“And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.”
Context:The book of Numbers provides an account of the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. In Numbers 8, God gives specific instructions to Moses regarding the consecration of the Levites for their service in the tabernacle.
The role of the Levites:The Levites were a tribe set apart for the service of God. They were responsible for the care, transportation, and security of the tabernacle. They assisted the priests (from the tribe of Levi) in performing various duties related to worship and sacrifices.
The act of laying hands:In this verse, God instructs the Levites to lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks. This act symbolises the transfer of guilt or sin from the people to the sacrificial animal. By laying their hands on the bullocks, the Levites acknowledged their identification with the sacrifice and their need for atonement.
The sin offering and the burnt offering:The sin offering was a sacrifice made to atone for the sins of the people. It symbolised the removal of guilt and the restoration of fellowship with God. The burnt offering, on the other hand, was a voluntary act of worship, expressing devotion and surrender to God.
Atonement for the Levites:The purpose of offering the sin offering and the burnt offering was to make atonement for the Levites. Even though they were set apart for service to God, they were not exempt from sin and guilt. The atonement was necessary to purify them and ensure their suitability for the sacred duties they were about to undertake.
Lessons for believers today:While this passage specifically relates to the consecration of the Levites in the Old Testament, there are several lessons we can draw from it. It reminds us of the need for atonement and the acknowledgment of our own sinfulness. It also emphasises the importance of consecration and surrender in our service to God.
In summary, Numbers 8:12 highlights the process of consecrating the Levites for their service in the tabernacle. It teaches us about the need for atonement, the symbolism of laying hands on sacrificial animals, and the significance of offering sin and burnt offerings to cleanse and purify the Levites for their sacred responsibilities.
