24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: H3881 from twenty H6242 and five H2568 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 they shall go in H935 to wait H6633 H6635 upon the service H5656 of the tabernacle H168 of the congregation: H4150
25 And from the age H1121 of fifty H2572 years H8141 they shall cease H7725 waiting H6635 upon the service H5656 thereof, and shall serve H5647 no more:
26 But shall minister H8334 with their brethren H251 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 to keep H8104 the charge, H4931 and shall do H5647 no service. H5656 Thus shalt thou do H6213 unto the Levites H3881 touching their charge. H4931
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Numbers 8
Commentary on Numbers 8 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 8
This chapter is concerning the lamps or lights of the sanctuary.
Num 8:1-4
Directions were given long before this for the making of the golden candlestick (Ex. 25:31), and it was made according to the pattern shown to Moses in the mount, Ex. 37:17. But now it was that the lamps were first ordered to be lighted, when other things began to be used. Observe,
Num 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 (ch. 3:6, 15), that they might be employed in the service of the tabernacle. Now here we have directions given for their solemn ordination (v. 6), and the performance of it, v. 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 neighbours, but they must be solemnly devoted to God. Note, All that are employed for God must be dedicated to him, according as the degree of employment is. Christian musts be baptized, ministers must be ordained; we must first give ourselves unto the Lord, and then our services. Observe in what method this was done: