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Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834], at sacred-texts.com


Numbers Chapter 8

Numbers 8:1

num 8:1

The actual lighting of the lamps (compare the marginal references) was to be done to set forth symbolically the special presence which God had now Num 7:89 actually established among His people.

Numbers 8:5

num 8:5

The Levites could only undertake their duties Num. 3; 4 after the formal exchange of the Levites for the first-born Num 3:44-51.

The distinction between the "consecration" of the priests Lev. 8 and the less solemn "purification" Num 8:21 of the Levites is marked. These rites of purification are similar to those incumbent on the priests of Egypt.

Num 8:7

Water of purifying - literally, "sin water:" i. e. water to cleanse from sin; no doubt taken from the laver of the sanctuary, which was used by the priests for purification before they went into the tabernacle to minister (compare Num 5:17; Exo 30:18 ff).

The "sprinkling" of so large a body of men could have been only general, but tokens of individual purification are specified (compare also Lev 14:8).

Num 8:8

The two bullocks were "to make an atonement for the Levites," and therefore are presented in their name. These offerings are similar to those prescribed in Lev 8:14 ff at the consecration of the priests, except that the burnt-offering was on that occasion a ram. The larger victim corresponds to the larger number of the Levites.

Num 8:10

The children of Israel - i. e. through the heads of their tribes, who Num 7:2 no doubt acted for their tribesmen. This act, the distinguishing feature of the ceremony, represented the transfer to the Levites of the sacred duties originally incumbent on the whole people.

Num 8:11

Offer ... offering - Compare the margin Aaron pointed to the Levites, and then waved his hands, indicating (compare Lev 7:30 note) that the offering was dedicated to God, and, again, by grant from Him, withdrawn for the use of the priests.

Num 8:19

Make an atonement for the children of Israel - i. e. by performing those services which were due from the children of Israel; the omission of which by the children of Israel would, but for the interposition of the Levites, have called down "wrath" from God, or Num 1:53 "plague." The institution of the Levites was an extension of that mediatorial system which the people themselves, terrified at the direct manifestations to them of the divine presence, desired; see Deu 5:25. Further, it is suggested to us here as an act of mercy on the part of God; yet even the priests and Levites themselves were not always sufficiently heedful and reverent. Compare Num 17:10; Lev 10:1 ff; Sa2 6:6 following.

Num 8:21

Were purified - Rather, purified themselves; as directed in Num 8:7.

Numbers 8:24

num 8:24

Twenty and five years old and upward - The permanent limit as distinguished from the temporary Num 4:3, Num 4:23, Num 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 Ch1 23:24-28. This rule continued in force from the time of David downward (compare on Ch2 31:17; Ezr 3:8).


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