What connections exist between Numbers 3:15 and the role of priests in Hebrews? Numbers 3:15—Counting the Levites “from a month old and upward” -: “Number the Levites by their families and houses; every male a month old and upward you shall number.” - Setting: Moses is told to take a special census of the tribe chosen to serve in the tabernacle. - Key observation: Even infants only thirty days old are included, signaling lifelong dedication to God’s service. Lifelong Consecration and Substitution - The Levites replace Israel’s firstborn sons (Numbers 3:40-45). - Their whole life span—cradle to grave—is marked out for priestly work. - This foreshadows a priesthood defined not merely by occasional duty but by total, continuous devotion. Hebrews—God Still Appoints His Priests - Hebrews 5:1-4 shows that “every high priest is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God.” The initiative is God’s, just as He hand-picked Levi. - Hebrews 7:17, quoting Psalm 110:4, affirms, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Appointment remains divine, but now centers on Christ. Continuity: Principles Shared with Numbers 3:15 1. Divine choice, not human ambition. 2. Ministry on behalf of the people. 3. Lifelong (and in Christ’s case, eternal) commitment. Contrast: From Mortal Levites to the Eternal Son - Numbers: service begins at one month; death eventually ends it (Numbers 4:47). - Hebrews 7:23-25: “There were many priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.” - The Levites minister in an earthly tent; Jesus ministers “in the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands” (Hebrews 9:11). Fulfillment: Jesus Embraces and Surpasses the Pattern - The Levites’ cradle-to-grave service prefigures the Son who is set apart from conception (Luke 1:35) and completes His priestly work on the cross (Hebrews 10:10). - Their substitution for the firstborn anticipates the true Firstborn (Colossians 1:15) who substitutes Himself for all. - Where they repeatedly offer sacrifices, He offers one perfect sacrifice “once for all” (Hebrews 10:12). Implications for Us - Hebrews 10:19-22 invites believers to “draw near” because the greater Priest has opened the way. - Like the Levites, we are now called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), set apart from new birth onward for continual service. - Our worship, service, and daily life find meaning in the finished, eternal priesthood of Christ, foreshadowed by that census in Numbers 3:15 and fulfilled in Him forever. |
    |