Moses Takes a Census

Today I read Numbers 1 where the Lord commands Moses and Aaron to take a census of the Israelites, broken down by tribes, of all the males age 20 and older who are fit to go to war.  Judah had the most and Manasseh had the fewest.  The tribe of Levi was not included in the census by the express command of Heavenly Father.

The tribe of Levi was not included because their job was to handle the tabernacle and the ark of the covenants.  They were the priests of the people if Israel, a far more sacred and important job than going off to war.  I have often wondered why the tribe of Levi was chosen to be the priests.  I have wondered if it was because Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi, or perhaps because the tribe of Levi did not participate in the golden calf debacle and in fact were the ones that helped Moses and Aaron put to death all those who did worship the golden calf.  Perhaps it is a combination of things.  We are not told, but it is clear that they were the priests of the Israelites and were in charge of making sure the sacrifices were performed properly and that the tabernacle and ark were cared for.  It is a big responsibility and I'm sure that the tribe of Levi handled it well.  Until tomorrow.