Numbers 4:34-49 – Strength For The Task
We have here an account of the numbers of the three families of the Levites, that is, of the men, between thirty years old and fifty. Notice that the Kohathites are, in all, 8,600 from a month old and upwards; but of these there are only 2,750 serviceable men, not even a third. The Gershonites, in all, 7,500, and of them but 2,630 serviceable men, little more than a third. Often of the many that add to the numbers of the church, there are comparatively few that contribute to the service of it. So it has been, and so it is; many have a place in the tabernacle that only do a little of the work of the tabernacle.
Notice that the Merarites are but 6,200 in all, and yet of these there are 3,200 serviceable men, that is, more than half. The greatest burden lies upon that family, the boards, and pillars, and sockets; and God so orders it that, though they are the fewest in number, yet they have the most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to He will equip them for it, and give strength in proportion to the work, grace sufficient for every need.
The whole number of the able men of the tribe of Levi who enter into God’s service is just 8,580, whereas the able men of the other tribes that enter into the army of Israel is many more. The least of the tribes has almost four times as many able men as the Levites, and some of them more than eight times as many; for those that are engaged in the service of this world are many more than those that are devoted to the service of God, and fight the good fight of faith.
Question
- Why are there so many able-bodied Merarites?
- Were there more or less Levites than the other tribes?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.