top of page

The Age of the Levites - Numbers 8

Scripture - Numbers 8-9

Observation - Numbers 8:24-26

...From twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting. 25 But at the age of fifty years they shall retire from service in the work and not work any more. 26 They may, however, assist their brothers in the tent of meeting, to keep an obligation, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their obligations.”

When I visualize a Levite I usually visualize an older man, at least in his 60s, but often older than that. However that imagery is not Biblical. A Levite is relatively young, and serves for 25 years. After that he is done. There are no old Levites still serving.

Application

There is limited time to serve God. Am I making the most of my time available to serve him? Am I wasting time doing things that have little value, or no value? I don't even know how much time I have, only that it is limited. There is no point in waiting until old age sets in.

Prayer

Lord I want you to make the most of my life. Take every minute I have, every year, for your kingdom. Forgive me for wasting time and energy on things that do not further your kingdom and do not have eternal value. I want to make the most of my limited time.

Jesus

Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi, but he regarded his time as short, and began his teaching ministry at age 30, which would be considered young by most modern standards. He was done by 33, of course. There is no mention of him being young, or being treated as some sort of rookie. People from all over followed him and trusted him. He did not behave like he was young. His age had virtually nothing to do with his effectiveness.

bottom of page