The tabernacle is now almost ready for use. The last arrangements are put in place. We have the setting up of the lampstand (v1-4; see Exodus 25 v31-40). The lampstand had seven lamps speaking of the perfect light that Christ brings to His people. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (John 8 v12) Paul in describing salvation said, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4 v4)

There is now the final preparation of the Levites (v5-14). The sprinkling of clean water on them (v7), while not conclusive does give weight to the Presbyterian practice of sprinkling at baptism.

The laying of the congregation’s hands on the Levites (v10) is them identifying them as their representatives, being ordained, set apart to do holy work for all the people.This is a reminder to congregations that ministers and elders who have been ordained have been set apart by the people for a holy work in which they need the people’s prayer and support.

The Levites laying their hands on the bulls for sacrifice (v12) speaks of how they and any other workers in the church can only serve through the cleansing power of the sacrifice for sin.

The Levites as they entered the work had to do so wholeheartedly (v16). No service for the Lord is to be entered into in a half-hearted way. The Lord deserves our all and our best. The age for Levites in active service was between twenty five and fifty (v23-25). Those serving in the temple need both a level of maturity and freshness. As we serve we need to seek to be both mature and fresh.