Justin Houtz

Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

DateVersionReading Plan
February 25, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Numbers 17-18

Observation & Interpretation

Chapters 17-18 speak much about the divine appointment of the Levites and their responsibilities to keep guard over the tent of meeting and perform its duties. The Levites were taken from among the people as a gift to them, given to the LORD, but any outsider who came near was to be put to death (Num. 18:7). They were given the charge of the contributions to the LORD by the people, given to the Levites as a portion and to their sons as a perpetual due (Num. 18:8). “The Levites received tithes from the people, but they in turn were responsible to give a tenth to the priests. This tenth was offered as a heave offering … to the Lord.” (Num. 18:21-32). The best and highest quality of the tenth was to be presented to Aaron and the priests who could eat of it in any place as it was their reward for their service in the tent of meeting (Num. 18:32). They would bear no sin by reason of it but were not to profane the holy things of Israel, lest they die. (Num. 18:32).

The clear parameters of conduct regarding the Levites and the priesthood illuminate both God’s grace to provide such instruction for His people and the imperative of proper adherence. Only the Levites and the Aaronic priesthood were permitted to carry out the tasks pertaining to the holy things of God and the consequence of any outsider coming near was death. As followers of Christ in the New Covenant, this should foster great appreciation that our Lord Jesus by His propitiatory death tore the veil in order that may be granted access to the holy where there was once prohibition. What immense gratitude should erupt in our hearts in response to the beautiful truth.

Mark 4

Observation & Interpretation

In Mark 4:24-25, Jesus told the crowd that they were to pay attention to what they heard because the measure they used it would be measured to them and more added to them. He told them that to the one who has, more would be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. In reading of this, we should be reminded that everything we have has been given to us for proper stewardship. Whether health, relationships or financial resources, we are to proceed with worshipful intent of glorifying our gracious Giver.

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