◄ Numbers 1:47 ►
The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers.
Study Bible
The Levites, however,
The Levites were a distinct tribe set apart for religious duties and service to God. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, they were not given a specific territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Their role was primarily spiritual, serving in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This distinction highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and dedication to God’s service. The Levites' separation can be seen as a type of Christ, who is set apart for the ultimate priestly role.

were not numbered
The census in Numbers 1 was conducted to determine the number of men eligible for military service. The Levites were exempt from this count because their duties were not military but religious. This exemption underscores the principle that spiritual service is distinct from secular responsibilities. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers are a royal priesthood, set apart for spiritual service (1 Peter 2:9).

along with them
The phrase indicates a separation from the other tribes, emphasizing the unique role of the Levites. This separation is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often sets apart individuals or groups for specific purposes. The Levites' distinct role is a reminder of the call to holiness and dedication to God’s work.

by the tribe of their fathers.
The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Their lineage is significant because it connects them to the patriarchal promises and covenants. The emphasis on tribal lineage in Israel reflects the importance of heritage and identity in God’s plan. This tribal identity also points to the fulfillment of God’s promises through specific family lines, ultimately culminating in the lineage of Jesus Christ, who is both priest and king.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle. They were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.

2. Israelites
The descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel. They were organized into twelve tribes, each named after one of Jacob's sons.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who was commanded by God to conduct a census of the people, excluding the Levites from the military count.

4. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert, where the Levites served.

5. Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census took place, as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Divine Calling
The Levites were set apart by God for a specific purpose. This reminds us that God has a unique calling for each of us, and we should seek to understand and fulfill it.

Service Over Status
The Levites were not counted among the warriors, highlighting that service to God is not about status or recognition but about fulfilling His purpose.

Holiness and Separation
The Levites' separation from the census underscores the biblical principle of being set apart for holiness. As believers, we are called to live distinct lives that reflect God's character.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The Levites' duties, though not glamorous, were crucial to the spiritual life of Israel. This teaches us the value of faithfulness in the tasks God assigns, no matter how small they may seem.
Bible Study Questions
1. Why do you think God chose the Levites to be set apart for service, and how does this reflect His character and priorities?

2. How can the concept of being "set apart" for God's purposes apply to your life today?

3. In what ways can you serve God in your community, even if it means not being in the spotlight?

4. How does the role of the Levites in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament idea of the "priesthood of all believers"?

5. Reflect on a time when you were called to serve in a way that was not recognized by others. How did that experience shape your understanding of service to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 32
The Levites' loyalty to God during the incident of the golden calf, which set them apart for special service.

Numbers 3
Further details on the duties and responsibilities of the Levites, emphasizing their role in caring for the Tabernacle.

Deuteronomy 10
Highlights the selection of the Levites to carry the Ark of the Covenant and minister before the Lord.

1 Peter 2
The New Testament concept of believers as a "royal priesthood," drawing a parallel to the Levites' role in the Old Testament.
Sermons
Differences of Administrations in the Service of GodE.S. Prout Numbers 1:45-50
The Appointment of the Levites to be the Sacred TribeW. Binnie Numbers 1:47-54
The Levites and Their Service an Illustration of the Christian MinistryW. Jones.Numbers 1:47-54
The Levites not NumberedW. Attersoll.Numbers 1:47-54
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Egypt, Sinai
Topics
Along, Ancestral, Counted, Fathers, However, Levi, Levites, Midst, Numbered, Themselves, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 1:1-49

     5249   census

Numbers 1:47-53

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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