All things bear record · Numbers

Numbers 18

4 witnesses of Christ here.

Ministry within the veil

Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for everything of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest’s office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. Numbers 18:7

Only the priesthood could serve within the veil, in God's holiest presence. Hebrews teaches that Jesus has entered within the veil as our forerunner and High Priest, opening the way for us.

VerifiedProphecy or typetype_place

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him

  • a type of what is in Hebrews 6:19-20 — 'Within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever.'

Redemption of the firstborn

Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. Numbers 18:15–16

Every firstborn son belonged to the Lord and had to be redeemed. Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus, the Firstborn, to the temple under this law -- the Redeemer Himself presented as one to be redeemed.

VerifiedEchoAn echo of Him

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • alluded to by Luke 2:22-23 — Jesus presented in the temple because every male that opens the womb is holy to the Lord.

Firstlings offered, not redeemed

But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD. Numbers 18:17

The holy firstlings could not be bought back; their blood had to be given on the altar. From Adam onward the firstlings of the flock were offered as a similitude of the Only Begotten, who was not spared but offered.

VerifiedProphecy or typeAn ordinance that points to Him

How we know: a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

  • interpreted by Moses 5:5-7 — Adam offered the firstlings of the flock, 'a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father.'
  • a type of what is in Romans 8:32 — God 'spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all.'

Jehovah, the priests' inheritance

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. Numbers 18:20

Jehovah tells Aaron that the priests receive no land; He Himself is their portion. Those who serve Him receive the Lord, the premortal Christ, as their inheritance.

VerifiedJehovah — the LORDHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

  • alluded to by Psalm 16:5 — 'The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance.'