All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, by their families, all the males from a month old and above, were twenty-two thousand.
Numbers 3:39

God required a census of Israel, numbering the adult males in each tribe who were 20 years old and older since they were the military. The smallest and largest tribes were Manasseh (32,200), and Judah (74,600). The total from all the tribes (except Levi) was 603,550.

The priestly tribe of Levi was numbered separately, since their men were exempted from militarily service, to dedicate themselves to their priestly duties. The number of the men of Levi (only 22,000) was much smaller than any other tribe. What makes their low number even more striking is that the males of Levi that were numbered from only 1 month old and older (not 20 years old)! I am encouraged that even the youngest can worship God!

Each of the 3 clans within the Levite tribe had different, and very specific religious duties. While only a small number of the Levites offered sacrifices in the tabernacle, most of the Levites’ duties had to do with setting up and taking down the tabernacle, and carrying it as they moved about in the wilderness. But every member of the Levite tribe was involved in facilitating worship—no matter how glamorous or mundane their assigned task was.

I am also encouraged regarding that it doesn’t matter whether one’s role is upfront, or behind the scenes; seen or unseen. What matters is that we all do whatever God has called and gifted each one to do—as an act of worship.

Let us worship the Lord!