The Lord speaking to Moses here begins His directions appointing the Levites to sacred service at the tabernacle. They were honored with this appointment because they refused to join in worship of the golden calf and executed His command against the idolaters. Their assigned work was to erect the tabernacle, encamp around it, and take it down and carry it with the ark and its sacred furnishings when Israel journeyed, with particular families appointed to the carrying.
This appointment for tabernacle service was distinct from the priestly office entrusted to Aaron and his family, so Levitical service gave no claim to the priesthood. The conferring of that priesthood on Aaron's house stirred jealousy because priestly duties had formerly belonged to the firstborn of each family. Korah, a Kohathite Levite already appointed to tabernacle service, became dissatisfied with his assignment and aspired to the priesthood.
The people were required to treat the sanctuary and everything belonging to it with reverence. The arrangement shows that God's work was to be carried out in His appointed order rather than left to individual choice.
The Lord speaking to Moses here begins His directions appointing the Levites to sacred service at the tabernacle. They were honored with this appointment because they refused to join in worship of the golden calf and executed His command against the idolaters. Their assigned work was to erect the tabernacle, encamp around it, and take it down and carry it with the ark and its sacred furnishings when Israel journeyed, with particular families appointed to the carrying.
This appointment for tabernacle service was distinct from the priestly office entrusted to Aaron and his family, so Levitical service gave no claim to the priesthood. The conferring of that priesthood on Aaron's house stirred jealousy because priestly duties had formerly belonged to the firstborn of each family. Korah, a Kohathite Levite already appointed to tabernacle service, became dissatisfied with his assignment and aspired to the priesthood.
The people were required to treat the sanctuary and everything belonging to it with reverence. The arrangement shows that God's work was to be carried out in His appointed order rather than left to individual choice.