As the Lord describes the duties for camp detail, the circle gets smaller. We have gone from counting the fighting men in the other tribes (Num 1) to detailing their movements about the tabernacle (Num 2) to describing the Levitical duties concerning tabernacle property (Num 3). Now the attention to the Lord’s tabernacle is even more refined, even listing the duties of Eleazar, son of Aaron (BTW, he gets to be in charge of the oils).
While we have been talking about war and safe travel preparations throughout Numbers 1-3, the first real concern about people dying is now found in v. 15 –
And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die.(ESV)
The enemies they are about to face haven't been mentioned, nor the hardships of their travels. The first item of 'worry' should be that God is with them, and they must respond appropriately.
Likewise, our concern is not to be solely pointed towards others, but instead it is to be about the Lord. This is something that Scripture reminds of again and again, as we are urged to not fear people, but to fear the Lord alone.
Finally, we must remember the greatness of what Christ has done for us. Praise Jesus, for His mercy to us and for being the perfect High Priest so that we, as God's people, can now go boldly before the throne of the Lord.
