the ruminations of aaron eberline

I wonder what the energy level of the Israelites was like on the day that Moses had finished setting up the Tabernacle? Was there an awe and reverence of God? Were the millions of men, women, and children pressing in to see just a glimpse of the Tabernacle? In Numbers chapters 7 we get a little of the feeling of what took place when the Tabernacle was completed. What blessing God bestowed upon Moses. Moses was within the Tabernacle anointing and consecrating the walls, furnishings, and utensils. Moses was declaring that the Tabernacle and all with in it was Holy and God’s. God commanded the leaders of Israel to come forth one day at a time to present their offerings for the dedication of the altar: Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah; Nethanel the son of Zuar, leader of Issachar; Eliab the son of Helon, leader of the sons of Zebulun; Elizur the son of Shedeur, leader of the sons of Reuben; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, leader of the children of Simeon; Eliasaph the son of Deuel, leader of the sons of Gad; Elishama the son of Ammihud, leader of the sons of Ephraim; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, leader of the sons of Manasseh; Abidan the son of Gideoni, leader of the sons of Benjamin; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, leader of the sons of Dan; Pagiel the son of Ochran, leader of the sons of Asher; and Ahira the son of Enan, leader of the sons of Naphtali. All twelve of these leader came to the temple one a day for twelve days. They all brought the same offering to dedicate the alter. I wonder if all the people of these leaders followed their offering to the Tabernacle? Was it a joyous day like a parade where everyone wore their best clothing?

Then the story in Numbers gets even more incredible. Moses enters the tent of meeting and God speaks with him from above the mercy seat between the two cherubim upon the Ark of the Testimony. How did Moses feel by now? He had spoken with God frequently and most notably at a burning bush. I don’t know if I could ever take it lightly to come before God’s presence. It makes me look upon my own life and how I approach God. Do I come to God in prayer with awe and wonder? Do I thirst for time in His presence?

Numbers chapter 8 we have all of the Levites cleansed and taken into the service of the Tabernacle. The Levites were presented as a wave offering before the Lord from the Israelites. The Israelites were instructed to place their hands upon the Levites. This must have been an incredibly solemn and personal moment between the Israelites and the Levites. It was no animal that was being offered to God it was the Levites being presented to be worthy of service. It is interesting looking back at the laws laid down in Leviticus about sacrifices. When an offering was made it became holy and the possession of the priests and used by God. The Levites were given as a gift from God to Aaron and his sons to perform service. I do not know if I can convey my amazement about how this truly amazes me. The Levites were an offering! Not and offering like the pagans who offered people as blood sacrifices these Levites were set apart in service to God. Looking forward to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, He also served humanity in love by dying on the cross.

I am throughly enjoying taking this time to read through the Bible and blog about it as I read. I pray that you too find this an encouragement and may you be spurred to know God in a more personal way through reading through the Bible.