Numbers 4:1-5:31

God then describes the duties for which the different clans within the Levite Tribe are responsible. God also gives instructions to keep the camp of the Israelites pure. Included in these instructions are rules on how a husband who suspects his wife of infidelity is to act.

God tells the people that they are to remove the impurities from the camp so that they do not defile the camp, “where I [God] live among you.” It was important that God’s dwelling place be a place worthy of God.

Today God dwells in the lives of all those who have been regenerated by faith in Christ. Just as the Israelites needed to keep God’s space (the camp) pure, so also we need to keep God’s space (our lives) pure. It is ridiculous to think that there was never any impurity in the camp of the Israelites, and in the same way we will never be able to live perfectly pure lives; but it is our responsibility to strive toward purity.

God gave the Israelites instructions on how to strive toward purity: remove those with skin disease, confess sin, do not harbor jealousy, etc. God has also instructed us on how to strive toward purity: read the sermon on the mount. Each day we choose if we are going to strive to be a pure dwelling place for God. I encourage you every morning when you wake up to pray for your purity.