It’s a good thing some of the people were thinking practically. Enter the moving vans!
How is it that, when you give, in the end it seems to cost you nothing? Generosity gives twice: the recipient is blessed by giving, then the giver is blessed by God. In the words of our Lord, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…” (Lk 6:38). This is the way money buys happiness—by giving it to the Lord! Numbers 7 begins with “Moses…setting up the tabernacle” (v 1). But wait! This isn’t a permanent structure. It’s to be moved from place to place. What a tragedy if, after all this, the children of Israel traveled on, leaving the tabernacle abandoned in the desert. Enter “the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes” (v 2). Obviously they were men of a practical bent, and understood how things worked. It’s always good to have people like that around. “And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered carts and twelve oxen” (v 3). Moses accepted these on the Lord’s behalf, and they were put at the disposal of the Levites: “Two carts and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon…four carts and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari” (vv 7-8). The sons of Kohath received none because they were to carry the furniture on their shoulders. The Merarites looked after the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets. The Gershonites were the stewards of the coverings, the curtains, the screens and drapes for the doors, and the court’s hangings. Let’s appreciate those today who often do the unnoticed but crucial work of God behind the scenes: givers, practical workers, encouragers, prayer warriors, and so many more. They will also receive their reward when the Lord comes, “and then shall every[one] have praise of God” (1 Cor 4:5, KJV).