Read the following Scriptures with me and notice was occurs:
"And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead. From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters. At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day. Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him" (Deut 10:6-9).
Many people will read the preceding verses of Scripture, and will agree that God separated the tribe of Levi unto Himself for a sovereign purpose. However, can we notice the spiritual significance this scenario has for us New Testament saints? In short, this instance is typical of the Bride of Christ being taken out from the body of Christ, chosen and separated (Gen 2:22; Song 2:2; 6:8; Matt 25:1-13). Observe:
This instance begins with ALL of "the children of Israel" (vs. 6). Everyone was on the journey together. Yet, for sovereign reasons, only a remnant is separated unto the Lord, and given no earthly inheritance. Why is that? The surrounding verses give us great insight..
Notice that the children of Israel journeyed from Beeroth, to Mosera, to Gudgodah, to Jotbath, and then afterward the tribe of Levi was set apart. Is this a coincidence? Of course not.
One principle of Biblical interpretation is the use of symbolic names (see 1 Sam 25:25). Names, places, numbers, colors, etc, all have great significance when mining truth from God's Word. Therefore, the literal Hebrew meanings of these places will show us the spiritual circumstances that surrounded this occasion: the children of Israel went from "wells", to "bonds", to "a slashing place", to "a place of goodness". In other words, the Lord brought them from blessing to dealing, in order to prove them.
Why was the Lord testing the children of Israel? Because the responsibility of the chosen tribe was to be great, and therefore they must be proven. This tribe would soon bear the Ark of the Covenant, stand before the Lord to minister to Him, and bless the people in His name (vs. 8). The Levites were separated unto the Lord because of their response on the journey!
Friends, the Holy Spirit is likewise allowing us to be similarly tried and proven: "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Ps 66:10-12). Why? Because His bride will be one who has suffered through the winds of change; she will be an overcomer! Change towards "a wealthy place" is never easy.
Are you in a fiery trial? Don't be dismayed. God is proving you! He wants to set you apart as His bride and inheritance for the ages to come.. Many beside you may not want to go further.. some may even die in the way (Aaron, vs. 6). What will you do? How will you react? Allow your response to His dealings set you apart.
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