Numbers 8:24

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 8:24

This is it that belongeth unto the Levites ,.... The fixed and settled time for their service, as is after related: from twenty and five years old and upward, they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation ; in Numbers 4:3 ; the time for the Levites entering on the work of the tabernacle is fixed to thirty years and upward, which Jarchi reconciles thus; at twenty five years old the Levite goes in to learn the rites of service, and he learns five... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 8:24

From twenty and five years old - See the note on Numbers 4:3 , where the two terms of twenty-five and thirty years are reconciled. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 8:24

Verse 24 24.This is it, that belongeth to the Levites. The age is here prescribed when the Levites should begin and end the execution of their office. God commands them to commence in their 25th year and grants them their dismissal in their 50th; and for both these provisions there is very good reason. For, if they had been admitted in early youth, their levity might have greatly detracted from the reverence due to sacred things: not only because those, whose manhood is not yet mature, are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 8:5-26

I. THAT BEFORE THEY COULD SERVE THEY MUST BE CLEANSED . Even so all that would do God service, or be useful to others in religions concerns, must first themselves be cleansed; because all that is human is unclean ( Job 15:14 ), and nothing that is unclean can do God service, for he requireth holiness in his servants ( Proverbs 20:9 ; Psalms 5:5 ; Isaiah 52:11 ; Habakkuk 1:13 ; Matthew 5:48 ; Matthew 22:12 ). II. THAT THIS CLEANSING WAS TWOFOLD , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 8:5-26

I. Let us begin by taking A GENERAL VIEW OF THIS ORDINATION SERVICE . The outstanding features were these. It took place at the door of the tabernacle and in presence of the whole congregation. The Levites being marched in, the congregation put their hands on them, q.d.: "We are thine, O Lord. Thou hast redeemed us and brought us out for thyself, to be to thee a kingdom and priests. With respect to the charge of this thy sanctuary, thou hast made choice of these our brethren to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 8:5-26

1 . All God's chosen servants, "a kind of first-fruits of his creatures." (Illustrate from 1 John 1:7-10 ; 1 John 2:1 , 1 John 2:2 , and from John 13:10 .) 2 . All God's selected ministers (pastors, missionaries, etc.). Illustrate from Tertullian's request to his brethren: "Ye have sought, and ye have found; ye have knocked, and it is opened to you. Thus much I ask, that when you seek again, you remember me, Tertullian, a sinner;" or from W. Carey the missionary's selected... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Numbers 8:24

From twenty and five years old and upward. A short time before the minimum age had been fixed at thirty ( Numbers 4:3 ). That direction, however, concerned the transport of the tabernacle and its belongings; this was a permanent regulation designed for the ordinary labours of the sanctuary at a time when the Levites would be scattered throughout their cities, and could only serve by courses. For the latter purpose many more would be required; and indeed they were found insufficient as it... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Numbers 8:24

Twenty and five years old and upward - The permanent limit as distinguished from the temporary Numbers 4:3, Numbers 4:23, Numbers 4:30, though David found it necessary to extend the period of the Levites’ service by causing it to commence at 20 years of age 1 Chronicles 23:24-28. This rule continued in force from the time of David downward (compare on 2 Chronicles 31:17; Ezra 3:8). read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Numbers 8:5-26

Dedication of the Levites (8:5-26)The ceremony described here parallels that for the dedication of the priests that has already been described in Leviticus 8:1-36. The washing, shaving, and offering of a sin offering indicated cleansing from sin; the offering of a burnt offering indicated dedication to God’s service. The action of the twelve tribal leaders (acting on behalf of the whole people) in laying their hands on the heads of the Levites was the people’s acknowledgment of the Levites as... read more

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