Preparing to move ahead. Numbers 1:1-46 The Israelites arrived at Mt. Sinai three months after God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. They camped near Mt. Sinai for ten months, during which Moses received the law from God and instructions for building the Tabernacle. God's laws aimed to maintain order in everyday life, and the Tabernacle was meant to organize the spiritual life of the nation through sacrifices and a designated place to meet with God as a united people.
“The Lord spoke to Moses” is a phrase used over 150 times in many different ways. Moses was God’s prophet and conveyed God's messages to the people through him. He first spoke from Sinai and later from there when the Tabernacle was finished. The first recorded instructions from the Lord in the Tabernacle were that Moses and Aaron needed to conduct a census. They were to identify leaders in each tribe and count the males of military age. This was very important. The list was not for taxes, politics, or social reasons, but for protection, offense, and safety. God’s people had to be secure.
The purpose of identifiable leadership among God’s people today is similar. They are to “take heed to the flock of God over whom the Holy Spirit has made [them] overseers.” Such men are to be alert to the condition and position of the saints of God they have been raised up to care for. Each leader is aware of those for whom he is responsible. The strengths and weaknesses of each individual are not always easy to identify initially. However, with time and personal attention, a clear understanding emerges of what gifts and capabilities are available for the collective benefit of the assembly of believers.
The opening chapters of the Book of Numbers are as follows. Chapter one focuses on determining how many people are capable of taking responsibility for the welfare of the new nation by “numbering” them. Chapter two provides instructions on organizing the entire nation into a functional, secure, and orderly tent city that is convenient and operates efficiently. From chapter three through the first part of chapter nine, the theme is inaugurating worship. The later part of chapter nine and chapter ten discuss the nation's progress forward.
In observing the completion of the Tabernacle and establishing an acceptable way of maintaining fellowship with God through God's chosen offerings, I am struck by how God organized a tribe of former slaves into a well-functioning society. God does not leave us the way we were in our past. Slaves are no longer slaves. Idol worshippers are no longer worshipping gods made by human ideas. After 400 years of slavery under the harsh control of sinful men, God established order under His guidance to protect His people from chaos and unruly living.
Genesis tells us about God's choice of one man of faith, Abraham. After providing a brief overview of half of human history, we learn of God's election of this individual, which is revealed in Exodus, the book of redemption. It describes how He looks upon those He has chosen to be His people. They are given the privilege of acting in personal faith in Him, and then, by His power, God enables them to leave the bondage of the world and sin to walk in the freedom of personal faith in Him.
He makes every provision for our needs and then gives us the choice to believe Him and accept that provision as an act of faith. Fellowship with God is maintained through proper worship and communion established on God's terms, as taught in Leviticus. Numbers show how that new life, new liberty, and new worship are lived out. The past is dead to those "who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit"—those who believe in Him.
I picture in my mind an orderly tent city of over two million people spreading outward from the Tabernacle, where God dwelled, which was located right in the middle of the camp. He was the gathering center, and from the safety of His light by fire at night and the covering shelter of the cloud from the wilderness heat during the day, every person could know where the tribe they were part of was and where their dwelling was located. By gathering unto Him, there was no question about where one should be.
Starting life over as a redeemed people calls each of us to submit to God's authority rather than the authority imposed by a slave driver. This new authority for us and for them comes from a Living Source and is based on love, not force. God's call to serve isn't unfair because He provides Living Power from the Holy Spirit within us to do what He desires in His way. That Living Power grants us the wisdom to serve with love, wisdom, and the reasonableness of our ability from the Living Center to whom we are gathered—and He blesses that effort with His perfection. That makes our service acceptable.
The sin-loving world does not reject Christians simply because we are liberated slaves, but because we are motivated by the love and grace we have received to live for God. The blessings of being a "new creation in Christ Jesus," "children of God," "sons of God," and "heirs of God" are quite different from the inheritance passed down through human generations. A Christian's new birth and new life make every true child of God realize that we owe everything to Him.
His grace has justified us. Everyone whom God's grace has saved has repented of their sins before God and has put faith in Christ alone as our Savior from sin. All adopted children in God's family have justified God by acknowledging that He is righteous, and we have condemned ourselves as helpless sinners unable to make ourselves worthy of His glory. Redeemed souls can confidently say we know we have passed from death to life. There are inward changes to which the Holy Spirit within us bears witness.
God's holiness serves as the foundation for our relationship with Him. He has not isolated Himself from His people in the past, nor does He now, even though He is unseen. There is evidence of His presence in our daily lives, and because He is holy, He desires a holy nation of people to have fellowship with Him. The faith journey of a believer in Christ is marked by ongoing growth in grace and knowledge as we learn more about Christ through God's Word and experience the truth we live out.
Moses heard God speak in the wilderness of Sinai, and He speaks to us today in the spiritual wilderness where we live. Perhaps God has allowed us to live in this wilderness of separation to prevent us from being distracted by what happens around us. Much of what is done in "God's name" is simply a form of upgraded worldliness that claims to be more righteous than openly evil practices. Our spiritual life and direction are not based on our own opinions and ideas; otherwise, biblical Christianity would be the chaotic so-called "Christianity" that confuses the world.
To establish and maintain order, God instructed Moses and Aaron to select a tribal leader from each of the twelve tribes, excluding Levi. These men were to serve as leaders among the people of Israel. A nation was being formed, and it was not meant to be a disorganized group of former slaves, each acting independently. The census of the twelve tribes, excluding Levi, revealed there were 603,550 men aged twenty and older, up to the age when they could no longer go to war, probably around fifty.
Some men stood out as exceptional, not just ones who took things as they came. There was something different about them that others lacked. Leaders among them had qualities that made each one stand apart from other men. The congregation recognizes these men as well-known. They have taken responsibility, and over the years, these men have become distinguished from their peers. They have gained prominence.
Their names are well known, and they are reliable men who can be counted on. Their reputation for making sound decisions has been proven. People turn to them for guidance when needed. When they speak, their words are carefully considered, and others pay attention to what they say.
They have a good reputation, but they do not seek glory for themselves. They are respected by everyone for their firm resolve. These men are known to be trustworthy. Their humility is evident even when they receive praise for doing what is right.
The older men have called them to stand apart. They are called to lead the flock, with all their heart devoted to their area of responsibility. These respected men are among them—experienced and proven leaders who can guide others. The honor they receive is not taken with pride but is given to those who share in meeting the needs of others.
Let each man whom God appoints and who steps forward to lead be sure that his notability is truly an honor, not just words, names, or titles he holds. Integrity and respect give the right to recognition—it must come from God. When others see that God has approved him, people will acknowledge that man’s leadership is noteworthy and deserving of followership. We can trust those whom God trusts and follow their guidance. A man of renown leads with God by his side.
The census determined how many men were available for warfare. That action would make all of the people of Israel aware of who they now were and where they stood. They were on their own, but with God for them — who could stand against them? We must learn and remember that even though we are in the world, we are “not of the world.” “We are a pilgrim band in a foreign land.” We do not count in the world system, but in the kingdom of God, every person is important.
The Levites were not included in the count because they served as guardians of the Tabernacle and its surroundings, and they were responsible for its movement and upkeep. They belonged to God for His service. All the children of Israel likely numbered over two million people, forming a formidable army of men ready for military use. Taking the census not only provided information for the leaders but also helped each family realize their role in the nation's life.
The order of the census of men from twenty to about fifty began with the sons of Leah, Rachel, and then the two handmaids or concubines with whom Jacob had sons. The twenty days or so it took to establish the number and the order were not wasted. To do what God intends, it often takes time, and it certainly requires the utmost care to ensure that what is done aligns with God's will and word. God does communicate with humanity; He uses speech, actions, and the written word to make sure we understand His desires.