When times change, the roles and responsibilities carry the same essence but the expression of the work does not. When the Levites were first commissioned, they were given the responsibility of the transportation of the holy things on their journey. They also administered the sacrifices. But now that the ark was to come to a permanent place of rest, things were more settled. Now their job was directed more towards settling in as ministers before the LORD.
The House of Aaron and Descendants were given this role (1 Chr 23:13):
- Consecrate the most holy things
- Burn incense in the presence of the Yahweh
- To minister to Him
- To pronounce blessings in His name forever
The House of Levi and Descendants were given this work (1 Chr 23:25-32)
- Assist the sons of Aaron with the service of the LORD’s temple
- Being responsible for the courts and the chambers
- The purification of all the holy things
- The work of the service of God’s temple
- The rows of the bread of the Presence
- The fine flour for the grain offering
- The wafers of unleavened bread
- The baking, the mixing and all measurements of volume and length
- Stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening
- Whenever burnt offerings are offered to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed festivals, they are to do so regularly in the LORD’s presence according to the number prescribed for them
- Carry out their responsibilities for the tent of meeting, for the holy place, and for their relatives, the sons of Aaron, in the service of the LORD’s temple
Aaron’s descendants were to be the priests administering the sacrifices and offerings, and the Levites were to be those who assisted Aaron. And again we see the importance of not only dealing with sins through sacrifices and offerings, but placing a high emphasis on praise and blessing:
“Aaron, along with his descendants, was set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things…and to pronounce blessings in His name forever” (1 Chr 23:13).
The Levites are “to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening” (1 Chr 23:30).
Thanksgiving, worship and praise are not small things, but necessary things. As necessary as the sacrifices and offerings that dealt with sin (which for us was accomplished in the death of Jesus).
