Numbers 7:5

Num_7:5-9

Give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.

Divine bestowment varied and proportionate

I. That Gods gifts are varied.

1. Men differ widely in many things--parentage, birthplace, physical vigour, mental capacity, education, spiritual gifts, &c.

2. For many of these differences they are themselves largely accountable. Some are crippled by their own indolence, extravagance, neglect, intemperance; others advance by their thrift, sobriety, perseverance, economy, and indomitable industry, to large influence and wealth.

3. But though the way in which men bear themselves may account for many of the differences between them, there are a thousand discrepancies which cannot be thus explained. No child is born in Alyssinia, or on the banks of the Ganges, or in crowded London because it wills it. Men are sick without being to blame for it, and women poor through no fault of their own. We must refer these problems to the Divine sovereignty. There is no other solution for many of lifes mysteries. Even so Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight. If Gershon and Kohath complain that Merari has more than they, Moses sufficient answer will be, God ordained it so.

4. This truth, apprehended and believed, would destroy a thousand seeds of discontent, envy, and socialistic heresy. It is God who bestows wealth (Deu_8:18), honours (Psa_75:6-7), power (Rom_13:1). We receive gracefully the assignment of an earthly superior; why not as gracefully what God appoints?

II. Gods gifts are proportionate. In each case He proportions the means of transportation to the burden assigned.

1. That which is well proportioned is not excessive. This is true of a book, speech, building; eminently true of Gods work. God is bountiful, but never wasteful. We possess no talents or opportunities to be counted superfluous. Christs sufferings are proportioned to the sinners guilt.

2. Not defective.

(1) Let those who are called to trust in Christ remember that His sacrifice, if indispensable, is also fully sufficient.

(2) Let Christian workers remember that with the call will come the qualifications. (W. T. Sabine.)

Endowments and requirements:

I. As Moses appointed to the sons of Levi certain facilities, so the creator has endowed man with certain capabilities for work in his service.

1. Understanding.

2. Invention.

3. Will-power.

4. Judgment.

5. Affections.

6. Physical organs.

II. As Moses required the sons of levi to use their facilities, so God demands the exercise of our capabilities.

1. Yet how much indifference on the part of man in exercising and developing his faculties in useful and honourable employment! Many, instead of gaining their livelihood in the intended way, by the sweat of their face, study all manner of trickery and sin to satisfy their wants.

2. And how many professing Christians become so absorbed in worldly affairs as to neglect the business of the soul. God has claims superior to all claims of the world.

III. Gods requirements are no greater than our endowments. If we cannot give thousands, we can at least devote our two mites. A beautifully tinted leaf in the wood cannot be seen at a distance, yet it contributes its part to the glorious autumnal picture.

IV. Man must use his capabilities according to divine appointment. It is a solemn thing to trifle with the plans of God. Every man has a special power or gift, and he who lives by other laws than those that wrapt his genius at his birth, defeats, in a measure, the object of his creation. (W. G. Thrall.)

An ancient offering, and its modern lessons

I. They who hold the most honourable positions should be most liberal in contributions to worthy objects.

II. They who are not entirely engaged in religious ministries should seek to help those who are so engaged.

III. God is graciously pleased to accept of mans offerings.

IV. Gifts for religious purposes should be used in accordance with the will of God.

V. In the divine arrangements help is granted unto men according to their respective needs. (W. Jones.)

The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Num 7:5-8. According to his service — More or fewer, as the nature of their service, and of the things to be carried required. And as the Gershonites had the less burdensome things to carry, (Num 4:25,) they had the fewer carriages allowed them. Four wagons to the sons of Merari — Proportionable to their great burden, Num 4:28; Num 4:33.

Under the hand (or inspection) of Ithamar — For he had the care both of the Gershonites and Merarites, Num 4:28; Num 4:33.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

That is, to carry things and stuff in.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

Verse 5. According to his service.] That is, distribute them among the Levites as they may need them, giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Take it of them,.... The present of the wagons and oxen, by which it appears that this freewill offering of the princes was according to his mind and will, and what they were influenced and guided to by his Spirit, and was well pleasing in his sight, and acceptable to him:

that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; be made use of, and employed in carrying the tabernacle, and the things of it, from place to place, when the Israelites journeyed:

and thou shalt give them to the Levites; to ease them, whose business it was to bear and carry the several parts of the tabernacle, and the vessels of it:

to every man according to his service; whether lighter or heavier, for such difference there was in the three divisions of the Levites; and according as their work was, they had more or fewer wagons and oxen given them, as it follows, Num 7:7.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

i.e. More or fewer of them, as the nature of their service and of the things to be carried required.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

5. To every man — These gifts were to be distributed among the Levites as they needed them, giving the most to those families which were required to bear the heaviest burdens. See Num_4:21-28, notes.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Take it of them. It was the first absolutely voluntary offering made for the service of God, and as such altogether acceptable. Former "free-will offerings" had been at the least invited this had not.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

According to his service - More or fewer, as the nature of their service and of the things to be carried required.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.