“Now the first who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites and the temple servants (the Nethinim).” (v.2)
When the Jewish exiles returned to their homeland, in many ways they needed to start over in reorganizing their national idenity and religious life. Therefore the description, of religious duties surrounding the priests, the Levites and the temple servants, mentioned in this chapter, is very meaningful.
While the performance of mixing spices for incense, polishing the temple furnishings, or baking showbread may seem insignificant to us, they demonstrated; the sacred dimensions of their national life were ready to begin again, and that the covenant relationship with God had been renewed.
Additionally, each individual took to his appointed task in faithfulness to God. There was no intrusion on one another’s office, no clashing in duty, no jealousy of each other’s ministry. Whether one was opening the doors to the temple, washing the utensils used in worship, or baking the shewbread, every part was needed.
Today's reading reminds us that; God loves order in worship because He Himself is a God of order, and that we should be content with whatever position we have been assigned to serve Him.
The Truth: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” (James 3:16)
