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The witness of the stars (Gen. 1: 14-19; Psa. 19:) was, from Adam to Moses, the
ancient testimony to the purpose of the ages. When Israel, the people of type, sign and
symbol, were formed, the significance of the twelve "signs" in the heavens was
perpetuated by the tribal "ensigns". This important testimony is carefully explained and
illustrated in Dr. Bullinger's Witness of the Stars, and a most helpful synopsis is given in
Appendix 12 of The Companion Bible.
It will be observed that, at the four cardinal points, East, South, West and North, are
symbols that also appear with the Cherubim:--
"They four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion on the right side; and they
four had the face of an ox on the left side: and they four also had the face of an eagle"
(Ezek. 1: 10).
"The first living creature was like a lion, and the second living creature like a calf, and
the third living creature had a face as a man, and the fourth living creature was like a
flying eagle" (Rev. 4: 7).
The fourfold picture of the Lord Jesus, as set forth in the four Gospels, focuses the
witness of the heavens, the testimony of the ensigns of Israel, and the pledge of the
cherubim upon the Person and work of the Saviour:--
MATTHEW.
The
lion.
Behold
your KING.
MARK.
The
Ox.
Behold
my SERVANT.
LUKE.
The
Man.
Behold
the MAN.
JOHN.
The
Eagle.
Behold
your GOD.
Returning to the tribe of Levi and their particular service, we find careful details set
out in Numb. 4: It was not left to chance to decide the order in which these Levites
approached their respective tasks. Aaron and his sons come first. These take down the
vail and cover the ark with it. Full instructions are given in Numb. 4: 1-4 as to the
covering of the various articles of tabernacle furniture:--
"And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all
the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward: after that, the sons of Kohath
shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These
things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation"
(Numb. 4: 15).
The Gershonites come next, bearing the curtains, hangings, etc., as already mentioned
(Numb. 4: 24-28), and last of all the Merarites:--
"According to the commandment of the Lord, they were numbered by the hand of
Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden" (Numb. 4: 49).
In this concluding verse we have the three underlying principles that relate to all
scriptural service, viz.:--
According to THE COMMANDMENT of the Lord.
According to HIS SERVICE.
According to HIS BURDEN.