Numbers 3

V 1: RECORDS The records in chapter 3 are those of Aaron and Moses and show the Levites involved in worship. V 2–4: REQUIREMENT Holiness is God’s requirement, and the solemn reminder is given that Nadab and Abihu were smitten because they offered profane fire before God. The current priests are Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar. V 5–10: RESPONSIBILITIES The Levites are solely and solemnly responsible for all aspects of the tabernacle worship. V 11–13: RIGHT God has taken the Levites to Himself as His specific right of ownership. They are substituted for the firstborn of the children of Israel whom He sanctified for Himself when He struck all the firstborn in Egypt. Thus, by substitution, the Levites belong specifically and specially to God. V 14–39: REPRESENTATIVES Levi is represented by his three sons and their descendants, namely, Gershon, Kohath and Merari, who report to Eleazar. Their details and numbers are given and their tasks are designated. Gershon, numbering 7,500 males, looks after the coverings of the tabernacle and camps on the west. Kohath numbers 8,600 males and is responsible for the holy things in the tabernacle and for carrying the ark. Their camp is on the south of the tabernacle. Merari numbers 6,200 males and has responsibility for the wooden framework of the tabernacle. They are to camp on the north of the tabernacle. Moses, Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar control the activities from their camp on the east of the tabernacle. V 40–51: REDEMPTION The 22,273 firstborn are redeemed because God chooses the Levites as His firstborn. This leaves a shortfall of 273 Levites for which five shekels per person is to be paid as further redemption. The redemption money is given to Aaron and his sons.