THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
The role of the Levites holds immense significance, as the Lord proclaims, ‘Behold, I choose Levites from among the children of Israel for every firstborn who opens the womb of the daughters of Israel; they shall be an atonement for them, and they shall be Levites unto Me..... I sanctified to Myself the firstborn in the land of Egypt (Num. 3:12-13). It is evident that the Levites are not included in the census like the rest; rather, they are esteemed above all others, having been consecrated as the firstfruits dedicated to the Lord. In them resides the fulfillment of oaths and the covering for transgressions.
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You shall not count them among the children of Israel but shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the covenant along with all its furnishings and everything contained within it. They shall transport the tabernacle and all its implements, serve within it, and encamp around it. When it is necessary to move the tabernacle, the Levites shall carry it; likewise, when it is time to set up camp, the Levites shall reassemble the tabernacle. If any foreigner approaches, he shall face death (Num. 1:49-51).
Know this, you (the priest) have been selected from among all the descendants of Israel, esteemed as the firstborn among the holy offerings, appointed to the tabernacle to safeguard the sacred stronghold of holiness and truth. If a foreigner approaches, he shall certainly die (Num. 1:51); you have been entrusted with the care of the ark of the covenant. Not everyone perceives the depth of the commandments (Num. 1:51; Mt. 13:13-15; Jn. 12:40; Is. 6:9-10), as these truths are concealed by the Levites to prevent those unworthy from seeing and receiving them. Moses witnessed the spiritual circumcision but concealed it to institute the outward circumcision; he perceived the unleavened bread of purity and truth (Ex. 12:15-28; 1 Cor. 5:8) and observed the Lord's sufferings hidden under the physical unleavened bread, veiling the Lord's passion through the sacrifice of a lamb or calf, while the faithful Levites preserved the commandment under the veil of their belief.
Do you regard the responsibilities entrusted to you as trivial? First, you must delve into the mysteries of God, which represent wisdom; next, you protect the people, embodying justice; you safeguard the camp and uphold the tabernacle, demonstrating courage; and you remain self-controlled and thoughtful, reflecting moderation.