Numbers 7:6
So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites.
So Moses took the carts and oxen
Moses, as the leader of the Israelites and mediator between God and the people, acts in obedience to God's instructions. The carts and oxen were offerings from the leaders of Israel, as described earlier in the chapter. These offerings were practical gifts intended to assist the Levites in their duties related to the tabernacle. The use of carts and oxen highlights the logistical needs of transporting the tabernacle and its furnishings through the wilderness. This reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The provision of these resources underscores God's provision and the communal responsibility of the tribes to support the Levites, who had no inheritance of land.

and gave them to the Levites
The Levites were set apart for the service of the tabernacle, and their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of the Israelite community. By distributing the carts and oxen to the Levites, Moses ensures that they have the necessary means to fulfill their duties. This act of giving also symbolizes the support and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, as the Levites were dependent on the other tribes for their sustenance and resources. The Levites' service prefigures the role of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity. The distribution of resources to the Levites can also be seen as a type of the church's support for its ministers and workers, emphasizing the importance of providing for those dedicated to spiritual service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

2. The Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. They are responsible for the care and transportation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

3. Carts and Oxen
These were given as offerings by the leaders of Israel to assist the Levites in transporting the Tabernacle and its components during their journey in the wilderness.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. It was central to their worship and community life.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years when the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which they relied on God's guidance and provision.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for Service
God provides the necessary resources for His work. Just as He provided carts and oxen for the Levites, He equips us with what we need to fulfill our callings.

The Importance of Order and Structure
The distribution of carts and oxen reflects God's orderliness. In our lives, we should seek to maintain order and structure in our service to God.

The Role of Community in Ministry
The leaders of Israel contributed to the Levites' needs, showing that ministry is a communal effort. We should support and uplift those who serve in ministry roles.

Faithfulness in Assigned Roles
The Levites were faithful in their duties, reminding us to be diligent and faithful in whatever role God assigns us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the provision of carts and oxen to the Levites demonstrate God's care for His people and their service?

2. In what ways can we, like the leaders of Israel, support those who are called to serve in ministry today?

3. Reflect on a time when God provided for your needs in a specific situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can we apply the principle of order and structure from this passage to our personal and spiritual lives?

5. What are some practical ways we can ensure faithfulness in the roles and responsibilities God has given us, drawing from the example of the Levites?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters detail the instructions for building the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of the Levites' role in maintaining and transporting it.

1 Chronicles 23
This chapter describes the duties of the Levites, emphasizing their service in the house of the Lord, which connects to their responsibilities in Numbers 7:6.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the Tabernacle and its significance, drawing parallels to Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant.
The Wagons for the LevitesD. Young Numbers 7:1-9
The Free-Will Offering of the PrincesE.S. Prout Numbers 7:1-88
The Princes and Their Princely OfferingW. Binnie Numbers 7:1-89
An Ancient Offering, and its Modern LessonsW. Jones.Numbers 7:5-9
Divine Bestowment Varied and ProportionateW. T. Sabine.Numbers 7:5-9
Endowments and RequirementsW. G. Thrall.Numbers 7:5-9
People
Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gershon, Gershonites, Gideoni, Helon, Issachar, Ithamar, Kohath, Levites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai
Places
Sinai
Topics
Carts, Giveth, Levites, Oxen, Taketh, Waggons, Wagons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 7:6-8

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Library
Separation and Service.
Numbers vi, vii. INTRODUCTORY. For many years these chapters had no special interest to me; but I have never ceased to be thankful that I was early led to read the Word of GOD in regular course: it was through this habit that these chapters first became specially precious to me. I was travelling on a missionary tour in the province of CHEH-KIANG, and had to pass the night in a very wicked town. All the inns were dreadful places; and the people seemed to have their consciences seared, and their hearts
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
In this wonderful prayer, our Lord, as our great High Priest, appears to enter upon that perpetual office of intercession which he is now exercising at the right hand of the Father. Our Lord ever seemed, in the eagerness of his love, to be anticipating his work. Before he was set apart for his life-work, by the descent of the Holy Ghost upon him, he must needs be about his Father's business; before he finally suffered at the hands of cruel men, he had a baptism to be baptized with, and he was straitened
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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