Numbers 18:1-7

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Duties of Priests and Levites

18 Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity associated with your priesthood. 2 Also bring with you your brethren of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you while you and your sons are with you before the tabernacle of witness. 3 They shall attend to your needs and all the needs of the tabernacle; but they shall not come near the articles of the sanctuary and the altar, lest they die—they and you also. 4 They shall be joined with you and attend to the needs of the tabernacle of meeting, for all the work of the tabernacle; but an outsider shall not come near you. 5 And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and the duties of the altar, that there may be no more wrath on the children of Israel. 6 Behold, I Myself have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel; they are a gift to you, given by the Lord, to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 7 Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and behind the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Nu 18:1–7.

Discussion on Numbers Chapter 18

• The passage discusses the responsibilities and duties of Aaron and his sons, the priests, regarding the sanctuary and priesthood.

• It highlights the consequences of neglecting these duties, emphasizing accountability and the sanctity of the roles within the temple.

• The Levites' role is clarified as assistants to the priests, with strict prohibitions against performing priestly functions to avoid death.

• The concept of the priesthood being a gift from God is underlined, with specific duties outlined for Aaron and his sons.

Theological Implications and Christian Connection

• A connection is made to Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest, according to the New Testament, drawing a parallel to the priesthood of Melchizedek.

• The discussion briefly touches on the nature of the Trinity, emphasizing the unity and distinctiveness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• The conversation veers into a light-hearted exchange about ghosts, eventually steering back to the significance of Jesus' sacrifice.

Conclusion and Prayer

• The session concludes with a prayer thanking God for Jesus Christ as the high priest and the implications of this for believers, including being part of a "royal priesthood."

• The closing remarks invite listeners to further engagement and provide information on the church hosting the session.