow on earth, but the true one in glory (cf. Hebrews 10:19–21). Jesus, as our Priest, has obtained the Lord Himself as His portion and ours. But, we are not deprived of other inheritance. A New Heavens and New Earth forever, as well as all things working together for the present—all are ours in Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:21–23)!
How are you safe with God? How does God being your ultimate portion show up in your life?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for atoning for our sin in Your Son, our Lord Jesus, Whom You have given as our Great High Priest. Grant that Your Spirit would make us to count You as our great Portion, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP73C “Yet Constantly, I Am with You” or TPH508 “Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
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