[Part 2]

THE VARIOUS ROLES THE LEVITES PERFORMED.

[Num.4: 1–15] [1Cor.12: 1–30].
In the O.T. the Tribe of Levi was chosen and set aside to serve God in various Capacities and Sections of the Tabernacle.

1. THE LEVITES WERE CHOSEN BY GOD, CONSECRATED AND SET ASIDE FOR SERVICE.
[Num.18: 6a]
“And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you [they are] given [as] a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

2. THEY WERE GIFTED, THEREFORE, DIVINELY EQUIPPED FOR THE SERVICE.
[Num.18: 7]
“Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for everything of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.”

3. THEY WERE ANOINTED, THEREFORE, EMPOWERED FOR THE SERVICES.
[Num. 18: 8]
“ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance forever.”

DUTIES DURING THE EXODUS JOURNEY
Moses set up the Tabernacle on earth according to the heavenly pattern God showed him.
It consisted of:
1. THE OUTER COURT.
2. THE HOLY PLACE.
3. THE HOLIEST OF THE HOLY.

During the Exodus Journey, The Tabernacle had to be moved from place to place.
In the course of moving, The Tabernacle had to be dismantled. The various vessels, the badger skins the posts robes etc had to be packed and carried to the next camping site.
The consignment of everything to do with the Tabernacle was the sole responsibility of the Levite.

N.B, Take note of this fact that all the Levites did not perform the same kind of service in the Tabernacle.

Could this be the reason why the Apostle Paul said this? In [1Corinthians 12:27-30]
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracle, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

Since Paul was the interpreter of the Old Testament shadows and types, we can learn from these shadowsand types, how the living God operates His Church in the New Testament.
Some of these offices minister to the needs of our “Outer Court,” The flesh realm. Others minister to needs of the “Inner Court”. The spirit realm.
And others to the needs of our “Inner Most Court.” The Soul Realm.
Others minister to our physical and material needs. [Acts 6:1-4 ]

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

This is the reason why there is need for all THE 5-MINISTERIAL OFFICES to be free to operate as the word says.
Confinements to our church camps will not bring about the perfection the word prescribe.

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, MINISTERS THROUGH THE 5 MINISTERIAL OFFICES.
….He can't be here in a corporal body, but He's here in a spiritual body, in the form called the Holy Spirit.
E-49 And God set in the Church first, what? Missionaries, or apostles; apostle and missionary, as I told you, taught you, is the same thing, "one sent" Apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelist, pastors, God set in the Church for the perfecting of the Church. That's Divine gifts that God foreordained and set into the Church. See? Those are for the perfecting of the Church. Jesus speaks through His pastor, speaks through His teacher, speaks through His seer, His prophet, speaks through His missionary to the countries, and so forth. That's His gifts that He's put in the Church.

BLIND BARTIMAEUS. 56.04.14

EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE ROLES OF THE LEVITES [IN OT]:
(A). AARON & SONS. [Num 4: 1- 15], were in charge of:
1. Dismantling the Holiest of Holy
2. Packing the vessels and the instruments used in the Holiest of Holy
No other Levite was allowed to even touch anything used in this chamber. They would die. [Num.4: 15, 18 – 20]. Recall Uzzah in [2Sam.6: 6-7].

(B). THE KOHATHITES were in charge of bearing:
i. The Ark of the Covenant.
ii. Vessels packed by Aaron and his sons

They were to bear these items on their shoulders, according to the Word of the Lord to Moses. [Num.7: 9]
“But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.”

The other families [Gershonites, and Merarites] of the Tribe of Levi could carry their items on Wagons and Oxen. [Num.7: 6-8].

“And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.
Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:
And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”

(C). THE GERSHONITES were in charge of:

1. Services in the Tabernacle of the congregation
2.Bearing the curtains, the badger skins and instruments. They were to be under the supervision of Ithamar, Aaron’s son. [Num.4: 28]

“This [is] the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge [shall be] under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”

(D). THE MERARITES.
1. Provide services in the Tabernacle of the Congregation
2. And in charge of boards, bars. Pillars sockets pins cords instruments etc.
They were under the supervision of Ithamar. [Num.4: 29-33].
Clearly, the Levites did not choose to do what pleased them. They were under God‘s ordained leadership. [Num. 4: 19-20]

They did not all serve in the same office or do the same job.
They also maintained different and specific positions in the journey and when they are encamped:
(i). Kohathites – always encamped on the South side of the tabernacle. [Num.3: 29]
(ii) Gershonites – Occupy the Western side. [3:23]
(iii) Merarites – take their position on the Northern side. [3: 35]
(iv) Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’ Sons - Occupy the Eastern side. [3:38]

ISRAEL UNDER KING DAVID:
When the 12 tribes became sedentary [settled] he numbered the Levites and introduced some changes [1Chron.23: 24 – 27]:

1. Song leaders and skilled musicians conducted worship services. [1Chron. 6:31-33] 39, [1Chron25:1- 7]
2. New appointments were made in the service of the House of the Lord [1Chron. 6:48]
3. Gate keepers/Ushers were appointed [1Chron.9: 17-24]
4. Trustees or its equivalents were appointed [1Chron.9: 26- 31]
5. Treasuries and treasurers were also set up. [1Chron.9: 26], [1Chron26: 20- 28]
The New Testament offices were foreshadowedin these Old Testament new duties right here.

UNDER KING SOLOMON
A more permanent temple was built. The services continued according to the established order.

ISRAEL BETWEEN SOLOMON AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
The priesthood also had undergone changes:
1. There was also a change in priesthood, from Levitical to Melchisedec. That is from mortal to immortality.

[Heb7:11-12]
“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
“For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.”

2. This change was from the Aaronic High Priesthood of the Levitical order, to Christ Jesus, the New Testament High Priest after the order of Melchisedec.
[Heb.7: 13-15].
“For he, of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

3. Furthermore, there has to be another change: from theone Jewish tribe(the Levites) of the Old Testamentto theNew Testament 5 fold Ministryof [Ephesians 4.]

GOD’S PROVIDED WAY FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PRIESTHOOD IN THEIR SERVICE:
1. TITHES AND OFFERINGS
In the Old Testament, the 11 tribes of Israel gave tithes and offerings to the one tribe, the Levites. Tithes and offerings, were at that time, given in the form of Cattle, sheep, goats, corn, and wheat, Barley, Rye, Wine, and Oil. It was intended to provide food needs. Some of the animal productsprovided tent material, sandalsfor foot wear, clothing material etc. The sacrificial animal came from these items.

2. The Treasurers/Trustees were in charge of them. They were kept in the treasuries and distributed to the needs of the priests, by the Treasurers.
N/T Church of today: It is here where the the church failed itself and badly. The tithe today is almost exclusively in the form of money. Because of this, the custody, control and use of Tithe and Offerings, today has incapacitated the effectiveness of THE END TIME MESSAGE 5-FOLD MINISTRY. But this is not unusual. Records in the Bible show that similar situations had occurred creating hindrances in smooth functioning of the Priesthood ministry. Here is one record:

[NEHEMIAH 13:12-13]
“Then brought all Judah the tithe of the cornand the new wine and the oil UNTO THE TREASURIES.
And I made TREASURERS over THE TREASURIES, Shelemiahthe priest, and Zadokthe scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hananthe son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for THEY WERE COUNTED FAITHFUL and their office [was] TO DISTRIBUTE UNTO THEIR BRETHREN.”

TODAY, THE DISTRIBUTOR, THE CUSTODIAN, AND THE USER IS ONE AND THE SAME PERSON.
You can figure out what happens. Some have tried and done good, but most have messed it up.

Let us also make this clear. It did not follow that because the Levites received these material elements, therefore, Faith and obedience to the Law automatically came into the hearts of the people. Yet for them to have it, it was ordained to be so by God.

2. GOD’S ORDAINED REQUIREMENTS.
The world has never been and will not be won by money, tracts, radio and or televangelism. This does not mean souls cannot be won by these means. But in reality, it takes individuals who have met the following; 3 God ordained requirements to win souls for Christ as illustrate below:

(A).THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD:
1. Consecration set the Levites apart for service unto the Lord. [Num.1: 48–51].
2. God’s Gifts. The Levites were given as God’s gift for service in the Tabernacle of the congregation.[Num.18:6]
3. The anointing given to them empowered them to effectively service The Lord. [Num.18:8]

(B). THE MINISTRY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST:
1. Consecration to the Gospel set him apart to serve God wholly. [Jn. 17: 19]
2. God’s Gift to man. God sent Jesus Christ fully gifted and equipped for redemption of man and his lost inheritance. [Jn.4:10]
3. Anointing for the service, provided all the power needed for the mission [Lk.4: 18-19]

(C). THE 5 FOLD MINISTRY OF EPHESIAN 4: 11: [Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers.]
1. Consecration is also required to set them wholly for service as it was with the Levites and Jesus Christ. [Mt.19: 27–30]
2. God’s gift. They were God given gifts to serve the universal Church, Christ Body. [Eph 4:11]
3. Anointing. As the Levites and Jesus needed it, so is it for the 5 Gifted Offices of
[Eph. 4:11]. It is a must they have the Holy Spirit before they go into the service of the Lord according to [Acts.1: 4-5, 8].

WHY DID THE 11 TRIBES HAVE TO PAY TITHES TO THE LEVITES?
1. It is God’s commandment for those who receive the office of the priesthood, [Heb7: 5].
“Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.” [Prov. 27:18]

2. Mutual Responsibility.
The Priesthood is set free from secular work, and has time to give service for the spiritual welfare the Laity. [1Cor.9: 11]
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?”

3. Their Duty.
According to [Rom15: 27], it is an obligation by God’s word [Mal 3: 7- 10]
“And the Levite that [is] within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath neither part nor inheritance with thee.” [Deut.14:27]
“Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.” [Deut12:19]

4. Ordained of God.
God has ordained that those who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.
“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” [1Cor.9: 13-14]

5. God’s way of caring
It is God’s provided way of caring for his called servants.
“For it is written in the Law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” [1Cor.9: 9].

6. God's means of freeing his servants unto full time service unto him
They will not be effective servants to work in the Tabernacle as well as to cater for their natural daily needs. [Neh. 13:10-13].
“And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given [them]: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled everyone to his field.
Then contended I with the rulers, and said, why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place
Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful and their office[was] to distribute unto their brethren.”

IT IS NOT EASY FOR A MINISTER TO PREACH, PRAY, VISIT, AND WORK

“E-6 And now, and then finally, we are not here to take up finances. I wish we didn't have to ask for one offering in the meeting. I never took an offering in my life; never in my life did I ever take any offering. But in my church, that I was pastor there, as a Baptist minister, for twelve years I never received one penny salary, I worked for others. The Lord making me healthy, I could work, so why not work and pastor. Now, that's not the standard for every pastor, because a minister of the Gospel can't go out and work, and pray, and then come into his church. He's got the visit among his members and so forth. And the little tithing and things from members and their offerings would certainly help take care of him. And I think the laborer is worthy of his hire. But in my case, I was working in conservation. And I could work public work.”

SECOND COMING. 55.02.20A

“No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” [Mt. 6: 24]¸ [Lk.16: 13]

Beware not to make preaching an occupation because there is tithe and offering. If that is what pulls you to the pulpit, then your objectives are wrong and be sure, your folly will soon be made manifest.

Other Scriptures:
When you are called of God, you may be required to forsake all for his name’s sake, houses, brethren, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, and lands. [Math, 9:27–0.]

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.”

ABRAHAM WAS CALLED TO FORSAKE:
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and fromthy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:”

OTHER CALLINGS ARE NOT THAT EASY
“But he said unto them, all [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from [their] mother's womb: and there are someeunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive [it], let him receive [it].

[Mt.19:11-12].

WHATEVER REASONS, DREW YOU TO THE MINISTRY, YOU WILL BE TESTED.
JESUS TESTED PETER’S CLAIM OF HAVING FORSAKEN ALL: [Jn.21: 3-5] and [15-22.]
“Do you love me more than these?” -------- Occupation, fish and friends?
This is a case of a divided love between Fish, Occupation, friends and Me.

“Lovest thou me? It is a Case of exclusive love, all for him, and him alone.

JESUS DEMONSTRATED THAT HE IS ABLE, BY ALL MEANS, TO MEET HIS SERVANTS NEEDS.
Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding occasion. [Jn.2:11]

He fed 4,000 and 5,000 in the wilderness on two occasions. [Mk.6: 31- 44]

Jesus paid for Peter’s tax when Caesar demanded it. [Mt.25- 27]

Jesus gave Philip the Evangelist a quick and supernatural transport to Azotus, the next city where he was sent to evangelize. [Acts.8: 39- 40]

He provided a special Sub-marine for Jonah to go and preach to the people of Nineveh.

He commanded Ravens to feed Elijah The Pophet during the dought and famine time. Ravens brought to him Bread and flesh in the moring and in the evening. [1 Kings 17:6-7]

And when the rivers dried up , he sent him to A widow of ZAREPHATH. and fed him up to his appointed time. God will never be limited by man or by nature.

JESUS CHRIST HAS NEVER BEEN LET DOWN BY ANY DISOBEDIENT SERVANT. HE HAS ALWAYS HAD AN ALTERNATIVE.

7. Another reason why the 11 Tribes had to pay tithes to the one tribe.
IT IS GOD’S SOVEREIGN WILL AND PURPOSE TO REWARD HIS SERVANTS.
HIS WILL IS DECLARED IN TYPES AND SHADOWS AND ANALOGIES RECORDED IN THE BIBLE
Soldier and his war expense.
“Who goeth warfare any time at his own charges?” [1Cor.9: 7a]

Husbandman and fruits of his orchard
“Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof?” [1Cor.9: 7b]

Shepherd and milk of his flock
“Who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?” 1Cor.9: 7c]

The Ox and the Corn it treadeth
“For it is written in the Law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.” [Deut. 25:4] & [1Cor. 9:9-10]

The Laborer and his hire, (worthy).
“And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:”

[Luke.10: 7]
Ruth and gleaning in the Boaz field.
“And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and [how] thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. [Ruth. 2:12]

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

This has been God’s ordained way of caring for his servants. It is still his way today. But if, and when men become disobedient, and abuse it he will neither be defeated nor be hindered.

So much is written in God’s Word, the Bible about The 5 Fold Ministry, both in shadows and types of The Old Testament, and the reality of New Testament.

Let us search the truth and do things right.
“May the Lord bless you” is my prayer

Brother Martin B. Tombe.
Pastor: Restored Bible Truth Assembly.