Moses’ relationship with God is one that we could all easily envy. He’s in direct contact with the divine in a way that literally nobody else does throughout history (Deuteronomy 34:10). They speak like friends (Exodus 33:11). What more could you want?
So, of course it makes sense that at the end of Numbers 7, Moses walks into the Tabernacle to commune with God behind the Holy of Holies. Is he the high priest? No. But apparently it doesn’t matter because Moses’ relationship with God is just that special.
The Text even tells us exactly where this conversation took place—from above the mercy seat that was on the Ark of the testimony, between the two cherubim. There’s no mistaking that Moses is in the direct presence of God.
But he’s not there just to have a simple conversation. God talks with Moses because he’s the mediator of the Old Covenant (Exodus 25:22). As such, the material that surrounds this chapter—where God is giving him the instructions for the Levites—is not personal, but instructive. Moses relays the words of God to the people.
But take note: This voice only comes after the sacrifices made by the individual tribes to show their dedication to the service of God.
(Some commentators would argue this is a placement issue and that this verse could go before Numbers 7:12. Regardless, the voice operates in tandem with the sacrifices. You can’t really separate the two.)
The reason that point is significant is because of the context of Numbers 8. In this chapter, God instructs Moses how to dedicate the Levites. Immediately after, in Numbers 9-10, He’s going to tell them how to move forward to Canaan.
By Numbers 12, they’ll be at the doorstep of the promised land, ready to conquer the Canaanites (theoretically).
This conversation isn’t just about communicating concepts for the priesthood in general, it’s about getting the leadership ready for war. The tribal leaders need to dedicate themselves to the task, so they offer sacrifices. The Levites need to be ready to spiritually lead the people, so they’re consecrated.
And Moses is at the head of it all, so he talks to God. Get ready, Israel!
