Numbers 3:17-38
In the same way that no one had the right to choose the site for his tent, no Levite could freely decide which service he wished to undertake. What we have to do is not necessarily what interests us, what seems to us to match our capabilities, or what we can see immediately in front of us. It is what the Lord wills that we should do. "There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord", states 1 Corinthians 12:5. He is the true Chief over the chiefs with the oversight of them that keep the charge (v. 32) and He alone is in a position to decide the function of each individual in the communal programme. Imagine what would happen on a railway line if a signalman decided one day to switch jobs, or if a crossing keeper abandoned his level crossing. What a muddle, and what catastrophes would be the result!
However, whatever the activities of the Levites, each of the three families camped close to the tabernacle (vv. 23, 29, 35). We are reminded of those specialist workers in the time of David who "dwelt with the king for his work" (1 Chronicles 4:23). "He who is nearest to Christ will be he who will serve Him best, and without this nearness one cannot serve Him" (J.N.D.).