Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 8:5-26
We read before of the separating of the Levites from among the children of Israel when they were numbered, and the numbering of them by themselves (Num. 3:6; 15), that they might be employed in the service of the tabernacle. Now here we have directions given for their solemn ordination (Num. 8:6), and the performance of it, Num. 8:20. All Israel must know that they took not this honour to themselves, but were called of God to it; nor was it enough that they were distinguished from their... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 8:1-4
Directions were given long before this for the making of the golden candlestick (Exod. 25:31), and it was made according to the pattern shown to Moses in the mount, Exod. 38:17. But now it was that the lamps were first ordered to be lighted, when other things began to be used. Observe, 1. Who must light the lamps; Aaron himself, he lighted the lamps, Num. 8:3. As the people's representative to God, he thus did the office of a servant in God's house, lighting his Master's candle; as the... read more