The Levitical census and duties

Numbers 4:1–49
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The tribe of Levi was chosen from all Israel to be God’s peculiar people were taken from among the rest to be specifically employed in the service of the tabernacle. Now observe:

1. Who were to be taken into this number (vv. 1-20). All the males age 30 years old to 50. Of the other tribes, those that were numbered to go forth to war were from 20 years old and upward, but of the Levites only from 30 to 50; for the service of God requires the best of our strength, and the prime of our time, which cannot be better spent than to the honor of Him who is the first and best. They were 10 years in preparation, from 20 to 30. John the Baptist began his public ministry, at 30 years of age, as did Jesus Christ.
2. How their work is described (vv. 21-33). Their service appointed them to the erection of the tabernacle. Afterward, when the tabernacle was fixed, they had other work assigned to them; but this was the work of the day, which was to be done in its day. Wherever the camp of Israel went, the tabernacle of the Lord went, and care needed to be taken for the carrying of it.
3. How an account of the numbers of the three families of the Levites is given (vv. 34-49). That is, of the effective men, between thirty years old and fifty. The Kohathites were, in all, 8600 from a month old and upwards; but of these there were but 2750 serviceable men (vv. 34-37).  The Gershonites, in all, 7500, and of them but 2630 serviceable men, a little more than a third part (vv. 38-41). The Merarites were 6200 in all, and yet of these there were only 3200 serviceable men; that is, more than half (vv. 42-45).

Application

We can see how the tokens of God’s presence in this world are movable things; but I need to look for a kingdom that cannot be moved.