Numbers 8:13-14
then offer them .... wave offering <05130 08573> [offer them.]
{Wehainaphta othom tenoophath,} literlly, as in ver. 11, "and thou shalt wave them for a wave-offering;" manifestly in allusion to the ancient sacrificial rite of waving the sacrifices before the Lord; and it is probable, that some significant action, analogous to the waving of the sacrifice, was employed on this occasion; for the Levites were considered as an offering to the Lord, to whose service they were wholly dedicated. To this the apostle Paul manifestly alludes, when, in writing to the Romans, he says, (ch. 12:1,) "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
separate <0914> [separate.]
Levites ........ Levites <03881> [and the Levites.]
Numbers 8:24-26
twenty-five <06242> [from twenty.]
In ch. 4:3, the Levites are appointed to the service of the tabernacle at the age of 30 years; and in 1 Ch 23:24, they are ordered to commence their work at 20 years of age. In order to reconcile this apparent discrepancy, it is to be observed, 1. At the time of which Moses speaks in ch. 4:3, the Levitical service was exceedingly severe, and consequently required full grown, robust men, to perform it; the age of 30 was therefore appointed as the period for commencing this service, the weightier part of which was probably there intended. 2. In this place God seems to speak of the service in a general way: hence the age of 25 is fixed. 3. In David's time, and afterwards, in the fixed tabernacle and temple, the laboriousness of the service no longer existed, and hence 20 years was the age appointed.
company .... work <06633 05656> [wait upon. Heb. war the warfare of, etc.]
must retire ... performing ... work <06635 05656 07725> [cease waiting upon the service thereof. Heb. return from the warfare of the service.]
The Levites, above fifty years of age, might superintend and assist their junior brethren in the ordinary offices, and give them and the people counsel and instruction; but they were exempted from carrying the tabernacle and from other laborious services. It is remarkable, that no law was made concerning the age at which the priests should begin to officiate, and though various blemishes disqualified them for the service of the sanctuary, yet they continued their ministrations till death, if capable. On the other hand, nothing is said concerning any bodily defects or blemishes disqualifying the Levites; but the time of their service is expressly settled. Their work was far more laborious than that of the priests; it is therefore likely that the priests would not begin very early to officiate; and the wisdom and experience of age would increase, rather than diminish, their fitness for the sacred duties of their office.
attend <08104> [to keep.]
work <05647> [and shall.]
Numbers 18:1-8
Aaron ..... sons .................. sons <0175 01121> [Aaron, Thou.]
bear ............... bear <05375> [shall bear.]
To counterbalance the high honour conferred on Aaron and his family, and to allay the fears and abate the envy of the people, it is here declared, that the priest must bear the blame of everything which was not properly conducted in the sanctuary.
join ..... minister <03867 08334> [joined unto thee.]
There is a fine paronomasia in the original. Levi is desired from {lawah,} to join, couple, associate; hence Moses says, the Levites {yillawoo,} "shall be joined," or associated, with the priests: they shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants.
minister ............ before <08334 06440> [minister.]
sons <01121> [but thou.]
near <07126> [only they.]
die <04191> [neither.]
unauthorized <02114> [a stranger.]
You ... be responsible <08104> [And ye.]
wrath <07110> [no wrath.]
chosen <03947> [And I.]
chosen <03947> [I have.]
given <05414> [given.]
sons <01121> [Therefore thou.]
<01004> [within.]
service <05656> [as a service.]
unauthorized <02114> [the stranger.]
responsibility <04931> [the charge.]
priestly portion <04888> [by reason.]
Isaiah 66:21
Jeremiah 33:17-22
David ... never lack <01732 03808 03772> [David shall never want. Heb. There shall not be cut off from]
David.
covenant <01285> [may.]
descendant <01121> [that he.]
From the destruction of Jerusalem to the present time, a period of nearly eighteen hundred years, the Jews have had neither a king nor any form of government whatever; nor has the office of high priest, or priest of any kind offering sacrifice, been exercised among them during the same period. Hence this must be understood of the spiritual David, Jesus Christ, both the king and High Priest of his church, "the Israel of God," (Ga 6:16,) in whom the covenant of royalty with David and his seed, and that of priesthood with Aaron and his seed, have received their full accomplishment; and all the sacrifices of that dispensation were superseded by his "one oblation of himself," the efficacy of which remains for ever.
Levites <03881> [and with.]
stars in the sky <06635> [the host.]
numerous <07235> [so.]
Levites <03881> [the Levites.]
