Levites conduct census, establish camps as Israel moves with God

Numbers 1-10

AIM: God provides clear instruction to be present with Him.

A) Priest conduct census of fighting men and provide Israel’s camp and move procedures

 (1:1-46) Lord commanded Priest as census list men 20 years to fifty are counted as Israel’s troops

(47-54) not Levites responsible stand guard around Tabernacle

 (2:1-10) East-Judah, Issachar, Zebulun 186k Leaders

(11-16) South-Reuben, Simeon, Gad 151k

(17-24) Levites middle carried Tabernacle, West (Ephraim, Manasseh) Josephs two sons, Benjamin 108k

(25-34)North-Dan, Asher, Naphtali 157k

B) God redeems Levites in place of first born sons and assigns clans duties for 30-50 year olds

 (3:1-13) Only 3 priests, Aaron, Eleazar Ithamar but whole tribe Serves as firstborn

 (14-39) Moses registers all boys 1 month old or older 22k (Gershon tent west, Kohath sanctuary south, Merari frames north, east-Moses Aaron, his sons final responsibility for sanctuary on behalf of the people of Israel)

(40-51) first born sons of others tribes substituted for Levites 1,365 silver for 273 men

(4:1-20 ) Levi\ Kohathite Clan most sacred objects covered and carried with poles, not touched

(21-28) Levi\Gershonite Clan general service carrying loads curtains

(29-33) Levi\Merarite Clan loads frames of Tabernacle, crossbars

(34-49) Census was written just as the Lord commanded, included eligibility for service 30-50 years of age.

C) Camp rules and regulations, offering and dedications reinforced with God’s blessing

(5:1-10) Purity in the Israel’s camp is re-enforced – remove people unclean, confess sin, follow laws

(11-31) marriage is protected, faithfulness and suspicion of infidelity is regulated

(6:1-21) Nassarite vows, a special dedication of service to the Lord is explained hair, wine, holiness

(22-27) Aaron’s priestly blessing Lord bless, protect, smile on you, gracious and show favor – give you peace

(7:1-89) Offering and dedication for each tribe, daily is accounted brought by leaders anointing the alter

(8:1-4) 7 Lamps are prepared, exact design the Lord shown Moses

(5-26) Levites are dedicated to the Lord, reminding all of the firstborn belongs to God

(9:1-14) Second Passover

(15-23) God covers the Tabernacle in Fiery Cloud, when God moved people moved

(10:1-10) Silver Trumpets

(11-36) Israelites Leave Sinai, God moves with them