As they prepare to observe the first Passover celebration since their exodus from Egypt, a problem surfaced. Some of the Israelites were ceremonially unclean because of their contact with a dead body and could not celebrate the Passover. Because they were unsure of what to do in light of the regulation restrictions, they went to Moses with their confusion. Moses did the right thing by taking it to the Lord.

When we are unsure or confused about something, is our first thought to take it to the Lord?

The Lord orders a numbering or a census of the sons of Israel from age 20 years or more. During this census, the people are still encamped at Sinai. Don't become discouraged in the reading.

Again in the numbering of the tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh represent the tribe of Joseph. Then the tribes are given their placement to camp and the order for marching whenever they are given the word to move. The tribe of Judah always leads. Dan always comes last.

The families of the tribe of Levi are not counted along with the others. It is clear that this tribe is set apart. Even their tents are set up around the tabernacle so that wrath will not fall on the Israelite community. They guard the tabernacle. No one gets in without going through the Levites. And we continue to see how "set apart" this tribe actually is. Application for us as Believers??? We too are "set apart". Do we act like it???