Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting
Numbers 8:1-12:16
Reading #1 - Numbers 8:1–14
My Thoughts:
Today we are reading about the dedication of the Levites to Temple service. What a wonderful privilege this would be for them. And Hashem made sure to get the rest of the people involved in the “laying on of hands”. The position of caring for the Temple was probably the “highest” position that you could serve Hashem. However, with all of Hashem’s mercy and grace -- He still saw all His people as equal. Maybe the “service” of people was different, but all hearts were viewed the same. Just as He views our hearts. However, it is important that we are “set apart” from the rest of the world. So, that we can be His “special” people also!
Challenge:
In verse 14 we read that “the Levites are Mine”. Of course, we are all His. But, this special group of people were dedicated for a very special service unto Hashem. I would like us all to think about what “special” service we could do for Hashem today. We don’t have a Temple, and we are not Levites (maybe some of us are and don’t know it) -- so what can we do for Him today? Open up your eyes and look around. Maybe a lady at the grocery store needs some help. Or someone is stopped at the side of the road trying to change a flat. Or your son or daughter simply need help with homework. Look and see how you can serve Hashem today. And do it with joy.
Reading #1 - Numbers 8:1–14
8:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron, and tell him, ‘When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lamp stand.’”
3 Aaron did so. He lit its lamps to light the area in front of the lamp stand, as Hashem commanded Moses. 4 This was the workmanship of the lamp stand, beaten work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was beaten work. He made the lamp stand according to the pattern which Hashem had shown Moses.
5 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. 7 You shall do this to them to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of cleansing on them, let them shave their whole bodies with a razor, let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. 8 Then let them take a young bull and its meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil; and another young bull you shall take for a sin offering. 9 You shall present the Levites before the Tent of Meeting. You shall assemble the whole congregation of the children of Israel. 10 You shall present the Levites before Hashem. The children of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, 11 and Aaron shall offer the Levites before Hashem for a wave offering on the behalf of the children of Israel, that it may be theirs to do the service of Hashem.
12 “The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to Hashem, to make atonement for the Levites. 13 You shall set the Levites before Aaron and before his sons, and offer them as a wave offering to Hashem. 14 Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine.
