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THE SERVICE OF THE LEVITES
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 17
Deuteronomy 18:1-8

1 Peter 5:1-4

 

“Neither as being lords
over God’s heritage, but being

ensamples to the flock.”

 

THE SERVICE OF THE LEVITES
 
The spiritual service in Israel was entrusted to the tribe of Levi. The priests were appointed from among them. Moses also was a Levite, and his brother Aaron was consecrated as the first priest. They were not to have inheritance, but were to live by the offerings that Israel gave. Specifications were given about their heritage. Israel was commanded to observe the pure worship of God and shun the abominable idolatry of other nations. They looked forward to a Great Prophet that God would raise up from among them. The nation was afraid to communicate directly with God and was instructed to obey the true prophets only. Priests and prophets were the spiritual officers of the nation.
 
The Levites did not have any inheritance in the Promised Land. They were engaged in holy service, and were divided to serve among the different tribes of Israel. Their sustenance was to be from the offerings. The law teaches that specific parts of the sacrifice offered, as well as the firstfruits, were given to the priests. “And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him” (Deut 18:3-4). Moses repeated that the Lord had chosen the Levites to stand and minister before the Lord. They were to serve in the place that the Lord prepared for them. The Lord gave all these details because their welfare was important, and the whole nation was to be responsible for them.
 
The Levites also were to render their services faithfully and live worthy of their calling. There was a whole catalogue of responsibilities required of them. All priests were chosen from among them and specific directions of their appointment and cessation of their office were given in the Law. The Law also specified all the requirements of their service and how they must address every matter that came to their attention.
 
THOUGHT: Spiritual offices are given from above.

PRAYER: Father, may worthy spiritual leaders be raised today.

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