Offerings at the Dedication of the Tabernacle and the setting apart of the Levites - Numbers 6,7,& 8

What was the mood was like on the day that Moses had finished setting up the Tabernacle? Was there an awe and reverence of God? Were there thousands of men, women, and children trying to get a glimpse of the Tabernacle? In Numbers chapters 7 we get a little of the feeling of what took place when the Tabernacle was completed. Moses was within the Tabernacle anointing and consecrating the walls, furnishings, and utensils. Moses was declaring that the Tabernacle and all with in it was Holy and God’s. God commanded the leaders of Israel to come forth one day at a time to present their offerings for the dedication of the altar, and they all brought the same offering. Did all the people follow their leaders and their offering to the Tabernacle? If so, the Tabernacle must have been packed!

Moses enters the tent to meet with God Who speaks with him from above the mercy seat between the two cherubim upon the Ark of the Testimony. Moses had spoken with God frequently and most notably from an unconsumed burning bush. Was he now accustomed to being in God’s presence, or was he humbly in awe each time? How do we approach God in our lives? Sadly, in my case, usually with a problem. I will work on that.

In Numbers chapter 8 we have all of the Levites cleansed and taken into the service of the Tabernacle as Nazarites. The Levites were presented by the Israelites as a wave offering before the Lord. The Israelites were instructed to place their hands upon the Levites. This must have been an incredibly solemn and personal moment between the Israelites and the Levites. It was no animal that was being offered to God it was the Levites being presented to be worthy of service. The Levites were given as a gift from God to Aaron and his sons to perform service. Not an offering in the sense of blood sacrifices; these Levites were set apart in service to God.

I am throughly enjoying taking this time to read through the Bible and blog about it as I read. I pray that you too find this an encouragement and may you be spurred to know God in a more personal way through reading through the Bible - and join me in sharing your thoughts here!