"Accept these gifts from them, that they may be used in the work of the Tent of Meeting. And give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service." Sermons
I. THEIR SPONTANEITY. I. 1. The princes had already given offerings towards the erection of the tabernacle (Exodus 35:27, 28), and now they bring further offerings for its conveyance (verse 3) and for its complete furnishing (verses 10-17). The power and will to give are a "grace" bestowed (2 Corinthians 8:7), and the more we give the more of the grace of giving we may enjoy (Matthew 13:12). 2. If regarded simply as a duty, it was right that the princes should take the lead, as now it is a duty for men in authority and men of wealth, pastors and officers in Christ's Church, to be "zealous for good works." 3. But the chief excellence of these and similar gifts was the "willing mind" (2 Corinthians 8:12). Under the law of Moses much was left to spontaneity (cf. Exodus 35:5; Leviticus 1:3, etc.), how much more under the law of Christ (Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 9:7). The absence of willinghood may change the fine gold into base metal in the sight of God. II. 1. The uniformity of the gifts might possibly have been the result of fashion; Nahshon, of the tribe of Judah, setting the fashion, and the other princes following it. The "fashion" of generous giving may well be set and followed, that the illiberal may be shamed out of their mean devices. But, 2. The uniformity here was probably the result of previous arrangement, and the sign of an honourable emulation. This God approves (Hebrews 10:24), and St. Paul seeks to employ (2 Corinthians 8:1-7: 9:1-5). With this object public benefactions (subscription-lists, etc.)are acceptable to God if the spirit of the precept (Matthew 6:3, 4) is not violated. The details here published for posterity remind us that every particular of our gifts and services is recorded before God. E.g., a coin and its value, absolute and relative (Mark 12:41-44). A jewel, a family heirloom, and how much it cost to give it up (2 Samuel 24:15). 3. The uniformity was a sign that each tribe had an equal share in the altar and its blessings; even as different families, races, and individuals, have in the world-wide redemption of Christ (Romans 10:11-13). - P.
Give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service. : —I. THAT GOD'S GIFTS ARE VARIED. 1. Men differ widely in many things — parentage, birthplace, physical vigour, mental capacity, education, spiritual gifts, &c. 2. For many of these differences they are themselves largely accountable. Some are crippled by their own indolence, extravagance, neglect, intemperance; others advance by their thrift, sobriety, perseverance, economy, and indomitable industry, to large influence and wealth. 3. But though the way in which men bear themselves may account for many of the differences between them, there are a thousand discrepancies which cannot be thus explained. No child is born in Alyssinia, or on the banks of the Ganges, or in crowded London because it wills it. Men are sick without being to blame for it, and women poor through no fault of their own. We must refer these problems to the Divine sovereignty. There is no other solution for many of life's mysteries. "Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight." If Gershon and Kohath complain that Merari has more than they, Moses' sufficient answer will be, "God ordained it so." 4. This truth, apprehended and believed, would destroy a thousand seeds of discontent, envy, and socialistic heresy. It is God who bestows wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18), honours (Psalm 75:6, 7), power (Romans 13:1). We receive gracefully the assignment of an earthly superior; why not as gracefully what God appoints? II. GOD'S GIFTS ARE PROPORTIONATE. In each case He proportions the means of transportation to the burden assigned. 1. That which is well proportioned is not excessive. This is true of a book, speech, building; eminently true of God's work. God is bountiful, but never wasteful. We possess no talents or opportunities to be counted superfluous. Christ's sufferings are proportioned to the sinner's guilt. 2. Not defective.(1) Let those who are called to trust in Christ remember that His sacrifice, if indispensable, is also fully sufficient.(2) Let Christian workers remember that with the call will come the qualifications. (W. T. Sabine.) 1. Understanding. 2. Invention. 3. Will-power. 4. Judgment. 5. Affections. 6. Physical organs. II. AS MOSES REQUIRED THE SONS OF LEVI TO USE THEIR FACILITIES, SO GOD DEMANDS THE EXERCISE OF OUR CAPABILITIES. 1. Yet how much indifference on the part of man in exercising and developing his faculties in useful and honourable employment! Many, instead of gaining their livelihood in the intended way, by the sweat of their face, study all manner of trickery and sin to satisfy their wants. 2. And how many professing Christians become so absorbed in worldly affairs as to neglect the business of the soul. God has claims superior to all claims of the world. III. GOD'S REQUIREMENTS ARE NO GREATER THAN OUR ENDOWMENTS. If we cannot give thousands, we can at least devote our "two mites." A beautifully tinted leaf in the wood cannot be seen at a distance, yet it contributes its part to the glorious autumnal picture. IV. MAN MUST USE HIS CAPABILITIES ACCORDING TO DIVINE APPOINTMENT. It is a solemn thing to trifle with the plans of God. Every man has a special power or gift, and "he who lives by other laws than those that wrapt his genius at his birth," defeats, in a measure, the object of his creation. (W. G. Thrall.) II. THEY WHO ARE NOT ENTIRELY ENGAGED IN RELIGIOUS MINISTRIES SHOULD SEEK TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE SO ENGAGED. III. GOD IS GRACIOUSLY PLEASED TO ACCEPT OF MAN'S OFFERINGS. IV. GIFTS FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES SHOULD BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WILL OF GOD. V. IN THE DIVINE ARRANGEMENTS HELP IS GRANTED UNTO MEN ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE NEEDS. (W. Jones.) People Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, ZurishaddaiPlaces SinaiTopics Accept, Congregation, Hast, Levites, Man's, Meeting, Needed, Perform, Performance, Receive, Requires, Service, Tabernacle, TentOutline 1. The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle10. Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar 89. God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat Dictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 7:5Library Separation and Service. Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts … James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification Prophecy. Numbers Links Numbers 7:5 NIVNumbers 7:5 NLT Numbers 7:5 ESV Numbers 7:5 NASB Numbers 7:5 KJV Numbers 7:5 Bible Apps Numbers 7:5 Parallel Numbers 7:5 Biblia Paralela Numbers 7:5 Chinese Bible Numbers 7:5 French Bible Numbers 7:5 German Bible Numbers 7:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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