February 15
Numbers 8–10
Scripture Text: Numbers 8:1–10:36
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
The first paragraph of today's reading brings to memory John's description of the eternal city. Not only is there no need of artificial light in the New Jerusalem, there is no need for a temple. The Lord is both temple and light for the heavenly city. "And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb" (Revelation 21:22–23).
Yet, this side of glory, a lampstand is to be placed in the tabernacle for the benefit of symbol and to illuminate priestly work. The seven-lamp stand is a symbol of a divine and perfect light shining in the darkness (John 1:5).
The remainder of chapter eight deals with the transfer of sin from the people to the Levites, the Levites being offered to the Lord and then cleansed of sin. This ritual was for the cleansing of the Levites, and making atonement for the people (Numbers 8:19). In contrast, the new covenant in Jesus' blood (Luke 22:20) is a one-time offering for the sin of the whole world.
The Passover begins chapter nine, and details when and how to keep the feast in a pure manner. When the taberbnacle was set up at Mt. Sinai, a cloud settled over it by day, and a kind of fire by night. As soon as the cloud moved from over the tabernacle, the people were to break camp and follow the Lord's cloud. And so they departed Mt. Sinai for the promised land.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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