This Bible study on Numbers 5-8 is all about the recognizable difference of being set apart for God.
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Numbers 5-8 if full of the recognizable difference when one is living in the truth of Christ, dedicating their life to to service of God. Although it is easy to get bogged down in the small details and repetition found in these chapters, there is great knowledge and application to be found in studying them.
In these chapters, we are reminded of the importance of purity in the presence of God. We see the necessity of restitution for wrongs committed. And the mercy inherent in God’s commands is demonstrated. We see the dedication exemplified in the Nazirite vow and the blessing God desires to bestow upon His children. Furthermore, the division of resources among the Levites shows God’s care for each individual’s role in His kingdom.
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Read all about the recognizable difference of being set apart for God, before reflecting on it below
Numbers 5-8
The recognizable difference of Purity in the presence of a Holy God
The God we serve is a God who dwells among us. He is not a far-off God who doesn’t care what we do. Rather, He takes an active interest in our day-to-day lives. In Numbers 5, He commands that the Israelites send anyone who is unclean to go outside of the camp until they are clean again. Although the qualifications listed here for uncleanliness did not make someone a sinner, they were a picture and reminder of the effects of sin in our lives. The Holy God that we serve does not want even a hint of sin to be found in our lives or in our places of worship.
Is there something in your life that is keeping you from being completely dedicated to God and following in His holiness? Do you have sin in your life that you need to get rid of completely (Hebrews 12:1-3)?
Restitution for wrong
God wants His people to live in harmony with one another. Anytime you get a large group of people together, living in close proximity to one another, issues and conflict arise. God gave the command that if any man or woman wronged someone else, they were unfaithful to God Himself. They needed to confess their sin and make restitution for the wrong they have committed. It is important to note that we cannot hurt God’s people without hurting God Himself. Anytime you sin against someone, you are also sinning against God. It is not enough to just say “oh, I’m sorry.” Restitution needs to be made as well.
Is there someone in your life whom you have wronged and you need to confess to God and them? How can you make restitution to that person today (Romans 13:8-10)?
Mercy in the test of an unfaithful wife
Once again, God gives a reminder to keep sin out of the camp by giving a system for dealing with jealousy in marriage. If there is a breakdown in the family structure, there will be a breakdown in the community as a whole. That is why God gives this test for an unfaithful wife. Although this seems rather sexist in our modern view, God actually limited was a husband could legally do to his wife. Other cultures during this time allowed the man to kill his wife or send her away on reason of suspicion without proof. Here, God put the object of proof in His own hands.
God could have just commanded that husbands were not allowed to do anything if they were suspicious of their wives. But could you imagine the disharmony that would cause? It is always better to get any conflict out in the open where it can be resolved; and God should always be at the center for resolving that conflict. Is there conflict in your marriage that needs to be resolved (Ephesians 5:22-27)?
The recognizable difference of the Nazirite vow
The priests and the Levites were set apart by God for God for life. However, anyone could take a vow to dedicate a time in their lives to God. The Nazirite vow gave the regulations for any man or woman to dedicate themselves to God, and the qualifications went above and beyond those for the priests in many ways. Although the Priests were forbidden from drinking alcohol while serving, the Nazirites never could. The priests were allowed to mourn the death of close relatives, but the Nazirites were not. They were to live a life of recognizable difference, set apart for God, while continuing to live in their community among their people.
Is it possible to take a Nazirite vow today, and if so, should we? How can you dedicate your life to God (1 John 2:4)?
The Lord’s Blessing
Just after the vow of the Nazirite comes the famous blessing that God tells the priests to pray over the children of Israel. This is a blessing that will be spoken over the Israelites every day at the close of the mourning service. God wanted His children to know that they did not have to take a special vow to be blessed. He desires to bless everyone. God desires to give His protection, peace, and presence to everyone. This blessing is a reminder that God loves and desires the best for all of His children.
Related post: How to pray God’s blessing over your life
Do you know that God desires to bless you? Are you open to receiving His blessing (Philippians 4:19)?
Each given what they need
The Levite families were given carts and oxen based on their needs for serving the Tabernacle. The Merites were portioned four carts while the Gershonites were given only 2 and the Kohathites did not receive any. While this may seem unfair at first, it is important to remember that God gave the families exactly what they needed in order to faithfully do the jobs He had given them. The merites needed the most carts because they were responsible for the foundations of the Tabernacle and the Gershonites were responsible for the fabric coverings. The Kohathites – the family who was not portioned a single cart – was responsible for the transport of the Holy things. These were to be transported on their shoulders.
It often feels like some people receive more resources than others for the service of God. Do you feel that God has given you exactly what you need (Hebrews 13:20-21)?
Repetition
Numbers 7 is the third longest chapter in the Bible, characterized by its repetitive nature. Within its verses, the offerings brought by each of the twelve tribes are reiterated a dozen times. This repetition every six verses leaves us wondering about its significance. However, amidst this repetition lies a profound message: the value of the individual to God. Through the meticulous account of each tribe presenting its gift, the text presents God’s attention to detail and care for every aspect of His people’s offerings. The uniformity of the offerings also emphasizes the equality of all tribes in God’s eyes. No single tribe holds superiority over another, as each contributes equally. Lastly, the slow pace at which each tribe presents its gift allows for a collective celebration. Each tribe has the opportunity to honor and rejoice in the offerings brought forth by their fellow tribes.
Do you know your individual significance in God’s kingdom, while also staying humble? How does that knowledge allow you to celebrate in others victory (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)?
Lighting the World
The lamps that were described in Exodus 25 were now to be set up. The seven lamps together were used to illuminate the area in front of the lampstand. As we have seen before, oil is an analogy of the Holy Spirit. And just as the lamps could not shine without oil continuously being added to them, so we also cannot shine our lights for others to see without the Holy Spirit working in us.
Do others see the light of the Holy spirit illuminating your life (Matthew 5:14-16)?
Levites vs. Priests
Setting apart the priests for service was described in Leviticus 8-9. Now we come to the description of setting apart the Levites. The consecration of the Levites follows that of the priests, with a few differences. While the priests were made holy, the Levites were made clean. While the priests donned new garments, the Levites washed theirs. And while the priests were annointed and washed, the Levites were sprinkled with the water. Although The Levites did not undergo the same consecration as the priests, their work was still valuable for the Tabernacle.
God does not only value spiritual teaching and service, He also values the practical work of ministering to others. How can you (or do you) practically serve those around you (James 2:14-17)?
Reflect on the recognizable difference of being set apart for God
As you have read and studied these chapters, I hope you have seen the profound truth presented in them. There is a recognizable difference of being set apart for God. These chapters are not merely a collection of laws and rituals. They serve as a mirror reflecting our relationship with the Holy One. As you absorb these lessons, do not be merely hearers but doers of the Word.
So now, dear reader, take action.
Reflect on these teachings. Discern where you stand in your relationship with God. And commit to living a life that reflects the recognizable difference of being set apart for Him. Seek reconciliation where needed, dedicate yourself wholly to His service, and rejoice in the significance of your individual role within His kingdom. As you go about your day, shine the light of the Holy Spirit in all you do.
This Bible study on Numbers 5-8 was all about the recognizable difference Christians have when they are set apart for God.