Numbers 4: Jobs for the Levites

"Register men from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who is qualified to perform service to do work at the tent of meeting."

Numbers 4:23

The Lord commands Moses to register 30- to 50-year-old men from all three Levite clans.  Each is appointed specific duties with regards to what parts they are supposed to carry while traveling.

Interestingly, I always thought that all Levites served as priests.  I'm not sure whether I was actually taught this in some formal or informal setting, or whether I assumed this because Aaron was from the tribe of Levi, but for whatever reason it never occurred to me that the Levites were not all priests.

The three clans of Levites were not priests.  They were only helping hands, there to carry the tent of meeting and all of its furnishings while Israel traveled through the wilderness.  This was the civic duty to which they were appointed.  At least up to this point, only Aaron and his sons were priests.

I'll be interested in seeing what the Levites do when they reach the Promised Land and don't need to carry a tent around any more...

Question of the Day:

Have you ever learned that one of your assumptions about a biblical topic is false?  When this happens, how do you respond?  Are you eager to learn more, or do you reject biblical truth in order to maintain your previous, flawed belief system?

Prayer of the Day:

Thank You for teaching me a little more about Yourself today.  Please continue to feed my hunger for knowledge about Your Truths, as I seek to understand You more through this daily bible study.  Forgive me for delays that have kept me away from Your Word.  Help me to make the time for Your Word every day, regardless of what other endeavors must be cut from my schedule to do so.  Amen.