Read 1 Chronicles 6
Highlights:
Descendants of Levi; Temple singers and keepers appointed; descendants of Aaron; cities of the Levites; numerous genealogies
But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded (1 Chr. 6:49).
The Word of God tells us that each tribe and the families in that tribe had responsibilities to the nation of Israel. The majority of the tribes had to send their fighting age men to go to war. This was a great necessity since they were entering the land of promise where there were many enemies that would have to be fought.
The Tribe of Levi, however, had a very special responsibility. It was left to them to take care of the Tabernacle and all that pertained to it. In a spiritual sense, this was their battlefield.
Aaron and his sons were part of the Tribe of Levi. Aaron was selected for an even more important task than his Levite brethren. It was up to him and his descendants to take care of the altar, the offerings and the most holy place. They were the hand selected priests of God. They had been called to an office that few could understand. There were various responsibilities with this priesthood. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham (Heb. 7:5).
This priesthood was passed down through generations of Levites. Many were honorable men who did as God commanded. They continued to offer up sacrifices as a way of atonement for the people of Israel. This Mosaic Covenant continued until there was a sacrifice that could bring an end to this process. Christ brought the process to an end. Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (Matt. 5:17).
Jesus Christ became the sacrifice that would enable man to have their sins eradicated for all time. He would be the only necessary priest for all who live. Every human being can now turn to Him to intercede on their behalf before God. Jesus has become both the priest and the sacrifice. The priesthood of the Levites could have never brought us to this place. We have no need for any other but Jesus, the begotten son of God, to get to the Father in heaven.
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (Heb. 7:11).
Thought for Today:
We must guard against giving in to seeking the things that this world offers and miss out on God’s blessings.
Christ Revealed:
By the cities of . . . refuge (1 Chr. 6:57, also 67,71-72,78,80). For a person to have protection from the avenger of blood, he had to flee to a city of refuge. God provided His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to be our Refuge from His judgment against our sin. (Compare John 3:14-18; 10:24-30; Gal. 2:16; 3:1-14; Heb. 10:1-18; 1 John 2:2; Rev. 1:5.) When, by faith, in obedience to His Word, we come to Christ, He becomes our Refuge (Heb. 6:18-20).
Word Studies:
6:32 waited on, performed service in; 6:66 residue, balance; 6:74 suburbs, pasturelands; 7:23 it went evil with, tragedy had happened to his family; 7:24 nether, lower.
Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to the Lord as incense before God (Rev. 8:3-4).
Optional Reading: Romans 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:29