The People Who Could “Come Near” (3:1-51)

Neal Pollard

In Genesis, the phrase “these are the generations” was prominent, being found ten times. Interestingly, this chapter begins with that phrase (1) to speak of the family tree of Moses and Aaron. These brothers were Levites, and only their family could “come near” the tabernacle (10,38). Anyone else coming near it would be put to death.

Coming near referred to passing “beyond the prescribed limits of one’s position. Levites could not usurp the privileges of priesthood, and laymen could not lay claim to the prerogatives of the Levites” (Smith, Pentateuch, 417). Moses reviews the case of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, who exceeded their limits by offering unauthorized fire (4; cf. Lev. 10:1-3) and died before the Lord. That meant that during the wandering period the Israelites were served by Aaron and his other sons, Eleazar and Ithamar (4).

This organization and plan was divinely-given, signified by the phrase “and the Lord spoke to Moses” (5,11,14,40,44). The set up came from His mind, as He knew what would be best for Israel to protect them and keep them together. The Levites are brought near and presented to Aaron the High Priest, dedicated as the only ones designated “to do the service of the tabernacle” (8). They are the only ones permitted. They are designated as the firstborn to the Lord (Ex. 13; 22; 34). They are grouped into three divisions, the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites (14-20). The Gershonites numbered 7,500 and camped on the west side of the tabernacle, Kohathites 8,600 (south), and Merarites 6,200 (north) (21-39). 

After the census, we see the Levites performing a duty representing the firstborns dedicated to God. “…The firstborn males of the children of Israel belonged to God as his servants, but they could now be redeemed by (1) the rendering of the Levites as substitutionary payment or (2) the payment of the redemption fee of five shekels for those unaccounted for in the Levite census” (Cole, NAC, 100). In recognition of God’s deliverance, there was a cost to be paid to demonstrate appreciation. This was proven by a monetary sacrifice. Redemption was both a recognition of sin and grace. Moses epitomizes the faithfulness of the nation still at this point, the leader exemplifying obedience to God (42,51). The Levites mediated for the people to God.

While all of this seems so ritualistic, it is designed to remind the people of God’s deliverance, their sin debt, and the fact that God has a plan to take care of redemption. When Christ comes, a perfect means of redemption would occur (1 Pet. 1:18-19). By Him, we are allowed to come near to God with boldness (Heb. 4:16).