Numbers 8:25

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 8:25

And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof ,.... The heavy service of it: and shall serve no more ; by bearing and carrying the vessels of the sanctuary upon their shoulders, as Jarchi interprets it; this, according to the Jewish writers, was only in force while the tabernacle was in the wilderness, and was moved from place to place: but when it had a fixed habitation, and that laborious service of bearing and carrying the vessels of it ceased,... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Numbers 8:25-26

Numbers 8:25-26. From the age of fifty they shall cease waiting Shall be excused from carrying the parts and vessels of the tabernacle, and all the toilsome duties of the service, and shall only give advice and direction, and assist in lesser and easier works. How merciful and full of compassion are the laws of God! When his servants became advanced in years in his service, they were not required to do the same work which they did when younger. But doubtless many of them, who were of age to... 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

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Numbers 8:25

25. from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, &c.—that is, on the laborious and exhausting parts of their work. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Numbers 8:5-26

The consecration of the Levites 8:5-26The consecration of the priests had taken place earlier (cf. Leviticus 8). Then the people only looked on (Leviticus 8:3-4). Now God set apart to His service the whole tribe of Levi that He had taken in place of the first-born sons (Numbers 8:16-18). This time the people played a role by laying their hands on the Levites (Numbers 8:10). The Levites stood in the place of the people as their representatives whereas the priests were closer to God and further... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 8:1-26

The Lighting of the Golden Lamps. The Consecration of the Levites1-4. See on Exodus 25:31-40; Exodus 27:20, Exodus 27:21.5-26. This is the fulfilment of the injunetion in Numbers 3:5 to Numbers 13:7. Water of purifying] RV ’of expiation.’ This ceremonial cleansing symbolised the inward purity required in those who bore the vessels of the Lord.II. Offer the Levites. for an offering of the children of Israel] RV ’offer (lit. ’wave’) the Levites.. for a wave offering, on the behalf of the children... read more

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