Numbers 16:9-10
16:9 Does it seem too small a thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the community of Israel to bring you near to himself, to perform the service of the tabernacle of the
Lord, and to stand before the community to minister to them?
16:10 He has brought you near and all your brothers, the sons of Levi, with you. Do you now seek
the priesthood also?
Numbers 25:12-13
25:12 Therefore, announce:
‘I am going to give
to him my covenant of peace.
25:13 So it will be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of a permanent priesthood, because he has been zealous for his God,
and has made atonement
for the Israelites.’”
Numbers 25:1
Israel’s Sin with the Moabite Women
25:1 When Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to commit sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab.
Numbers 2:30
2:30 Those numbered in his division are 53,400.
Malachi 2:4-8
2:4 Then you will know that I sent this commandment to you so that my covenant
may continue to be with Levi,” says the
Lord who rules over all.
2:5 “My covenant with him was designed to bring life and peace. I gave its statutes to him to fill him with awe, and he indeed revered me and stood in awe before me.
2:6 He taught what was true;
sinful words were not found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and integrity, and he turned many people away from sin.
2:7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge of sacred things, and people should seek instruction from him
because he is the messenger of the
Lord who rules over all.
2:8 You, however, have turned from the way. You have caused many to violate the law;
you have corrupted the covenant with Levi,”
says the
Lord who rules over all.
Malachi 2:10-12
The Rebellion of the People
2:10 Do we not all have one father? Did not one God create us? Why do we betray one another, in this way making light of the covenant of our ancestors?
2:11 Judah has become disloyal, and unspeakable sins have been committed in Israel and Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the holy things that the Lord loves and has turned to a foreign god!
2:12 May the Lord cut off from the community of Jacob every last person who does this, as well as the person who presents improper offerings to the Lord who rules over all!