After God decisively put down the rebellion led by Korah and the 250 rebels, and firmly established Aaron’s priesthood, the people cried out in anguish.
The Israelites said to Moses, “We are perishing; we are lost; all of us are lost! Everyone who approaches the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all to perish?” (Numbers 17:12-13).
A close examination of the book of Numbers reveals a recurring pattern: sin followed by sacrifice. Time and again, the people of God fall into sin, yet in His mercy, God provides a means of atonement.
At the end of chapter 17, we see the people lamenting over the consequences of their actions. Chapter 18 then opens with another instance of God’s provision for forgiveness through sacrifice.
As we consider another instance of the sacrificial system, Ronald Allen’s insights are very helpful.
What can chapters 18 and 19 offer the modern reader? Here are five key insights.
(1) It’s essential for readers of scripture to have a broad understanding of the major institutions from the biblical period. This foundational knowledge is crucial for making sense of scripture.
Rudy Ross frequently emphasizes how the sacrificial system sheds light on what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Without this context, the significance of the cross might be lost on us today.
(2) Allen points out that our understanding of true worship begins with recognizing that God controls and directs it. Who are the priests, and what roles do they play?
These questions are central to understanding worship. Worship isn’t a game where we make up our own rules. It follows God’s directions.
(3) Understanding the role of priests offers valuable insights into God’s perspective on worship.
We often think of worship in terms of our own preferences and enjoyment, but this viewpoint is misguided. Worship is primarily meant to please God.
(4) The worship we read about in Numbers provides Christians with a deeper understanding of the priestly work of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully read through Hebrews 5 and observe the grace of God who provided us such a High Priest as Jesus.
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him,
“You are my Son;
Today I have begotten you”;
As he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek.”
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
Having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5-8).
(5) Examining the significant role of the high priest in the Old Testament reveals the profound responsibility and opportunity we have as a kingdom of priests.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
We are all priests, able to approach the Lord’s presence directly, without an intermediary. Our privilege as believer-priests is best appreciated against the backdrop of these Old Testament priests.
The Lord said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your ancestral house with you shall bear responsibility for offenses connected with the sanctuary, while you and your sons alone shall bear responsibility for offenses connected with the priesthood (Numbers 18:1).
The priesthood carries both privilege and responsibility. We have access to God, but this access is meant for the benefit of others. It’s crucial to integrate this into our lives, as God has called us all to this role as followers of Jesus.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discussed Numbers 18 on YouTube today.
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