Numbers 1:50

But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that [belong] to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.

But thou shalt appoint {H6485} the Levites {H3881} over the tabernacle {H4908} of testimony {H5715}, and over all the vessels {H3627} thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear {H5375} the tabernacle {H4908}, and all the vessels {H3627} thereof; and they shall minister {H8334} unto it, and shall encamp {H2583} round about {H5439} the tabernacle {H4908}.

Instead, give the L'vi'im charge over the tabernacle of the testimony, its equipment and everything else connected with it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its equipment, serve in it and set up their camp around it.

Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it.

but appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all the furniture thereof, and over all that belongeth to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the furniture thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.

Commentary

Numbers 1:50 details a crucial divine instruction concerning the role of the tribe of Levi within ancient Israel. While the other tribes were counted for military service, the Levites were specifically appointed for sacred duties related to the Tabernacle, setting them apart for a unique and vital function in the nation's spiritual life.

Context

This verse follows directly from Numbers 1:49, where God commands Moses not to number the Levites among the other tribes of Israel. Instead of military responsibilities, the Levites were given an exclusive charge: the care and transport of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people during their wilderness journey. This distinction highlights God's meticulous order and the unique spiritual role of the Levites in Israel's covenant relationship with Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Specialization: The verse emphasizes that God Himself "shalt appoint" the Levites. This was not a human decision but a direct divine command, underscoring their unique, consecrated role. Their duties were highly specialized, focusing entirely on the Tabernacle and its sacred components, demonstrating God's precise plan for the worship and spiritual order of His people.
  • Custodians of Holiness: The Levites were entrusted with the "tabernacle of testimony" and "all the vessels thereof." This responsibility involved handling extremely holy objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and other sacred instruments. Their role as guardians of these holy items highlighted the immense holiness of God and the necessity of a designated, consecrated group to mediate access to His dwelling place. This also served as a protective measure for the rest of the congregation, preventing unauthorized approach to the holy things, which could result in severe consequences (Numbers 4:15).
  • Order and Protection: The command for the Levites to "encamp round about the tabernacle" established a vital protective barrier. This physical arrangement prevented other Israelites from drawing too close to the sacred sanctuary, thereby guarding against unintentional defilement or presumptuous access that could incur divine judgment. It reinforced the strict boundaries between the holy and the common, emphasizing reverence and the structured approach to God's presence in the Israelite camp.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tabernacle of testimony" (Hebrew: mishkan ha'eduth) refers to the Tent of Meeting, specifically emphasizing the "testimony" – the two tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments) placed within the Ark of the Covenant. This highlights that the Tabernacle was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His revealed will, which the Levites were tasked with safeguarding.

Practical Application

While the physical Tabernacle no longer exists, the principles behind the Levites' service remain relevant:

  • Called to Specific Service: Just as the Levites were divinely appointed for unique service, believers today are called to various roles within the body of Christ. Not everyone has the same gifts or responsibilities, but each is vital for the health and functioning of the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12. We are to discern and faithfully execute our God-given callings.
  • Reverence for God's Holiness: The meticulous care required of the Levites for the Tabernacle and its vessels reminds us of the profound reverence due to God and His holiness. Though we approach God through Christ's sacrifice, the awe and respect for His divine nature should always characterize our worship and spiritual life.
  • Maintaining Spiritual Boundaries: The Levites' role in protecting the Tabernacle from unauthorized access underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and guarding against things that might profane our walk with God or corrupt the purity of the church. We are called to uphold biblical standards and protect the sanctity of our faith.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 38:21 (7 votes)

    ¶ This is the sum of the tabernacle, [even] of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, [for] the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

  • Exodus 31:18 (4 votes)

    And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

  • Numbers 4:15 (4 votes)

    And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Exodus 32:26 (3 votes)

    Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who [is] on the LORD'S side? [let him come] unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

  • Exodus 32:29 (3 votes)

    For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.

  • Numbers 4:25 (3 votes)

    And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that [is] above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

  • Numbers 4:33 (3 votes)

    This [is] the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.