and have them shave their entire body (Numbers 8:7)
Most newborn babies have very less hair. This speaks of innocence
After this, they may go into the Tabernacle to do their work, because you have purified them and presented them as a special offering. (Numbers 8:15)
The way to dedicate leaders to the work of the Lord
1.Purification (speaks of sanctification). This could involve fasting and prayer
2.Present them as an offering to the Lord (speaks of dedicating leaders)
And at the age of fifty years, they shall retire from the warfare of the service and serve no more, But shall help their brethren in the Tent of Meeting [attend to protecting the sacred things from being profaned], but shall do no regular or heavy service. Thus shall you direct the Levites in regard to their duties. (Numbers 8:25-26)
These verses bring about some questions:
Why were the Levites supposed to retire at age 50?
Moving the tabernacle and its heavy articles of furniture across the wilderness required a great deal of physical strength; so it was to be left to the younger priests.
However, the older priests were to assist with various light duties and to help the younger men with advice and counsel. God was making provision for the older men to remain engaged in the work of the Kingdom of God.
When does one retire from serving in the Kingdom of God?
There was a study done on those that retired from service. It was found that those who retired were often attacked with various ailments. However, those who had passed their age for official age for service and were still active were healthy and fitter compared to those who retired.
In these verses we find an important insight for older believers. It is wise to choose to remain active in the Kingdom of God, both spiritually and physically. It seems there is no retirement in the Kingdom of God, only a move from physical labour to a labour of advice and counsel to young believers.
The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus: “These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children” (Titus 2:4)
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 33