I’ve never before compared the Tabernacle to “Area 51” but after reading this chapter, I kinda think that might be a helpful comparison. 😉

The Ark of the Covenant is above top secret. Authorized personnel only. Unauthorized attempted entry will get you killed. Wrong procedures get you killed. There are supernatural phenomenon associated. And the whole thing is shrouded in such mystery that it has spun off a ton of myths and legends about it.

🤔🤷‍♀️🤐🪪🔒🤫🛸🛸🛸

See? There are similarities.

---

This chapter connects the dots between the Levites and the 10th Plague – the death of the Egyptian firstborn. God chooses the Levite men (of any birth order) as a substitute for all the firstborn men of Israel. This isn’t exactly a new idea. Think back to what happened at the Golden Calf incident:

“And Moses stood at the entrance of the camp, and he said, “Whoever is for Yahweh, to me.” And all the sons of Levi were gathered to him.”

[the Levites go and execute the offenders]

And Moses said, “You are ordained today for Yahweh, because each has been against his son and against his brother and so bringing on you today a blessing.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭26‬, ‭29‬ ‭LEB‬‬

The Levites proved their loyalty to Yahweh was greater than loyalty to friends and family. It reminds me of this:

“The one who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and the one who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭37‬ ‭LEB‬‬

The tribe of Levi has 3 families and 8 clans.

1. Gershon (2 clans, all things fabric)
2. Kohath (4 clans, the furniture)
3. Merari (2 clans, hardware)

The Tabernacle parts and furniture are assigned to them and their campsites are designated. They are placed around the Tabernacle – A) as security guards and B) it’s a short commute to work.

So the Levites functionally replace the firstborn men of Israel. This isn’t just a cute theory. It’s serious. If there isn’t a Levite to replace you, and you’re a firstborn son, you have to pay a redemption price to make up for yourself – about $870.00 in today’s money.

There were 273 firstborn men more than the number of Levite men. They each paid 5 shekels for a total of $237,510.00.

In the next chapter we’ll get the details on exactly how these guys pack up the Tabernacle for moving.

I don’t know how things get moved around in Area 51 – probably levitation 😉 – but I’m pretty sure they’ve got things there that will kill you if mishandled. Same for the Tabernacle. It’s going to require very clear protocols so these guys don’t die on the job.