Justin Houtz

Numbers 18, 1 Corinthians 2

DateVersionReading Plan
May 15, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 18

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD told Aaron that he and his sons shall bear the iniquity of the iniquity of the sanctuary and priesthood (Num. 18:1). The Levites were to keep guard over Aaron and his sons but were not to come near the vessels of the sanctuary or the altar lest they and Aaron die (Num. 18:3). The Levites were a gift to Aaron and his sons, given to the LORD, to do the service of the tent of meeting (Num. 18:6). The LORD gave Aaron charge of the contributions made by Israel and the LORD listed all the offerings that shall be theirs (Num. 18:8-9). Every devoted thing was to be theirs, everything that opens the womb, whether man or beast. “The firstborn of both humankind and animals belonged to Yahweh (Exod 13:2).” (FSB). The LORD gave instruction on how redemption was to be performed and that all the holy contributions that the people of Israel present to the LORD was given to them along with their sons and daughters as a perpetual due (Num. 18:16). Aaron and his sons were not to have an inheritance among the people because the LORD would be their portion (Num. 18:20)

The LORD gave details regarding the Levites and that they were given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance (Num. 18:21). This they were given to do the service of the tent of meeting so that the people did not come near the tent of meeting lest they bear their sin and die (Num. 18:22). The Levites were to have no inheritance from among the people because the tithe contributed by the people was their inheritance. However, the Levites were responsible to give a tenth of this to the priests, a tithe of a tithe (Num. 18:26). Out of every gift given to the Levites, they were to present a contribution to the LORD. The CSB provides a helpful and insightful summary of this section:

The cycle of blessing begins and ends with the Lord. (1) The Lord instructs his people in the proper sowing and reaping principles. (2) As the people obediently sow and reap, he blesses the community of faith with an abundant harvest of flocks and fields. (3) The firstborn, firstfruits, and first ripe produce are consumed by the priests after portions have been sacrificed to God. (4) Tithes and offerings are also presented to the holy and faithful Levites for their provision, as additional portions are rendered to God. (5) Then the Levites present a best-of-the-best tithe of their received tithes to support the Aaronic priesthood, who then offer additional portions to God in thanksgiving and praise.

Application

Aaron, his sons and the Levites had specific roles regarding the tabernacle and its operation. As we look on this from a New Testament perspective, it seems helpful to reflect on the great honor they were given in these responsibilities. As living temples of God’s kingdom, we have the amazing duty to carry and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no higher earthly honor we could be given—no task more important to faithfully steward—than to present and live out this glorious message of our need for repentance and faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 2

Observation & Interpretation

Paul declares that he did not come to them with lofty speech or wisdom but only Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:1-2). He came to them in weakness and his speech was not in plausible words but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Cor. 2:4). This he did so that their faith would not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:5).

The wisdom Paul is presenting is not wisdom of the age but a secret and hidden wisdom from God, which He decreed before the ages for their glory. “The mystery of the gospel includes such wonderful truths as the fact that now Jews and Gentiles are made one in Christ; that the Lord Jesus will come and take His waiting people home to be with Himself; and that not all believers will die but all will be changed.” (1 Cor. 2:7). Paul continues in describing the revelations and ministrations of the Holy Spirit, explaining that no one can comprehend the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God and that we have been given His Spirit to understand the things freely given to us by God (1 Cor. 2:12). Paul speaks of how the natural person does not accept the things of God, they are folly to him and unintelligible because such things are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). “On the other hand, the man who is illuminated by the Spirit of God can discern these wonderful truths even though he himself cannot be rightly judged by the unconverted.” (BBC).

The chapter concludes with a rhetorical question by Paul in which he asks who has understood the mind of the Lord as to instruct him (1 Cor. 2:16). The BBC expounds that, “To ask the question is to answer it. God cannot be known through the wisdom or power of men. He is known only as He chooses to make Himself known. However, those who have the mind of Christ are able to understand the deep truths of God.”

Application

Only those quickened by and endowed with the Spirit can discern spiritual truths. The expression of spiritual blindness among those who remain in their natural state is hostility and rebellion toward God. By a work of the grace of God alone are we dispossessed of such blindness and given ability to follow and obey Him in a way that glorifies Him. It is a wonder beyond all measure that our Lord would look on us with such undeserved favor.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the responsibility You have given me to be a herald of Your gospel. Father, by the strength and guidance of Your Spirit, help me to do this with passion, precision and intentionality everyday. Father, how abundant is Your grace and love that You would give this sinner the ability to understand the things freely given by You.

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