Read Numbers 7-8 at Bible Gateway.
Today’s reading forms part of a larger chiastic structure:
Num 3:5-8:26
1A: Num 3:5-8, Levites to attend to the work of the tabernacle;
1B: Num 3:9-10, Levites wholly given to Aaron and sons;
1C: Num 3:11-4:49, YHVH has taken the Levites instead of the firstborn of the children of Israel;
1D: Num 5:1-7:88, Separation and dedication of the children of Israel;
a) Num 5:1-10, Separate the unclean from among the children of Israel + cleanse them of sins;
b) Num 5:11-31, She shall drink the bitter water that brings a curse;
c) Num 6:1-21, The Nazirite to shave his consecrated head;
d) Num 6:22-7:88, Aaron and sons shall put YHVH’s name on the children of Israel to bless them + Offerings for the altar to dedicate it to YHVH;
1E: Num 7:89, Thus YHVH spoke to Moses;
CENTRAL AXIS: Num 8:1-4, The menorah to give light in front of the lampstand;
2E: Num 8:5, Thus YHVH spoke to Moses;
2D: Num 8:6-15, Separation and dedication of the Levites;
a) Num 8:6, Separate the Levites from among the children of Israel and cleanse them;
b) Num 8:7a, He shall sprinkle the Levites with the water of purification;
c) Num 8:7b, Levites to shave their hair;
d) Num 8:8-15, Children of Israel shall put their hands on the Levites to dedicate them + Offerings for the Levites to dedicate them to YHVH;
2C: Num 8:16-18, YHVH has taken the Levites instead of the firstborn of Israel;
2B: Num 8:19, Levites wholly given to Aaron and sons;
2A: Num 8:20-26, Levites prepared for the service of the work of the tabernacle.
I have a feeling we will be able to add onto this structure, both on the front and back, as we progress further in Numbers.
But the focus of the central axis is the menorah, the golden lampstand which was in the Holy Place. The original instructions for its design are in Exo 25:31-40. The tabernacle is a multi-layered prophetic picture, and in one interpretation, the Most Holy Place represents the heart, wherein the presence of the LORD dwells; the Holy Place represents the soul: the mind, will, and emotions; and the outer court represents the body.
It is fascinating that the seven- branched menorah, representing the light of YHVH which is never to go out, is in the Holy Place. The light of YHVH is to be placed in the soul or mind to illuminate the soul or mind. What is the light of YHVH?
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psa 119:105
For further study: Search Exodus and Leviticus for all the instructions concerning the menorah. Write them out. What can we learn about filling our minds with the light of God’s Word by these instructions?
Finding Messiah: The menorah prophesies of Yeshua! He is the Word of God made flesh (Joh 1:1, 14)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
For further reading:
The Menorah, part one and part two – Brad Scott
Yeshua and the Temple Menorah
<– 5-6 numbers 9-10 –>
numbers index ::: ::: ::: one year reading schedule
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