Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar audio. In 1 Kings 7:21-22, Solomon set up two massive, ornate pillars—Jachin and Boaz—at the temple’s entrance. Revelation 3:12 uses pillars to symbolize overcomers established in God’s house, bearing His name and the name of the New Jerusalem. In Numbers 3:33-4:49, the Merarites carried the tabernacle’s structural elements, showing that every believer has a role. Like them, we become spiritual pillars by standing firm, serving faithfully, and staying connected within God’s redemptive structure.
Both chapters 3 and 4 of Numbers are about similar teachings. A teaching of chapter 3 is a teaching of chapter 4.
A pillar in the Scriptures speaks of an overcomer with the name of our God written on it and the name of our city the New Jerusalem.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Audio
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
1 Kings 7:21-22, Revelation 3:21, Numbers 3:33-37, Psalms 19:9-10, Isaiah 28:17, Ezekiel 40:3, Ezekiel 47:3, Zechariah 2:1-2, Ephesians 2:20-22, Numbers 1:2, Numbers 1:3,
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The Pillars in Solomon’s Temple
1 Kings 7:21-22
21 Thus he set up the pillars at the porch of the nave; and he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin, and he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz.
22 On the top of the pillars was lily design. So the work of the pillars was finished.
Let’s begin by reading the Scriptures together. I always prefer to open the Bible first, letting God speak to us through His Word. In 1 Kings chapter 7, Solomon is constructing the temple. There are two enormous pillars described, and we have visual references of them as well. Specifically, verse 21 says that Solomon set up the pillars at the temple porch, naming the right pillar Jachin and the left pillar Boaz. These pillars were massive, likely around 42ft tall, adorned with lily designs and pomegranates, with brass chainwork encircling them.
Verse 22 mentions that the lily design finished the work on the pillars.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Pillars as a Symbol of Overcomers
Revelation 3:12
12 `He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
This imagery connects the physical pillars in Solomon’s temple to the spiritual pillars that God promises in His heavenly temple.
The Scriptures describe a pillar as a symbol of an overcomer in the house of God. In Revelation, the promise is that the one who overcomes will become a pillar in God’s temple. On this pillar, God will write several things. The first is His own name. Just as the pillars Jachin and Boaz stood in Solomon’s temple, so the overcomer bears the name of the Lord. While much is said about the mark of the beast, there is also the mark of the believer—God’s name written on them.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
God will also write the name of the city, Jerusalem, on these pillars. This raises the question of whether Jerusalem is only a city or also a people marked with the name of God. Looking at both 1 Kings and Revelation together, the meaning becomes clear—the pillars represent those who conquer through faith. They symbolize believers firmly established in God’s house and identified with the New Jerusalem.
In this teaching, the study has also been covering the book of Numbers. By the end of the session, the goal is to have completed the first four chapters, possibly starting chapter five. This shows significant progress in the study plan.
The three sons of Levi—Gershom, Kohath, and Merari—each became the heads of tribes within the Levite family. Their tribes had specific responsibilities for transporting the tabernacle, the dwelling place of God’s presence, along with everything it represented. They were camped around the tabernacle and worked together, but each group had its assigned tasks.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The Gershonites were in charge of all the fabrics of the tabernacle. This included the coverings, the outer court linen, and all the decorative and protective cloth materials. The Kohathites were responsible for moving the sacred furniture. They carried items such as the altar, the laver, the lampstands, and other key pieces used inside the tabernacle.
The Roles of the Levite Tribes
Numbers 3:33-37
33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
34 And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
36 And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,
37 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The Merarites, whose duties were covered most recently, handled the structural elements. Their responsibility was to transport the boards and pillars that made up the framework of the tabernacle, as well as the pillars surrounding and supporting it. Together, these three groups ensured the tabernacle could be moved as God led the people.
The Pillars of the Courtyard
Each tribe of Levi had a specific responsibility in caring for and transporting parts of the tabernacle. The Merarites were in charge of the pillars, and in this teaching, the focus is on those pillars in detail. The outer court pillars were small, standing seven and a half feet tall, supporting the linen drapery that surrounded the tabernacle courtyard. A silver rod ran from pillar to pillar, with silver fittings and brass stakes securing them into the ground.
There were sixty of these pillars—twenty on the north side, twenty on the south, and ten each on the east and west sides. All were made from shittim wood, which represents wilderness wood, and were set into sockets of brass, symbolizing the things placed under the feet of the body of Christ.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Inside the tabernacle were other sets of pillars. The entrance had five pillars with brazen bases, while the rear had four with silver bases. These differed from the courtyard pillars but were also part of the sacred structure. The teaching also showed a “progression of pillars,” beginning with the outer court ones, moving to those inside the tabernacle, and finally to the great temple pillars—Jachin and Boaz—mentioned in Scripture. These temple pillars, bearing names, symbolize what the Lord desires to do for His people: to make them pillars in His house with His name written on them. This progression illustrates both the physical structure of God’s dwelling place and the spiritual identity of His people.
Symbolism of Brass, Linen, and Righteous Borders
The brass in the tabernacle pillars represents judgment—the things placed under the glorified feet of Jesus Christ, which also applies to believers as His body. The outer court pillars were made of wilderness wood set into brass sockets. These pillars held up the linen curtains surrounding the courtyard. Linen in Scripture speaks of the righteousness of the saints, as Revelation describes the bride clothed in fine white linen. This linen formed the border around the tabernacle, symbolizing the righteous boundaries of God’s people.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Righteousness means doing what is right, as defined by God’s Word. Believers are righteous because they live according to Scripture, making decisions and actions in line with God’s truth. The Word of God is the standard or measuring stick for righteousness, and it is both the source and the guide for living rightly. Just as a linen border surrounded the tabernacle, so a believer’s life is surrounded by borders of righteousness—boundaries established by God through His Word and upheld by His people. These spiritual borders define where and how God’s people are to live.
Philippians chapter 4 encourages believers to focus on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report. This principle relates to the “righteousness borders” that surround our lives in Christ. When we move beyond those borders, we step outside of God’s righteousness. The pillars in the tabernacle symbolically hold up these boundaries. They also uphold God’s judgment in our lives.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
God’s judgment is not meant to be feared in a negative sense but is good and desirable. It brings justice, purifies, and keeps His people aligned with His will. Whether judgment feels pleasant often depends on whether we are the ones being judged, but biblically, it is always true and righteous.
Psalms 19:9-10
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
These truths remind us that God’s righteous judgments are valuable, precious, and life-giving.
The judgments of God, when understood correctly, are always good and desirable. They bring long life, health, provision, strong families, and joy. His righteous judgments are consistently beneficial because they align us with His will and bless every area of life.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The Courts of the Lord
The court area of the tabernacle, surrounded by pillars, represents a place filled with people. In our lives, this “court” includes those who minister to us and those who receive ministry. There is also a third group—people at the gate whom we seek to bring in. This reflects the heart of God’s righteousness, as we extend ministry outward while remaining strong within the boundaries He has set.
When we understand the courts of the Lord, we see them as places of righteousness, where the “linen of the saints” symbolizes purity and preparation. Here, the bride of Christ prepares herself by living within God’s boundaries, knowing what pleases Him. We willingly submit to His judgment, represented by brass, because it purifies us. These good judgments transform us, make us righteous, and prepare the way for His coming. Many would gladly accept His correction if it meant He would return sooner—“Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.”
In the court of the tabernacle stood the brazen altar, which represented the judgment of sin and the offering of our lives as living sacrifices to God, our reasonable act of worship. There was also the brazen laver, also symbolizing the judgment and cleansing from sin. The outer court, therefore, spoke of purification, sacrifice, and preparation before approaching closer to God’s presence.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
According to Revelation 3:12, a pillar in Scripture represents an overcomer—someone established and steadfast in the house of God. In the tabernacle’s outer court, each pillar was connected to the next by a silver rod, symbolizing redemption. This connection signified that no pillar stood alone; all were joined together in unity. Just as no believer is meant to live in isolation, each one should be connected to others in the body of Christ, working together to uphold God’s purposes. Pillars not only held up the structure but also reflected the unity and redemption of God’s people.
Being Firmly Established Like the Pillars
The silver fillet in the tabernacle pillars ran down to a rod fixed in the ground, helping hold each pillar firmly in place. This design demonstrated a biblical principle of being established, settled, and unmovable. With silver rods running through them, firmly set in sockets, these pillars were secure and challenging to move. Spiritually, believers are also called to be connected like these pillars—joined together with “pins of silver,” representing redemption—and to be steadfast in their righteousness, not easily shaken.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The Mararites were responsible not only for the pillars but also for all the equipment needed to assemble, dismantle, and transport the tabernacle. This included the massive boards—15 feet tall and 18 inches wide—the sixty courtyard pillars, the larger inner pillars, the sockets, the fillets, and the silver rods. Each time Israel traveled, these items had to be taken down, carried, and then reassembled in perfect alignment. While Scripture does not detail the specific tools used, it is reasonable to assume they relied on many sturdy hammers, likely large ones, to set up the structure securely each time.
In the church, there are times when it feels like you’ve been struck with a hammer—not physically, but spiritually or emotionally. This is compared to the work of the Merarites, who had to hammer the pillars, sockets, pins, and rods into place every time the tabernacle was moved. Moving the structure meant constant pounding to ensure everything was set firmly and securely. Spiritually, this can feel like seasons of intense pressure, especially when progress or change is taking place.
When nothing is being moved or built, life often feels calm. But when God’s people start moving forward, challenges arise, and it can feel like being struck hard and repeatedly. This has been a personal reality lately, leading to a time of difficulty and pressure—likened to many blows from a hammer.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
After a hard weekend of ministry responsibilities, I took time away to refresh and hear from the Lord. During this retreat, God revealed that much of the recent teaching and ministry has been filtered through personal wounds and hurts from the past year. This time away became a moment of cleansing, renewal, and honest self-evaluation before the Lord.
I got a phone call today that I genuinely believe was of the Lord. Through it, He confirmed that I need a vacation. I need to step away for a while and get refreshed. Looking back over the past year, I realize how draining it has been. Last year, I went to Trinidad, Tobago, and Barbados to minister. I poured myself out, lost a lot of weight, and then came back to face my mother’s passing. After her funeral, we moved into this new season, faced leadership changes, and walked through some challenging ministry situations. There have been conflicts, pressures, and significant emotional strain.
Even good events, like my daughter marrying Jody, have been emotionally intense. Though I’m happy for her, it was still a major life change for me. Through it all, I haven’t taken time away with Judy to rest. We’ve been trying to move forward, but I still feel like I’m being hit from every side. The enemy is working, circumstances are pressing, and even the “hammering” from God’s shaping process feels constant.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Recently, the Lord has shown me that much of my ministry right now is being filtered through all of these wounds and pressures. Every day I preach, teach, and minister to people, and while I want all of it to come purely from my spirit, right now too much is being processed through my mind—with all of its recent hurts and weariness. I haven’t had enough time to get away, be with the Lord, and clear my mind.
I believe God is also using this season to make adjustments—to judge and refine some things in my life and the lives of others. It feels like He is “bumping” us into place, fitting us together more closely, and aligning us according to His plan. Even though it’s stretching, I sense His hand is steady over the process.
Levels, Straight Lines, and God’s Measuring
I believe the Merarites likely used not only large hammers but also levels and straight lines when setting up the tabernacle. With so much structure to assemble, everything had to be leveled appropriately and aligned. A crooked or uneven tabernacle would not do. Spiritually, I see God doing the same in my life and yours. He is bumping us together, fitting us into place, and pulling His straight line to find what is out of alignment. Then He uses the hammer—sometimes even allowing the enemy, as in the book of Job—to bring correction and alignment.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Job teaches that the devil cannot touch us without God’s permission. Sometimes, the Lord points out areas in our lives that need adjusting, and the process can feel like being struck with a heavy hammer. I have felt those blows this year, and I see where my life has been out of line. Yet I also know how the Lord is using it for my good. His judgments are always good and to be desired. The hammering can either make us bitter or better, depending on how we respond. For me, I want it to line me up with His will rather than tear me down.
I believe the Merarites must have used many levels and straight lines when setting up the tabernacle. The Lord gave very exact dimensions, and the responsibility to assemble it correctly fell on them. If the tabernacle was out of line, it meant someone had not followed His instructions. Everything had to be precise. Spiritually, this speaks to the state of the church. We would be wrong to think a church is always perfectly in line. Each time there is movement or change, we often need to be straightened again. This process may not be pleasant, but it is necessary, and it shows that God is still working.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The straight line for measuring is the Word of God. Every part of God’s people—each board, pillar, ring, spike, or bar—must align with His Word. When we move out of line, the Lord will realign us, even if it takes force. To think that God will never measure or correct us is a mistake. Jesus is the One holding the measuring line, and He constantly applies it to His people, His church, and the New Jerusalem. Sometimes, He uses “Merarite hammers” to tap or strike us into place. This is His way of keeping us rightly aligned with His plan, as shown in the truth of Isaiah 28:17.
Isaiah 28:17
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Judgment also will I lay to the line.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Look at Ezekiel 40 in verse 3.
Ezekiel 40:3
3 And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
What does brass represent?
Ezekiel 47:3
3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ancles.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Zechariah 2:1-2
1 I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.
2 Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.
Who is Jerusalem? Are you being measured? Are you being tapped? Is the Lord knocking us into alignment? Is God aligning us and putting us together? Do you think He is building a temple? Is he building a tabernacle that he can dwell in? Is he building him a household of faith?
Ephesians 2:20-22
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the
corner stone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
According to the book of Ephesians, chapter two, verses 20, 21, and 22. Are you being built into a habitation of God? Have you ever felt like you’ve been built? Beed on. Say if you have, then that’s a good sign that you’re a part of the tabernacle. Amen. Amen.
When the Cloud Moves, We Move
That completes the study on the Merarites, their role in moving the tabernacle, and our walk through Numbers chapters one through four. Over the past weeks, we have learned how the Levites served at the tabernacle and how the structure moved whenever the cloud of God’s presence moved. While it was technically possible for the cloud to move without the tabernacle, in practice, whenever the cloud moved, the tabernacle followed. This is the picture for us as God’s people—we are called to move when He moves.
When God moves, we cannot remain still. Moving forward will often mean being taken apart, realigned, and hammered back into place, just as the tabernacle was. There is always some bumping, fitting, and joining involved, but that is part of God’s process to make us “fitly joined together,” as Scripture says. Even when it is uncomfortable, this shaping teaches us how He works, how we function together, and how we grow as one body.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Like the tabernacle, our church is not stationary. We move when God moves, trusting Him to guide the process—even if it means seasons of shaking, realignment, and spiritual pressure. The goal is always the same: to follow His presence and remain securely joined together in His purpose.
Each tribe of Levi had its own specific responsibility. The Gershonites were in charge of the coverings and cloth materials of the tabernacle. The Kohathites carried the sacred furniture pieces. The Merarites handled the pillars, boards, bars, and pins that formed the structure. In the same way, every one of us has something to carry—a responsibility or charge from the Lord. We may all want to hold the hammer, but we often resist being hammered on ourselves. Yet the judgments of the Lord are true, righteous, and more desirable than gold.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Every time there is movement, there is also a need for realignment. Just like the tabernacle had to be set back up whenever it moved, we, too, must be lined up again when God shifts us. In the book of Numbers, the focus moves from these duties to the cleansing and blessings of the people. Before moving forward, it’s good to pause and review the truths God has revealed in this study.
From the very beginning of Numbers, we see that “the Lord spoke” again and again—sixty-two times in total. He spoke to Moses, guiding the people. Our God is a speaking God, not silent. Jesus affirms this in John 10:27 when He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” As God’s sheep, we should know His voice. He speaks often; the challenge is that we don’t always want to listen. But the truth remains—our God talks, and He wants us to hear Him.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Moses and the Israelites were in the wilderness of Sinai, yet Moses heard God’s voice in the tabernacle of the congregation. Although surrounded by the harsh conditions of the wilderness, the tabernacle provided a special, holy place where God could speak directly to Moses. Inside this holy place were the lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. It was a space for prayer, praise, worship, and communion with God.
To enter this place, one had to pass through the veil. The veil symbolized the separation between humanity’s flesh and God’s holiness. It was not possible to hear God clearly without moving beyond the flesh, meaning one had to prepare and set aside worldly distractions spiritually. Only then could true communion and conversation with God take place.
This passage shows that even in wilderness times, it’s possible to hear God’s voice, but it requires coming into His presence, past the veil of the flesh. If we never deal with our flesh, we won’t hear God. But when we move beyond it, the Lord is always willing to speak to us.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Numbers 1:2
2 Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
Personal Accountability Before God
When the people of Israel were counted, the numbering began with the entire nation, then narrowed to the families, then to the houses of their fathers, and finally to each individual by name. This shows that in the end, responsibility always comes down to the individual. I can’t blame my sins or failures on the nation, my family, my spouse, or even my children. Ultimately, it is my name that matters before God. My name must be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
In Christ, I am a new creation. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new. My family history or generational sins do not determine my destiny. The blood of Jesus is sufficient to break every chain, whether it’s addiction, immorality, or any other bondage. I cannot hide behind my heritage or circumstances. Through God’s grace, I can overcome every sin.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
One day, I will personally stand before the Lord. I will not be able to bring anyone with me. My pastor will also give an account for me, but accountability for my life still rests on me alone. It will be just me and the Lord, face to face, and I must be ready for that moment.
Numbers 1:3
3 From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
God’s Army – Counting the Warriors
When the Lord instructed Moses and Aaron to number the people, He specifically told them to count those able to go to war. The focus was on the warriors. Jesus confirms this principle in the New Testament. In Luke 14:31, He teaches the importance of recognizing your warriors before going into battle. No wise leader would engage in war without first knowing the strength and readiness of the army. He also speaks about counting the cost before building a tower or going to war.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
The New Testament consistently describes the Christian life in terms of warfare. It tells us to put on the whole armor of God and reminds us that our weapons are spiritual. In God’s house, what He seeks to number are the warriors—those willing to fight for the kingdom. Sadly, many go AWOL, avoiding the fight. But when we are called into God’s kingdom, we are drafted into His army. In this spiritual war, you will either fight or suffer wounds. There is no neutral ground.
We must recognize that we are at war. If we fail to see that the enemy presents himself before the Lord, as in the book of Job, we will misunderstand the nature of our struggles. God may allow the enemy to strike at us, not to destroy us, but to prove and strengthen us. Our task is to endure, keep fighting, and prove that our faith is genuine.
How many believe that the enemy really doesn’t like us? Do you? Does he like you? He really must hate me, man. I’m telling you.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Closing in Spiritual Warfare
As we close, I feel the need to step into a moment of spiritual warfare. First Peter 5:8 warns us that our adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. That’s not just a lovely verse to quote—it is a real warning. The enemy is actively looking for someone to consume. There is no such thing as a “Christian devil.” He intends to destroy, and we must take that seriously.
I’m tired of the enemy beating on us. I know some of it is necessary for God’s shaping process, but I don’t believe we have to endure every blow. We can avoid much of the enemy’s attack if we understand and apply the Word of God. Some discipline and correction—the “tapping”—is fine, but we don’t have to live under constant sledgehammer blows.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Tonight, I wanted us to pray with authority—that God’s Word would always be taught, lived, and prevailing in this place. I prayed that the Spirit of the Lord would minister to each one of us. And I prayed directly against the powers and principalities that come against God’s people, declaring them null and void in Jesus’ name. We thank God for His Word, for His people, and for His presence among us—and we reaffirm that we will stand firm in Him against every work of the enemy.
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
Book Of Numbers 3:33-4:49 – How to Become a Spiritual Pillar
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