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Day 55 of My 4th Bible Study Journey - 24 February 2024 reflections

Day 55, 24 February 2024



1) Numbers 3, Numbers 4



NUMBERS 3

The Sons of Aaron



1 (Ex 6:20) These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses

in the day that the Lord spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai.

2 (Ex 6:23; Nu 26:60) These are the names of the sons of Aaron:

Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3 (Ex 28:41; Lev 8:1-9) These are the names of the sons of Aaron,

the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister as priests.

4 (Lev 10:1-2; Nu 26:61) Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when

they brought strange fire before the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai,

and they had no children, and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered

as priests in the sight of Aaron their father.



[1] These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the

LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.

[2] And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and

Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

[3] These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were

anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.

[4] And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire

before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and

Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron

their father.



Duties of the Levites



5 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest,

and they will minister to him.

7 (Nu 1:50; 8:11)nThey will keep his directives, and serve the whole

congregation before the tent of meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.

8 They will keep all the instruments of the tent of meeting,

and attend to the needs of the children of Israel,

to do the service of the tabernacle.

9 (Nu 8:19) You will give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons.

They are wholly given to him from the children of Israel.

10 (Nu 1:51; 3:38) You will appoint Aaron and his sons,

and they will attend to their priesthood,

and the foreigner that approaches will be put to death.

11 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

12 (Nu 3:41; 8:16) I Myself have taken the Levites from among

the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that open

the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites will be Mine

13 (Ex 13:2; 13:12) because all the firstborn are Mine, for on the day

that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I set apart to Me

all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They will be Mine.

I am the Lord.



[5] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

[6] Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest,

that they may minister unto him.

[7] And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation

before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the

tabernacle.

[8] And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the

congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of

the tabernacle.

[9] And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are

wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.

[10] And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their

priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

[11] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

[12] And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of

Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the

children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

[13] Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the

firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in

Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.



A Census of the Levites



14 The Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying:

15 (Nu 26:62) Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers,

by their families. You will number every male from a month old and older.

16 Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.

17 (Ge 46:11; Ex 6:16-19) These were the sons of Levi by their names:

Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

18 (1Ch 6:17) These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families:

Libni and Shimei;

19 (Ex 6:18; 1Ch 6:18) the sons of Kohath by their families:

Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel;

20 (Ex 6:19; 1Ch 6:19) the sons of Merari by their families:

Mahli and Mushi.

These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

21 From Gershon was the family of the Libnites

and the family of the Shimeites. These are the families of the Gershonites.

22 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males,

from a month old and older, those who were numbered of them were 7500.

23 (Nu 1:53) The families of the Gershonites were to camp

behind the west side of the tabernacle.

24 The chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites was Eliasaph

the son of Lael.

25 (Ex 25:9) The charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting

included the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the hanging

for the door of the tent of meeting,

26 (Ex 35:18) the hangings of the court, the curtain for the opening

of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar,

and its cords-all the service pertaining to these.

27 (1Ch 26:23) Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites,

and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites,

and the family of the Uzzielites. These are the families of the Kohathites.

28 The number of all the males, from a month old and older, were 8600,

keeping the guard of the sanctuary.

29 (Nu 1:53) The families of the sons of Kohath

were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.

30 The chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites

was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

31 Their duty included the ark, and the table, and the lampstand,

and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary they minister with,

and the hanging, and all its service.

32 Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders

of the Levites and to have the oversight of those who kept the guard

of the sanctuary.

33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites.

These are the families of Merari. 34Those who were numbered of them,

according to the number of all the males from a month old and older,

were 6200.

35 (Nu 1:53; 2:25) The chief of the house of the father of the families

of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail.

These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

36 (Ex 26:32; 26:37) Under the oversight and guard of the sons of Merari

were the frames of the tabernacle, the bars, the pillars, the sockets,

all their accessories, all the service pertaining to these,

37 and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets,

and pins, and cords.

38 (Nu 1:53; 3:10) But those who were to camp before the tabernacle

toward the east, even before the tent of meeting on the east side,

were Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the guard

of the sanctuary for the guard of the children of Israel,

and the foreigner who approached was to be put to death.

39 (Nu 26:62) All who were numbered of the Levites,

which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord,

throughout their families, all the males from a month old and older,

were twenty-two thousand.

The Redemption of the Firstborn

40 (Nu 3:15) The Lord said to Moses: Number all the firstborn of the males

of the children of Israel from a month old and older

and take the number of their names.

41 (Nu 3:12; 3:45) You will take the Levites for Me (I am the Lord)

instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel,

and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn

among the livestock of the children of Israel.

42 Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him,

all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

43 All the firstborn males, by the number of names,

from a month old and upward, of those who were numbered of them,

were 22273.

44 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

45 (Nu 3:12) Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children

of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock,

and the Levites will be Mine. I am the Lord.

46 (Ex 13:13) For those who are to be redeemed of the 273 of the firstborn

of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites,

47 (Ex 30:13; Lev 27:6) you will take five shekels

(About 2 ounces, or 58 grams.) apiece by the poll;

according to the shekel of the sanctuary you will

take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs).

48 And you will give the money, by which the number of them is to be redeemed,

to Aaron and to his sons.

49 Moses took the redemption money of those who were over

and above those who were redeemed by the Levites.

50 (Nu 3:46-47) Of the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money,

1356 shekels, (About 35 pounds, or 16 kilograms.)

after the shekel of the sanctuary.

51 (Nu 3:48) And Moses gave the money of those who were redeemed to Aaron

and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord,

as the Lord commanded Moses.



[14] And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,

[15] Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their

families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.

[16] And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was

commanded.

[17] And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath,

and Merari.

[18] And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families;

Libni, and Shimei.

[19] And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron,

and Uzziel.

[20] And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are

the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

[21] Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the

Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

[22] Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the

males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them

were seven thousand and five hundred.

[23] The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle

westward.

[24] And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be

Eliasaph the son of Lael.

[25] And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the

congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof,

and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

[26] And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the

court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the

cords of it for all the service thereof.

[27] And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the

Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the

Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

[28] In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight

thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

[29] The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the

tabernacle southward.

[30] And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the

Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

[31] And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick,

and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister,

and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

[32] And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief

of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the

sanctuary.

[33] Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the

Mushites: these are the families of Merari.

[34] And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all

the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.

[35] And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was

Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle

northward.

[36] And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the

boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and

the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth

thereto,

[37] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their

pins, and their cords.

[38] But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even

before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and

Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of

the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to

death.

[39] All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered

at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males

from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.

[40] And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of

the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of

their names.

[41] And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all

the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites

instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.

[42] And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among

the children of Israel.

[43] And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old

and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two

thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

[44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

[45] Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of

Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the

Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.

[46] And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore

and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than

the Levites;

[47] Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel

of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)

[48] And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to

be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

[49] And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above

them that were redeemed by the Levites:

[50] Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a

thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of

the sanctuary:

[51] And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to

his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.



NUMBERS 4



Duties of the Kohathites



1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:

2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi,

after their families, by the house of their fathers,

3 (Nu 4:23) from thirty years old and older, even to fifty years old,

all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tent of meeting.

4 (Nu 4:19) This will be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent

of meeting, concerning the holiest things.

5 (Mt 27:51; Heb 9:3) And when the camp sets out, Aaron will come,

and his sons, and they will take down the covering curtain,

and cover the ark of the testimony with it,

6 (Ex 25:13-15) and will put on it the covering of porpoise skins,

and will spread over it a cloth completely of blue, and will put in its poles.

7 (Lev 24:5-8) Upon the table of showbread they will spread a cloth of blue,

and put the dishes on it, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover

it, and the showbread will be on it.

8 And they will spread on them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with

a covering of porpoise skins, and will put in its poles.

9 (Ex 25:31-39) They will take a cloth of blue, and cover the lampstand

of the light, and its lamps, and its tongs, and its snuff dishes,

and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it.

10 And they will put it and all its vessels within

a covering of porpoise skins and will put it on a carrying pole.

11 Upon the golden altar they will spread a cloth of blue,

and cover it with a covering of porpoise skins, and will put in its poles.

12 (1Ch 9:29) And they will take all the instruments of ministry,

with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue,

and cover them with a covering of porpoise skins, and will put

them on a carrying pole.

13 And they will take away the ashes from the altar

and spread a purple cloth on it.

14 They shall put on it all the instruments with which they minister there,

the censers, the flesh hooks, the shovels, the basins, all the utensils

of the altar. And they will spread on it a covering of porpoise skins

and insert its poles.

15 (2Sa 6:6-7; Nu 7:9) When Aaron and his sons have finished covering

the sanctuary, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, as the camp

is to set out, after that, the sons of Kohath will come to carry it.

But they will not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things

are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.

16 (Ex 25:6; Lev 24:2) To the office of Eleazar, Aaron the priest's son,

pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense,

and the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil,

and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it,

in the sanctuary, and in the instruments thereof.

17 The Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying:

18 Do not cut the tribe of the families of the Kohathites

from among the Levites.

19 But do this to them, that they may live and not die, when they approach

the most holy things. Aaron and his sons will go in, and appoint each one

to his service and to his burden.

20 (Ex 19:21; 1Sa 6:19) But they will not go in to see when the holy things

are covered, lest they die.



[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

[2] Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi,

after their families, by the house of their fathers,

[3] From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that

enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

[4] This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the

congregation, about the most holy things:

[5] And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and

they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with

it:

[6] And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread

over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

[7] And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and

put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover

withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

[8] And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same

with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

[9] And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the

light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil

vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

[10] And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of

badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

[11] And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover

it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

[12] And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they

minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them

with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:

[13] And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple

cloth thereon:

[14] And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they

minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and

the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a

covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

[15] And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary,

and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after

that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any

holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath

in the tabernacle of the congregation.

[16] And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the

oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and

the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that

therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

[17] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

[18] Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among

the Levites:

[19] But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they

approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and

appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

[20] But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest

they die.



Duties of the Gershonites



21 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses

of their fathers, by their families.

23 (Nu 4:3) From thirty years old and older to fifty years old

you will number them, all that enter in to perform the service,

to do the work in the tent of meeting.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve,

and to work.

25 (Ex 26:14; Nu 3:25-26) And they will carry the curtains

of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering,

and the covering of the porpoise skins that is on it,

and the hanging for the door of the tent of meeting,

26 and the hangings of the courtyard,

and the hanging for the opening of the gate of the courtyard,

which is by the tabernacle and by the altar all around,

and their cords, and all the instruments of their service,

and all that is made for them. So they will serve.

27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons will be all

the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens,

and in all their service. And you shall assign

to them all their tasks as their duty.

28 (Nu 4:33) This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon

in the tent of meeting. And their charge will be under the hand of Ithamar

the son of Aaron the priest.



[21] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

[22] Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of

their fathers, by their families;

[23] From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou

number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the

tabernacle of the congregation.

[24] This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and

for burdens:

[25] And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle

of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins

that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the

congregation,

[26] And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate

of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and

their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made

for them: so shall they serve.

[27] At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of

the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service:

and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.

[28] This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the

tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of

Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.



Duties of the Merarites



29 As for the sons of Merari, you will number them by their families,

by the house of their fathers.

30 (Nu 4:3; 4:23) From thirty years old and older, even to fifty years old,

you will number them, everyone who enters into the service, to do the work

of the tent of meeting.

31 (Nu 3:36-37) This is the charge of their burden, according to all their

service in the tent of meeting. The boards of the tabernacle, and its bars

thereof, and its pillars, and its sockets,

32 (Ex 38:21) and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets,

and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all

their service, and by name you will list the instruments of the charge of

their burden.

33 (Nu 4:28) This is the service of the families of the sons of

according to all their service, in the tent of meeting,

under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.



[29] As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families,

by the house of their fathers;

[30] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou

number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the

tabernacle of the congregation.

[31] And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service

in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the

bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,

[32] And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their

pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their

service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their

burden.

[33] This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to

all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of

Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.



Census of the Levites



34 Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered

the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by the house of

their fathers,

35 (Nu 4:23; 1Ch 23:24) from thirty years old and older to fifty years old,

everyone who entered into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting.

36 And those who were numbered by their families were 2750.

37 These were the ones listed of the families of the Kohathites,

all who might do service in the tent of meeting, which Moses and Aaron

numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

38 Those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families,

and by the house of their fathers,

39 from thirty years old and older to fifty years old, everyone who entered

into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting,

40 even those who were numbered of them, throughout their families,

by the house of their fathers, were two thousand six hundred and thirty.

41 These were the ones listed by the families of the sons of Gershon,

of all who might do service in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron

numbered according to the commandment of the Lord.

42 Those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,

throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,

43 from thirty years old and older to fifty years old, everyone who entered

into the service, for the work in the tent of meeting,

44 even those who were numbered by their families, were 3200.

45 These were the ones listed of the families of the sons of Merari,

whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word

of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron,

and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families, and by the

house of their fathers,

47 (Nu 4:3) from thirty years old and older to fifty years old,

everyone who came to do the service of the ministry, and the service

of the work in the tent of meeting,

48 (Nu 3:39) even those who were numbered were 8580.

49 (Nu 4:15; 4:21) According to the commandment of the Lord

they were numbered by the hand of Moses,

each according to his service, and according to his burden.

Thus they were numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.



[34] And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons

of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their

fathers,

[35] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one

that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the

congregation:

[36] And those that were numbered of them by their families were two

thousand seven hundred and fifty.

[37] These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites,

all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses

and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of

Moses.

[38] And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their

families, and by the house of their fathers,

[39] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one

that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the

congregation,

[40] Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by

the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

[41] These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of

Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation,

whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.

[42] And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,

throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,

[43] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one

that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the

congregation,

[44] Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three

thousand and two hundred.

[45] These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of

Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by

the hand of Moses.

[46] All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and

the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of

their fathers,

[47] From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one

that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden

in the tabernacle of the congregation,

[48] Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five

hundred and fourscore.

[49] According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand

of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden:

thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.



(THat is a large priesthood. Remember Christians belong

to a huge priesthood)



2) Our Daily Bread for 25 February 2024 titled



Better Together




Ecclesiastes 4:9-12



9 Two are better than one,

because there is a good reward for their labor together.

10 For if they fall,

then one will help up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls

and has no one to help him up.

11 Also if two lie down together, then they will keep warm;

but how can one keep warm by himself?

12 And if someone might overpower another by himself,

two together can withstand him.

A threefold cord is not quickly broken.



9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that

is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat:

but how can one be warm alone?

12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.



Soeren Solkaer spent years photographing starlings and their breathtaking

spectacle: murmurations, where hundreds of thousands of starlings move in

fluid motion across the sky. Watching this marvel is like sitting underneath

an orchestrated, swirling wave or a massive, dark brushstroke flowing into

a kaleidoscope of patterns. In Denmark, they call this starling experience

Black Sun (also the title of Solkaer's stunning book of photographs).

Most remarkable is how starlings instinctively follow their nearest companion,

flying so close that if one were to miss a beat, they'd suffer mass calamity.

However, starlings use murmurations to protect one another. When a hawk

descends, these tiny creatures enter tight formation and move collectively,

beating back a predator who'd easily pick them off if they were alone.



We're better together than we are alone. "Two are better than one,"

Ecclesiastes says. "If either . . . falls down, one can help the other up.

[And] if two lie down together, they will keep warm" (4:9-11). Alone,

we're isolated and easy prey. We're exposed without the comfort

or protection of others.



But with companions, we give and receive help.

"Though one may be overpowered," Ecclesiastes says, "two can defend

themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (v. 12).

We're better together as God leads us.



By: Winn Collier



Reflect & Pray



How are you more vulnerable when you're isolated from others?

How can you draw closer to them?



Dear God, please help me commit to being

in community and extending Your love.



3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation



Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools



Week 7 Promises of Grace - Day 7 Support System



Deut 33:27



27 (Ge 49:24; Ps 90:1-2) The eternal God is your refuge,

and underneath you are the everlasting arms;

He will drive out the enemy before you,

and will say, "Destroy them."



27 The eternal God is thy refuge,

And underneath are the everlasting arms:

And he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee;

And shall say, Destroy them.



Misty was only 4 when her parents divorced. Her dad moved away,

and the following summer she went with her grandparents to visit him

in his new apartment. In the swimming pool one afternoon, Grandpa stood

Misty on the side of the pool, held out his arm, and called, "Jump!"

But Misty, normally a little fish, suddenly seemed afraid of the water,

and stood trembling on the sidewalk shaking her head.

"Jump, Misty - I'll catch you!"

"Are you sure, Grandpa?"

"Of course I'm sure! Jump!"

But Misty wouldn't jump. Finally Grandpa, a bit irritated, said, "Misty, do

you think I Won't catch you? Do you think I'll just walk away?"

The tears spilled over, and Misty sobbed. "Daddy did!"

Human support systems often fail us. We disappoint those we love, and

are disappointed by them. People simply aren't there for us

when we need them most.

But God promises that with him things are different. He's always there,

always listening, always caring, always ready to support us.

"Underneath his everlasting arms".

Sometimes those arms reach out clothed in flesh, in the warm embrace

of a loved one. Sometimes they support us through the Word, sometimes through

the quiet peace that comes in prayer. Sometimes we are not aware of them

at all, but they still hold us up, supporting, surrounding, loving.

Underneath us are the everlasting arms.



Application



a) Have I ever felt abandoned by someone I loved and depended upon?



b) How have I experienced the faithfulness of God's "Everlasting arms"?



c) Now can this verse help me in times when I feel my supports have given way?



4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland



Romans 13:7-8



7 (Mt 17:25; 22:21) Render to all what is due them: taxes to whom taxes

are due, respect to whom respect is due, fear to whom fear is due,

and honor to whom honour is due.

8 (Ro 13:10; Mt 7:12) Owe no one anything, except to love one another,

for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.



7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;

custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth

another hath fulfilled the law.



5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:



God's Eternal Faithfulness



Ps 117



1 Praise the Lord, all you nations! Exalt Him, all you peoples!

2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) For His merciful kindness is great toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.



1 O praise the LORD,

All ye nations: Praise him, all ye people.

2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us:

And the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.

Praise ye the LORD.



Remember God's promises when You pray



The Lord's prayer



Matthew 6:9-13



9 "Therefore pray in this manner:

Our Father who is in heaven,

hallowed be Your name.

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;

Your will be done

on earth, as it is in heaven.

11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.

12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."



9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)



Alberta



Quick facts on Muslims in Alberta



Alberta 2015 population 4121700



est Muslim Population 195240



CNMM Networks: Calgary and Edmonton



It is estimated that Calgary has 82000 Muslims and Edmonton another 50000 .

Alberta may have a total as high as 195240 today.

Calgary is notable as the first Canadian city with a Muslim mayor. It's

become a prominent place of Islamic fundamentalism.

Edmonton's Muslim population is very diverse, with the largest group

coming from Tanzania, followed by Somalia, and then North African countries

such as Egypt, Morocco, etc.

Muslims are coming to faith in Jesus! They overcome huge spiritual,

emotional and cultural hurdles to follow Christ. Yet their challenges still

continue, especially in growing in discipleship. They often fell lost in our

Western congregations, and equally lost trying to find a church body with whom

they can identify. some are even being lured into Christian cult groups.



Please join us in praying for:

- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.

- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to

Muslim-background believers.

- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially

in their faith and the Church.

- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their

not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.

- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.

- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim

in these growing Muslim population centres.



Adding further



30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020



Under the Keep Praying page



When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month

and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days

of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that

usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,

of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be

decorated and festivals will be held.



For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the

distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of

Islam.



You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",

which means Blessed Eid!"



Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you

know, and Muslims around the world:



- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions

in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about

unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such

movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three

decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim

relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,

"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,

and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]



Footnotes

Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective

discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for

Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a

hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under

a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the

house."



Ideas for prayer



- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you

- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving

Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."

- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims

throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!



My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further

call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .



7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada



http://www.ehc.ca



Day 24 of the Month



a) Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Canadian Society. (



Col 4:3



3 while praying also for us, that God would open to

us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in chains,



3 withal praying also for us, that God would open unto

us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,

for which I am also in bonds:



)



b) Pray for the Province of Saskatchewan



I) Pray for the leaders of Saskatchewan,

that God's Spirit would influence

then to act justly,

serve with integrity

and honour high moral standards. ( 1 Tim 2:1 - 4



1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications,

prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,

2 (Ezr 6:10) for kings and for all who are in authority,

that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty,

3(1Ti 1:1; Lk 1:47) for this is good

and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4 (Eze 18:23; 18:32)who desires all men to be saved

and to come to the knowledge of the truth.



II) Pray for the churches of the province,

that they would be lighthouses

beaming forth the illuminating truth of God's Word.



III) Pray that the Lord would use

the Finding the Hope Campaign

and booklet to turn many hearts to Jesus



)



Conclusion:



Pray to the Lord and pray to be part of the royal priesthood.



Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, please help me commit to being

in community and extending Your love.."



Pray to the Lord and pray to the Lord as refuge.



Pray to the Lord and pray to owe no one.



Pray to the Lord and pray to know the Lord's faithfulness.



Please join us in praying for:

- The church to reach out to the growing Muslim populations in Alberta.

- for Canadian churches to start contextualised discipleship ministries to

Muslim-background believers.

- for Muslm-background believers to be well grounded spiritually and socially

in their faith and the Church.

- and for Muslim-background believers to share their faith with their

not-yet-believing family and friendship networks.

- for Farsi and Arabic fellowships to grow in spiritual maturity and outreach.

- for current and new workers among Muslims in these growing Muslim

in these growing Muslim population centres.



Pray that the Lord will open a door for the message for the Gospel

at every level of Society.



Praise Yahweh that the members of Pastor David's church in Cuba will continue

to gather for worship despite their building's destruction.



Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.

and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness



Remember eternity starts now -

Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God

ChatGPT compares Daleks to Nazis

Drawing parallels between the Daleks in Doctor Who and the Nazis is a common interpretation due to the striking similarities in their ideology, tactics, and portrayal. While the Daleks are fictional extraterrestrial beings and the Nazis were a real-world political movement, there are significant thematic and symbolic resemblances between the two that have been explored throughout the series. Here are some key points of comparison:



Totalitarian Ideology:

Both the Daleks and the Nazis adhere to totalitarian ideologies that promote racial purity, superiority, and the subjugation or extermination of perceived inferior races. The Daleks, with their mantra of "exterminate" and their belief in the superiority of the Dalek race, seek to dominate the universe and eradicate all life forms that are not like them. Similarly, the Nazis promoted the idea of an Aryan master race and sought to eliminate or subjugate those they deemed racially inferior, including Jews, Roma, Slavs, and others.



Propaganda and Indoctrination:

Both the Daleks and the Nazis use propaganda and indoctrination to spread their ideology and manipulate public opinion. The Daleks employ slogans such as "Exterminate!" to instill fear and obedience in their subjects, while the Nazis used propaganda posters, rallies, and speeches to promote their beliefs and demonize their enemies.



Military Aggression:

Both the Daleks and the Nazis are characterized by their militaristic aggression and expansionist ambitions. The Daleks are depicted as a warlike species, constantly seeking to conquer new worlds and expand their empire through force and conquest. Similarly, the Nazis pursued a policy of Lebensraum (living space), seeking to expand German territory through military conquest and colonization.



Genocidal Intent:

Both the Daleks and the Nazis are associated with genocidal actions and policies aimed at the extermination of entire populations. The Daleks are infamous for their ruthless extermination of other species, seeking to eliminate any life forms that they consider impure or inferior. Similarly, the Nazis perpetrated the Holocaust, the systematic genocide of six million Jews, as well as millions of others, including Roma, disabled individuals, and political dissidents.



Symbolism and Imagery:

In Doctor Who, the Daleks are often depicted using imagery and symbolism reminiscent of Nazi iconography, including their militaristic uniforms, use of flags and banners, and hierarchical structure. The Daleks' obsession with racial purity and their belief in their own superiority mirror the racial ideology and supremacist beliefs of the Nazis.



Resistance and Defiance:

Both the Daleks and the Nazis face resistance and defiance from those they seek to oppress. In Doctor Who, the Doctor and other characters often stand up against the Daleks, challenging their authority and fighting for freedom and justice. Similarly, resistance movements and acts of defiance played a crucial role in opposing Nazi tyranny and ultimately bringing about their defeat.



While the Daleks and the Nazis are distinct entities in their own right, the parallels between them serve to underscore universal themes of oppression, tyranny, and the struggle for freedom and justice. By drawing on historical events and ideologies, Doctor Who explores complex moral and ethical questions, inviting viewers to reflect on the consequences of totalitarianism and the importance of standing up against oppression.