Joel M Bradshaw

1When David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel. 2David assembled all the leaders of Israel and the priests and the Levites. 3The Levites, thirty years old and upward, were numbered, and the total was 38,000 men. 4“Twenty-four thousand of these,” David said, “shall have charge of the work in the house of the LORD, 6,000 shall be officers and judges, 54,000 gatekeepers, and 4,000 shall offer praises to the LORD with the instruments that I have made for praise.” 6And David organized them in divisions corresponding to the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.–1 Chronicles 23

1. David’s previous counting of the soldiers seemed all about himself and his power.
2. David’s counting of the Levites was more about serving God and tending to the things of God.
3. David also made sure there was a peaceful transfer of power to Solomon.
4. The Levites assisted the sons of Aaron (read: the priests).
5. In a world where there would no longer be a Tabernacle, or mobile home, it was good to spell out their new duties. Previously, they were on transportation and guard duty.
6. David kept the family organization. We remember Gershon, Kohath, and Merari from the book of Numbers. Certain clans got specific duties.
7. David pursued excellence regarding the things of God. Do you? Does your worship reflect organization, thought, and planning?–JMB