Numbers 3: Group Study Handout

Overview

Moses receives the genealogy of Aaron and his sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (vv. 1-4). Yahweh tells Moses to bring the Levites to assist Aaron the priest. They are to keep the requirements of Aaron and the whole congregation (vv. 5-10). The Levites will replace the firstborn of Israel, which Yahweh claims as His own (vv. 11-13). Moses counts the Levites by their families, identifying them as Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (vv. 14-22). The Gershonites have specific duties related to the tabernacle coverings and screens (vv. 23-30). The Kohathites are responsible for the ark, table, lampstand, and other items (vv. 31-37). Moses counts the firstborn of Israel and determines the redemption price for those exceeding the number of Levites (vv. 38-51).

Key verse

“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:”

Numbers 3:12 (WEB)

Outline

1. Numbers 3:1–4 Genealogy of Aaron and Moses
2. Numbers 3:5–10 The Role of the Levites
3. Numbers 3:11–13 Firstborn and Levites
4. Numbers 3:14–22 Counting the Levites
5. Numbers 3:23–30 Duties of the Gershonites and Kohathites
6. Numbers 3:31–37 Duties of the Kohathites and Merarites
7. Numbers 3:38–51 Firstborn Redemption and Conclusion

Discussion questions

1. In v6, who does Yahweh tell Moses to bring near to Aaron?
2. What responsibilities are assigned to the Gershonites in vv. 25-26?
3. In v12, what does Yahweh mean by saying the Levites shall be His?
4. In v46, why is there a need to collect redemption money from the firstborn?
5. When have you felt called to a specific role or service like the Levites in v9?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 3: Numbers 4, Numbers 18, Numbers 8.

Before next time: read Numbers 4.