The Importance of Priests

1 Chronicles 6:1 (ESV) The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

The Tribe of Levi is central to the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles. This pattern reflects the central location of the tribe in their placement among the other tribes and dispersed around the tabernacle. The priestly tribe of Israel was to have a key function in mediating the presence of God for the people of God. First Chronicles not only outlines the genealogical records but also the roles and responsibilities of the families within the Levite tribe.

There are three families in the tribe of Levi as we see from verse 1. Gershon was responsible for the care and furnishing of the tabernacle. They were also the largest family of Levites. The Kohathites were responsible for the services of the tabernacle - sacrifices, and offerings. Aaron's family (the high priests) descended from them. The Merarites were responsible for the structure of the tabernacle. They carried the pillars, bars, bases, and accessories. 

What we see is this family was designated different yet integrated roles. It is the same in the church. The Church has separate families functioning in various roles for the sake of mediating God's presence for the people. Some are deacons, others are elders and overseers. Still more are leaders and administrators for the body of Christ. When the Church comes together we form a tabernacle whereby God dwells in a wonderful way - ministering to hearts and convicting people of sin. 

As we continue in 1 Chronicles' later chapters, we find the one constant among all the priestly families were singers. That is, the singing of God's priests was standard. To be a mediator of God's presence included singing. It is no wonder then, that the writer of Hebrews calls us to do the same...

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV) Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.


There is another facet to this long list of priests. We are reminded of a few bad apples right off the bat.

1 Chronicles 6:3 (ESV) The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

We remember those two men for offering strange fire and God's swift judgment of them. 

Later we are reminded of Samuel's sons who did not follow or serve the Lord and became the impetus for Israel asking for a king like all the other nations. 
1 Chronicles 6:28–30 (ESV) The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn, the second Abijah. 29 The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son.

The rest of the chapter lists the long lineages of the high priest, Israel's most important leader who offered atonement for the people and the tribe's distribution throughout the territory of the other tribes. 

All this reminds Christians of our high calling in Christ as His "royal priesthood." Like Israel's priests, we have different roles and functions. Like Israel's priests, we must make worshipping God in song central to our environment. Like Israel's priests, we must take our responsibilities with great fear and honor for the Lord. And finally, like Israel's priests, we must be engaged in close-knit, involved relationships with others so that they might have someone near them when they need the Lord.

I believe when the Church functions as a priesthood and not a political or social order, the world benefits. The Chronicler spends the longest chapter in the book on this special tribe because they occupied a special role in God's work among the nation. Christian, so do you.

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