Those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, guarding the sanctuary itself, to protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who came near was to be put to death. Numbers 3:38 – In the previous chapter we see the order of the encampments of the 12 tribes of Israel, but if you noticed closely nothing was said yet about where the tribe of Levi was to camp. Here in chapter 3 we get that answer, all around the tent of meeting between the people and then tent. Levi, being the tribe of priests and those who worked with the tent of meeting, were to act as a human wall between the people and the tent. Anyone who came near to the tent who shouldn’t come near to the tent was to be put to death. As you study more about the tent of meeting or the future temples, there was always this atmosphere of exclusion around them. Only a select few who were chosen by God were allowed near Him and His holy places. Yet do you remember when we studied Matthew what one of the first things that took place after Jesus’ crucifixion? The veil that separated us from the holiness of God was torn in two. It’s helpful for us to read passages like this to remind us how overwhelmingly blessed we are for the exclusion they felt we will never have to feel because of Jesus. Now, because of Jesus, we have open access to the Father. No veil shielding us from seeing Him and no human wall of priests keeping us at bay executing us if we get too close. Just a clear path lit by the Light of the world to the Father whose arms are open wide to embrace all those who turn to Him. That my friend is good news! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3353
Question To Ponder: Would you have tried to get close to see inside the tent if you lived back then?
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