The Levites were counted, given specific duties, and told where to camp. The Gershonites were responsible for all the coverings of the tabernacle. The Merarites cared for everything related to the tabernacle frame. The Kohathites, the clan of Aaron and his sons, were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. Moses and Aaron and his sons camped in front of the tabernacle entrance, and only they were allowed to approach the sanctuary.

The Levites were counted for redemption. Each Levite male was taken in place of one Israelite firstborn male. However, there were not enough Levite males, and so the LORD commanded that redemption money be collected for 273 additional Israelite males.

As the Levites carried out their duties in the center of the camp, they were a constant reminder to all Israel of God's redemption from Egypt. A Passover lamb died to pay the death the Israelites deserved (Ex 12:12,13). The Levites lived the dedicated life all Israel owed to God. This points to life in Christ. Those redeemed by Christ should be wholeheartedly devoted to God. The Levites were unable to redeem every eligible male; but Christ has redeemed each person who believes in him. If Christ has redeemed you, will you live for him?


Application: Father, thank you for redeeming me by the blood of Christ. Help me to live for you.
One Word: Bought by Christ; live for him