2 Chronicles 9
KingComments2 Chronicles 9:1
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:2
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:3
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:4
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:5
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:6
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:7
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:8
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:9
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:10
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:11
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:12
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:13
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:14
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:15
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:16
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:17
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:18
David Divides the Levites Into Divisions
The division of the Levites into divisions in this section is to keep the overview and also that no one can evade his task. “God is not [a God] of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33a). A good division of tasks promotes peace. The application for us is not a question of human organization, but of giving heed to the Holy Spirit “distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18). There is also care if a family is small (1 Chronicles 23:11). Then families can work together.
The description of the task of the Levites (1 Chronicles 23:13) is much more extensive, because the task of the priests is great in content. First of all, the priest must ensure the holiness of the most holy things. This requires a constant contact with the holy God. Then he burns incense, which refers to prayers (Psalms 141:2). It is his privilege to minister to the LORD, which is true for his whole life and especially in the sanctuary. To that end he is a priest. A priest is directed toward God. Only then is he able “to bless in His name forever” outside the sanctuary. His ministry is a matter for his whole life; blessing in the Name of the LORD is a matter done for eternity. In summary, we see that priests sanctify, sacrifice, minister and bless.
For us, it means that we must first live a holy life. This is necessary if we are to have a proper awareness of the most holy things. This leads us to bring sacrifices to God and to serve Him all our life. This is not limited to the meetings of the church. The call is that we “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). It is even so that we present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Romans 12:1), while the results of the priestly service are also mentioned, because those results are brought to God (cf. Romans 15:16).
There are two aspects to our priesthood. One aspect is the holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God in the heavenly sanctuary. The other aspect is the royal priesthood, where we come out of the heavenly sanctuary with blessing for those around us (1 Peter 2:5; 9).
Therefore, we should not limit our priestly task to Sunday worship. Our whole life should be worship. All believers are called to this priestly service. If we don’t do such a service, the cause often lies in foreclosures that we owe to ourselves, or because of incompetence or wrong education.
Moses is called “the man of God” (1 Chronicles 23:14; Deuteronomy 33:1; Psalms 90:1). This special title does not mean that his sons are given priestly status. They are ‘ordinary’ Levites (1 Chronicles 23:15-17).
2 Chronicles 9:19
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:20
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:21
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:22
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:23
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:24
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:25
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:26
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:27
The Task of the Levites
We see something of the special authority David has to arrange the Levite service. He subtracts another five years from the age already lowered by the LORD by five years (1 Chronicles 23:24; Numbers 8:24). The reduction to 20 years is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 23:27. The reason is that there is now rest (1 Chronicles 23:25). The Levites are no longer in wilderness conditions. The task has become easier. They no longer need to break down and rebuild everything and no transport is needed anymore (1 Chronicles 23:26). Therefore, the age limit can be lowered.
In the spiritual application, this is about the limit of the spiritual maturity. There are circumstances that this can be reduced. Even the youngest believer can perform a certain service in the church. Where conditions are favorable and a simple service is requested, a young believer with little spiritual exercise can perform it. When it comes to greater responsibilities, there will have to be a greater spiritual maturity. In any case, young people who perform a spiritual service should behave in such a way that no comments can be made about their youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
1 Chronicles 23:28-32 summarize the service of the Levites. What is their task? They serve the priests who in turn serve the LORD. According to Moses’ ordinances, the Levites were given as a gift to the priests (Numbers 18:6). The Levites serve to support the priestly service.
Levite service in a New Testament sense is a service for building up the church. Their service is aimed at teaching believers to praise God more and better. The purpose of their service is that the believers will offer their lives more as sacrifices to God and offer the results of their work for God to Him. If in a local church the believers live in a spirit of worship, this will be noticed in the worship service and in the practical life of the believers.
There are also Levites that go over the courts (1 Chronicles 23:28). These are the gatekeepers. Different people are standing at the gates. They must ensure that only the right people are admitted in the courts. Another task of the Levites is “the purifying of all holy things”. A worthy sacrifice service can only take place by cleansed persons and cleansed means. Levites ensure that there are no elements in worship that disturb or harm the sacrifice service. They supervise the purity of worship.
Furthermore, they have a task with regard to “the work of the service of the house of God”. We can apply this to our behavior in the house of God. We need to know how we have to behave there (1 Timothy 3:15). For this purpose, the Lord has given His instructions in His Word.
There is extensive reference to different types of bread (1 Chronicles 23:29). It is about “the bread of the Presence” or “the showbread”, which is the bread on the table of the showbread (Exodus 25:30), and about various forms of the “grain offering” (cf. Leviticus 2:1-16). There is talk of “well-mixed” and of fittings and of “all measures of volume and size”. All these breads speak of the Lord Jesus. The Levites make sure that the breads are of the right composition, “well-mixed”, that the right volume is used and that the right size is also maintained.
We can apply this to our being busy with the Lord Jesus as the true grain offering and as the true bread of life. The Levites are for us the teachers who explain God’s Word to us. They show by means of God’s Word Who the Lord Jesus is as food for God. The being “well-mixed” or the composition of the bread represents that we confess Christ as come in the flesh (1 John 4:2). That is, He became truly Man – however, without participating in the sinful nature that every man has (Hebrews 4:15) –, but at the same time never ceased to be the eternal Son of God. They must beware not to go deeper – we must pay attention to the right ‘measure of volume’ – nor further – the right ‘measure of size’ – than what God’s Word makes clear.
We should not try to enter into things that God hides from us (cf. Matthew 11:27a), nor add to what God’s Word shows us.
The order in the house of God is also maintained by the Levites, which is represented in the care for the table of the showbread. They must also ensure that the volume and size of everything is to the measure of the sanctuary. Only then can a service take place that can be accepted by God. No personal interpretation may be given in any way about the composition of, for example, a grain offering.
Again other Levites have the task of singing (1 Chronicles 23:30-31). Every day in the morning and evening, every week, every month and every year they let their voices be heard on those days and at those occasions when bringing the burnt offering. The sacrifices at different feasts must be brought by the priests, but they are prepared by the Levites. Levite service precedes every sacrificial service. Young priests gratefully use Levites.
Finally, a summary of the tasks is given (1 Chronicles 23:32). The tasks of the Levites are primarily connected with “the tent of meeting”. This is the place where God meets His people, it is a place of fellowship between God and His people. The people there may come to God on the basis of the sacrifice, which is a picture of the Lord Jesus and His work on the cross, to worship Him for the gift of that Sacrifice.
This leads to the second task, which is their “charge of the holy place”. In the sanctuary it is about approaching God rather than being together. With a view to approaching God, priests must know what is appropriate. This is what the Levites make clear to them. This also explains their third task, their “charge of the sons of Aaron their relatives, for the service of the house of the LORD”. They prepare the priests, here described as “the sons of Aaron”, to perform their service properly in the house of the LORD.
They do not do this as their superiors, but as “their relatives”, or “their brothers”. We read here that the Levites and the priests are brothers of each other. This is the only right relationship to serve other members of God’s people. The New Testament believer is as much a priest as a Levite. Both aspects should be expressed in his life: to the Lord Jesus and God as a priest, and to the fellow believers as a Levite.
2 Chronicles 9:29
Divisions of the Priests
Here we see that the priests are divided by David, but that whoever performs the service is determined by lot. This means that God designates and determines who does service and not David (Luke 1:8-9). Because of the death of two of the four sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), there are two remaining lines along which the priesthood is divided.
Eleazar was appointed by God to be the high priest, but the line of Ithamar got it. After Solomon, the generation of Ithamar disappears. Zadok from the line of Eleazar is the priest according to God’s thoughts. Of the twenty-four divisions that David sets up, sixteen go to Eleazar and eight to the descendants of Ithamar.
Everyone is a priest of his own division. This teaches us that everyone is a worshiper in his own way, each has his own feelings. Each of the twenty-four is different. Yet we are never a single priest, we are one of the twenty-four. If we do priestly service together during worship, worship is most rewarding when we see that all brothers act as one and not each individually acts on his own, without concerning about others. It is about together “with all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18).
The believer who does priestly service with others is part of the whole company of priests, while still having his own place. Small communities of Christians has the advantage that every brother has the opportunity to express himself. No one will dominate either. In large meetings the danger of inactivity of the majority is obvious.
Aaron had four sons (1 Chronicles 24:1; Exodus 6:22), all four of whom went out of Egypt with the people. They all four seemed to be priests, yet there was a distinction between two who were ‘spiritual’ priests and the other two who were ‘religious’ priests. This was reflected in the way they approached God. Two of them brought strange fire to the altar, which the LORD had not commanded them. He had to punish this with death (1 Chronicles 24:2; Leviticus 10:1-2).
The religion of the flesh, to approach God in its own way and according to its own insight, cannot exist before God. He must judge that. Their status as priest and the fact that they are descendants of such an excellent man in Israel as Aaron, did not prevent them from being punished by God’s judgment. This kind of priesthood ceases to exist because we read that they had no sons. The fleshly mind of the church in Corinth also brought with it judgment from God (1 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 11:27-34).
David, the king, divides together with Zadok and Ithamar, the priests – together they are a picture of the Lord Jesus as the King-Priest – the work of the priests (1 Chronicles 24:3). Only the Lord Jesus indicates who are priests. These are all those who are connected with Him by faith in Him. He also indicates how and when they should perform their service.
The division of the priestly divisions is done by casting lots (1 Chronicles 24:5). The casting of lots to know the will of the LORD is characteristic of the Old Testament. The lot is also used in dividing the land (Joshua 18:8-10). In the New Testament there is one more reference to the use of lots, and that is to know who the Lord designates as an apostle instead of Judas (Acts 1:26). In Acts 2 the outpouring of the Holy Spirit takes place (Acts 2:1-4). From that moment on, there is no longer any question of lots. The Lord makes clear through the Spirit what He wants, as He has made His will known in His Word.
Shemaiah records the divisions so that it can be consulted later (1 Chronicles 24:6). In the way in which this happens, we see, in picture, again the King-Priest: the Lord Jesus has authority and is the true High Priest. Before His face, in His presence, under His watchful eye, everything takes place. As Shemaiah records everything for later consultation, we have the Word of God in which is recorded how the service can be done ‘in order’, as God wants and through His Spirit leads.
Zacharias, the father of John the baptist, belongs to the eighth priest division, that of Abijah (1 Chronicles 24:10), for he is “of the division of Abijah” (Luke 1:5). The number eight indicates a new order of things. This is the case with the announcement of the birth of John.
Aaron (1 Chronicles 24:19) is a type of the Lord Jesus as the High Priest. Today every priest is subject to Him.
2 Chronicles 9:30
Divisions of the Priests
Here we see that the priests are divided by David, but that whoever performs the service is determined by lot. This means that God designates and determines who does service and not David (Luke 1:8-9). Because of the death of two of the four sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), there are two remaining lines along which the priesthood is divided.
Eleazar was appointed by God to be the high priest, but the line of Ithamar got it. After Solomon, the generation of Ithamar disappears. Zadok from the line of Eleazar is the priest according to God’s thoughts. Of the twenty-four divisions that David sets up, sixteen go to Eleazar and eight to the descendants of Ithamar.
Everyone is a priest of his own division. This teaches us that everyone is a worshiper in his own way, each has his own feelings. Each of the twenty-four is different. Yet we are never a single priest, we are one of the twenty-four. If we do priestly service together during worship, worship is most rewarding when we see that all brothers act as one and not each individually acts on his own, without concerning about others. It is about together “with all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18).
The believer who does priestly service with others is part of the whole company of priests, while still having his own place. Small communities of Christians has the advantage that every brother has the opportunity to express himself. No one will dominate either. In large meetings the danger of inactivity of the majority is obvious.
Aaron had four sons (1 Chronicles 24:1; Exodus 6:22), all four of whom went out of Egypt with the people. They all four seemed to be priests, yet there was a distinction between two who were ‘spiritual’ priests and the other two who were ‘religious’ priests. This was reflected in the way they approached God. Two of them brought strange fire to the altar, which the LORD had not commanded them. He had to punish this with death (1 Chronicles 24:2; Leviticus 10:1-2).
The religion of the flesh, to approach God in its own way and according to its own insight, cannot exist before God. He must judge that. Their status as priest and the fact that they are descendants of such an excellent man in Israel as Aaron, did not prevent them from being punished by God’s judgment. This kind of priesthood ceases to exist because we read that they had no sons. The fleshly mind of the church in Corinth also brought with it judgment from God (1 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 11:27-34).
David, the king, divides together with Zadok and Ithamar, the priests – together they are a picture of the Lord Jesus as the King-Priest – the work of the priests (1 Chronicles 24:3). Only the Lord Jesus indicates who are priests. These are all those who are connected with Him by faith in Him. He also indicates how and when they should perform their service.
The division of the priestly divisions is done by casting lots (1 Chronicles 24:5). The casting of lots to know the will of the LORD is characteristic of the Old Testament. The lot is also used in dividing the land (Joshua 18:8-10). In the New Testament there is one more reference to the use of lots, and that is to know who the Lord designates as an apostle instead of Judas (Acts 1:26). In Acts 2 the outpouring of the Holy Spirit takes place (Acts 2:1-4). From that moment on, there is no longer any question of lots. The Lord makes clear through the Spirit what He wants, as He has made His will known in His Word.
Shemaiah records the divisions so that it can be consulted later (1 Chronicles 24:6). In the way in which this happens, we see, in picture, again the King-Priest: the Lord Jesus has authority and is the true High Priest. Before His face, in His presence, under His watchful eye, everything takes place. As Shemaiah records everything for later consultation, we have the Word of God in which is recorded how the service can be done ‘in order’, as God wants and through His Spirit leads.
Zacharias, the father of John the baptist, belongs to the eighth priest division, that of Abijah (1 Chronicles 24:10), for he is “of the division of Abijah” (Luke 1:5). The number eight indicates a new order of things. This is the case with the announcement of the birth of John.
Aaron (1 Chronicles 24:19) is a type of the Lord Jesus as the High Priest. Today every priest is subject to Him.
2 Chronicles 9:31
Divisions of the Priests
Here we see that the priests are divided by David, but that whoever performs the service is determined by lot. This means that God designates and determines who does service and not David (Luke 1:8-9). Because of the death of two of the four sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), there are two remaining lines along which the priesthood is divided.
Eleazar was appointed by God to be the high priest, but the line of Ithamar got it. After Solomon, the generation of Ithamar disappears. Zadok from the line of Eleazar is the priest according to God’s thoughts. Of the twenty-four divisions that David sets up, sixteen go to Eleazar and eight to the descendants of Ithamar.
Everyone is a priest of his own division. This teaches us that everyone is a worshiper in his own way, each has his own feelings. Each of the twenty-four is different. Yet we are never a single priest, we are one of the twenty-four. If we do priestly service together during worship, worship is most rewarding when we see that all brothers act as one and not each individually acts on his own, without concerning about others. It is about together “with all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18).
The believer who does priestly service with others is part of the whole company of priests, while still having his own place. Small communities of Christians has the advantage that every brother has the opportunity to express himself. No one will dominate either. In large meetings the danger of inactivity of the majority is obvious.
Aaron had four sons (1 Chronicles 24:1; Exodus 6:22), all four of whom went out of Egypt with the people. They all four seemed to be priests, yet there was a distinction between two who were ‘spiritual’ priests and the other two who were ‘religious’ priests. This was reflected in the way they approached God. Two of them brought strange fire to the altar, which the LORD had not commanded them. He had to punish this with death (1 Chronicles 24:2; Leviticus 10:1-2).
The religion of the flesh, to approach God in its own way and according to its own insight, cannot exist before God. He must judge that. Their status as priest and the fact that they are descendants of such an excellent man in Israel as Aaron, did not prevent them from being punished by God’s judgment. This kind of priesthood ceases to exist because we read that they had no sons. The fleshly mind of the church in Corinth also brought with it judgment from God (1 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 11:27-34).
David, the king, divides together with Zadok and Ithamar, the priests – together they are a picture of the Lord Jesus as the King-Priest – the work of the priests (1 Chronicles 24:3). Only the Lord Jesus indicates who are priests. These are all those who are connected with Him by faith in Him. He also indicates how and when they should perform their service.
The division of the priestly divisions is done by casting lots (1 Chronicles 24:5). The casting of lots to know the will of the LORD is characteristic of the Old Testament. The lot is also used in dividing the land (Joshua 18:8-10). In the New Testament there is one more reference to the use of lots, and that is to know who the Lord designates as an apostle instead of Judas (Acts 1:26). In Acts 2 the outpouring of the Holy Spirit takes place (Acts 2:1-4). From that moment on, there is no longer any question of lots. The Lord makes clear through the Spirit what He wants, as He has made His will known in His Word.
Shemaiah records the divisions so that it can be consulted later (1 Chronicles 24:6). In the way in which this happens, we see, in picture, again the King-Priest: the Lord Jesus has authority and is the true High Priest. Before His face, in His presence, under His watchful eye, everything takes place. As Shemaiah records everything for later consultation, we have the Word of God in which is recorded how the service can be done ‘in order’, as God wants and through His Spirit leads.
Zacharias, the father of John the baptist, belongs to the eighth priest division, that of Abijah (1 Chronicles 24:10), for he is “of the division of Abijah” (Luke 1:5). The number eight indicates a new order of things. This is the case with the announcement of the birth of John.
Aaron (1 Chronicles 24:19) is a type of the Lord Jesus as the High Priest. Today every priest is subject to Him.