Those who shall come in the last place. [See also WE 6734-35, concluding the explanation of Num. 2.]

[See WE 6764, explaining Num. 4:2-4.] 6765. As for their ages, from 30 to 50 years, it is said clearly in verse 3 that they were those who "were fit for military service, and thus for doing work in the tabernacle of meeting." But spiritual warfare is here meant, that is, the battle with the devil, as takes place in the Church militant. That only those are fit for battle who are within the range of 50 to 30 years, is quite obvious from the human state. For it is at that time that a person begins to make use of the understanding and to put willful urges into order, thus doing battle with elements streaming in from the earthly mind, namely, with perverse desires and longings, thus with the devil, who arouses them. For it is none other than the devil who arouses