Justin Houtz

Numbers 8, Romans 8

DateVersionReading Plan
May 5, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 8

Observation

The LORD spoke to Moses to speak to Aaron regarding the lamps that were to be setup in front of the lampstand (Num. 8:1-4). “Aaron was instructed to arrange the lamps on the golden lampstand in such a way that the light would be cast in front of the lampstand.” (BBC)

Then is recorded how the LORD spoke to Moses on how the Levites were to be consecrated for the service for the people at the tent of meeting. They were to be taken, cleansed, bodies shaven, clothes washed, offering made and brought before the tent of meeting in the presence of the whole assembly of people (Num. 8:7-9). Atonement was to be made for the Levites through a sin and burnt offering and the Levites themselves were to be offered as a wave offering to the LORD (Num. 8:10-13). As the BBC insightfully points out, “This reminds us of Romans 12:1, 2, where today’s believers are to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God.”

The Levites were to be separated from among the people of Israel, wholly given to the LORD instead of the firstborn of all the people of Israel (Num. 8:14-16). “God repeats that He had chosen the Levites to belong to Himself instead of … the firstborn whom He had claimed as His own after the Exodus.” (BBC). Moses, Aaron and the people were compliant to the LORD’s command in purifying, making offerings and atonement for the Levites (Num. 20-22).

The LORD spoke to Moses and told him that the Levites were to be active in service for the tent of meeting between the ages of 25 and 50 (Num. 8:23-24). After 50 years of age, the Levites were allowed to remain in a supervisory capacity. “These verses distinguish between “work” and ministry or attending to needs. The former is heavy work; the latter is overseeing.” (BBC)

Application

The connection made by the BBC of the Levites being offered as a wave offering as a reminder of New Covenant believers being presented as a living sacrifice is compelling. Our lives should reflect a ready willingness to relinquish personal pursuits and even our own well-being for the service of God and the spiritual flourishing of others. What glory is due to our Lord that we would be granted such a task, to be set apart for ministerial purpose, to the upbuilding of the saints and the expansion of His kingdom.

Romans 8

Observation

Rom. 8:2-11 – Contrast of flesh and Spirit

Rom. 8:12-17 – [The] Spirit-empowered also demonstrates that not only are these believers declared right before God, but they also have been adopted as God’s sons. (TGCBC)

Rom. 8:18-30 – At this point, the suffering of Christians in Rome under Nero has not reached a fever pitch, but this text would likely have provided great comfort when the persecution increased after the city was burned. (TGCBC)

Rom. 8:24 – Hope and sight do not coexist

Rom: 8:26 – Some equate the groanings with speaking in tongues, but it seems here that the Spirit is doing the speaking and not the anguished believer

Application

There is so much application to pull from this, one of the most beloved chapters in all of the Bible. Having only this evening been confronted with my sin of fear and cowardice, what comfort is brought by the truth that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the honor of being the herald of Your glorious gospel. Father, by Your Spirit help me to faithfully carry out this calling to make Your name known and revered.

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