| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 18, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Numbers 3-4
Observation & Interpretation
Chapters three and four of the Book of Numbers gives an account of the priestly line of Aaron as well as the responsibilities that were given to the Levites. Regarding the latter, the Levites were taken by the LORD instead of every firstborn son and charged with ministering to and keeping guard over Aaron and the whole congregation before the tent of meeting. The sons of Levi by their names were Gershon, Kohath and Merari, each having their own specific duties pertaining to tabernacle, tent of meeting and furnishings. Particularly noteworthy is that the Levites (specifically the Kohathites) were neither to touch the holy things (Num. 4:15) or go in to view them (Num. 4:20) lest they die. Aaron and his sons were to cover them prior to being handled or carried, but the Levites were not to look upon them or touch them directly.
As we read of this, we should take in and appreciate just how set apart the things of God are from us. Filled with sin, we are absent all manner of capability to be in the presence of a holy and righteous God. Only through the blood of Christ shed and sacrifice made on our behalf can our sin be vanquished, imputing to us His righteousness such that we can we be deemed worthy. Thanks be to our Lord to have poured out His grace upon us that we are granted access to Him where once we had utter and deserved banishment.
Acts 25
Observation & Interpretation
When Festus arrived in Caesarea, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem brought charges against Paul and Paul argued in his defense. “Sensing the poverty of their case, the apostle contented himself with a simple denial of any crime against the law, against the temple, or Caesar.” (BBC) It seems important to point out that Paul was not passive in his response to the charges by the Jews. Paul was objectively innocent of what they had claimed he had done, so he was just in his refutation. In much the same way, we are not to be idle in the contention others will have against our proclamation of the gospel and Biblical truth. We are to proceed with love and kindness, but also with firm resolve in our ambassadorial role of the Lord and King we serve.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
