At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. At that timeThis phrase refers to a specific moment in Israel's history, emphasizing God's divine timing and intervention. In the context of Deuteronomy, "at that time" points back to the period after the Israelites' rebellion with the golden calf and Moses' intercession on their behalf. It underscores God's mercy and the renewal of His covenant with Israel. Historically, this was a pivotal moment as the Israelites were being prepared to enter the Promised Land, highlighting God's faithfulness despite their failures. the LORD set apart
The Hebrew root for "set apart" is "badal," which means to divide, separate, or distinguish. This action by the LORD signifies a divine selection and consecration for a holy purpose. In the broader biblical narrative, being set apart is a recurring theme, illustrating God's sovereign choice and the call to holiness. It reflects the idea that God chooses individuals or groups for specific roles in His redemptive plan. the tribe of Levi
The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Levi, one of Jacob's sons. Historically, the tribe of Levi was chosen for religious duties and service to God, distinct from the other tribes who received territorial inheritances. This selection highlights the Levites' unique role in Israel's spiritual life, serving as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle, and later the temple. to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The ark of the covenant was the most sacred object in Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The Levites were entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the ark, a task that required utmost reverence and obedience. This duty underscores the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with respect and awe. The ark contained the tablets of the law, Aaron's rod, and manna, serving as a tangible reminder of God's covenant and provision. to stand before the LORD
Standing before the LORD implies a position of service and worship. The Levites were to minister in the presence of God, representing the people and interceding on their behalf. This phrase conveys the idea of being in a continual state of readiness and devotion, emphasizing the Levites' role as mediators between God and Israel. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of worship as a central aspect of the believer's life. to minister to Him
The Hebrew word for "minister" is "sharat," which means to serve or attend to. The Levites' ministry was not just a duty but an act of worship and dedication to God. This service included various tasks related to the tabernacle and later the temple, such as offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred space, and teaching the law. It highlights the importance of serving God with a willing heart and the privilege of being in His service. and to pronounce blessings in His name
Pronouncing blessings in God's name was a significant aspect of the Levites' ministry. It involved invoking God's favor and grace upon the people, a practice rooted in the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. This role underscores the power of spoken words in conveying God's promises and the responsibility of the Levites to speak truth and life over the nation. It also reflects the broader biblical principle of blessing as an expression of God's covenantal love and faithfulness. as they still do today
This phrase connects the historical context of the Levites' duties to the present reality at the time of writing. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's commands and the continuity of His purposes throughout generations. For contemporary readers, it highlights the timelessness of God's word and the ongoing relevance of His instructions for worship and service. It also encourages believers to remain faithful in their calling, trusting in God's unchanging character and promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel who sets apart the tribe of Levi for a special purpose. 2. The Tribe of LeviOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen by God for priestly duties and service in the tabernacle. 3. The Ark of the CovenantA sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. 4. Ministering Before the LORDThe Levites were tasked with serving in the tabernacle, performing rituals, and maintaining the sacred space. 5. Pronouncing BlessingsThe Levites were given the authority to bless the people in the name of the LORD, signifying their role as mediators between God and Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod chooses whom He wills for His purposes. The Levites were set apart not because of their merit but by God's sovereign decision. Service and SacrificeThe Levites' role was one of service and sacrifice, reminding us of the call to serve God and others selflessly in our own lives. Mediators of BlessingAs the Levites pronounced blessings, we too are called to be channels of God's blessing to those around us, speaking life and encouragement. Holiness and DedicationThe Levites were set apart for holy purposes. We are called to live lives of holiness, dedicated to God's service in whatever capacity He calls us. Continuity and FulfillmentThe Levitical priesthood points forward to the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament system. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the selection of the Levites illustrate God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for His purposes? 2. In what ways can we serve God and others in our daily lives, following the example of the Levites' service? 3. How can we act as mediators of God's blessing in our communities today? 4. What does it mean to live a life set apart for God, and how can we pursue holiness in our current context? 5. How does the role of the Levites in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32The Levites' loyalty during the golden calf incident, which led to their selection for priestly service. Numbers 3Details the duties and responsibilities of the Levites in the tabernacle. 1 Chronicles 23Describes the organization and duties of the Levites during King David's reign. Hebrews 7Discusses the priesthood of Melchizedek and the transition to the priesthood of Christ, highlighting the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood. 1 Peter 2Speaks of the priesthood of all believers, drawing a parallel to the Levites' role in the Old Testament. People Aaron, Eleazar, Jaakanites, Jakan, Levi, MosesPlaces Beeroth Bene-jaakan, Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Jotbathah, Moserah, SinaiTopics Agreement, Apart, Ark, Bear, Bless, Blessings, Carry, Covenant, Levi, Lord's, Marked, Minister, Pronounce, Separated, Serve, Service, Stand, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 10:8 5184 standing
7306 ark of the covenant
7390 Levites
8223 dedication Deuteronomy 10:8-9 1350 covenant, with Israel's priests Library Election and Holiness
Now, this morning it may be that some of you will not approve of what I have to say. You will remember, however, that I do not seek your approbation, that it will be sufficient for me if I have cleared my conscience concerning a grand truth and have preached the gospel faithfully. I am not accountable to you, nor you to me. You are accountable to God, if you reject a truth; I am accountable to Him if I preach an error. I am not afraid to stand before His bar with regard to the great doctrines which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860Book iii. The Ascent: from the River Jordan to the Mount of Transfiguration.
{hebrew} In every passage of Scripture where thou findest the Majesty of God, thou also findest close by His Condescension (Humility). So it is written down in the Law [Deut. x. 17, followed by verse 18], repeated in the Prophets [Is. lvii. 15], and reiterated in the Hagiographa [Ps. lxviii. 4, followed by verse 5].' - Megill 31 a. …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
We shall now, in conclusion, give a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet. After an introduction in vi. 1, 2, where the mountains serve only to give greater solemnity to the scene (in the fundamental passages Deut. xxxii. 1, and in Is. 1, 2, "heaven and earth" are mentioned for the same purposes, inasmuch as they are the most venerable parts of creation; "contend with the mountains" by taking them in and applying to [Pg 522] them as hearers), the prophet reminds the people of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Parable of the Importunate Widow.
^C Luke XVIII. 1-8. ^c 1 And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 saying, There was in a city a judge, who feared not God, and regarded not man [an utterly abandoned character]: 3 and there was a widow in that city; and she came oft unto him, saying, Avenge me of [rather, Do justice to me as to] mine adversary. [In Scripture language widowhood is symbolic of defenselessness (Ex. xxii. 22-24; Deut. x. 18; xxvii. 19; Mal. iii. 5; Mark xii. 40), …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision B. Jesus Talks with Nicodemus. ^D John III. 1-21. ^d 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [Nicodemus is mentioned only by John. His character is marked by a prudence amounting almost to timidity. At John vii. 50-52 he defends Jesus, but without committing himself as in any way interested in him: at John xix. 38, 39 he brought spices for the body of Jesus, but only after Joseph of Arimathæa had secured the body. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 10:8 NIVDeuteronomy 10:8 NLTDeuteronomy 10:8 ESVDeuteronomy 10:8 NASBDeuteronomy 10:8 KJV
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