Some thoughts for meditation following our daily devotional Scripture reading that is provided each week.

This was history that God wanted recorded and thus moved Moses to write it (2 Pet 1:21). It is God’s Word and thus is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and disciplining in righteousness for maturity and thorough equipment for ministry (2 Tim 3:16–17).

This offering from the twelve tribes was given shortly after the tabernacle was consecrated (Exod 40:9-11), before they left Sinai for the land of Canaan (Num 10:11).

The offerings were presented by leaders chosen by God at the first census (Num 1:5-15) and according to their position around the tabernacle (Num 2).

Each tribe’s offering and sacrifice were the same: a cart with oxen; silver platters and bowls, and a gold pan; incense; grain offerings; and various animals for sacrifices.

The carts and oxen were given to the Gershonites and Merarites to help them transport the tabernacle furnishings. No carts were given to the Kohathites, for they were to carry the tabernacle service on their shoulders (cf. 2 Chron 13:7-12; 15:11-15).

This offering demonstrated the Israelites’ plunder of the Egyptians (Exod 12:35-36). It was given freely by Israel for the Levites’ ministry. Consider these things were made in the wilderness!

The theocratic nation had everything it needed to be God’s people and to do God’s work. All that remained to be seen is whether the people would follow the Lord’s leading and trust him.

When Moses went into the holy of holies (Num 7:89) God spoke to him (cf. Exod 25:22; Lev 1:1; Num 1:1). God spoke in the ordained place of the tabernacle to Moses.

Some points of application:

• How ready am I to give to the Lord’s work?
• How devoted am I to God’s agency in this day and age, the church?
• God’s work is to be provided for and supported by God’s people.
• An essential distinction between the true religion of the Christian Scriptures and all other religions is the fact that God has spoken (cf. Psalm 115:3-8).
• How attentive am I to God’s Word, which I am privileged to hear every day in the Bible?