The separation and service of the tribe of Levi; who are numbered; as well as the substitution of the first-born; in whose stead they are appointed to minister at the tabernacle.
The first stage towards entry into the land had to be the mobilization of the army of Israel, both of its fighting men, and of its servants of the dwelling place of the Lord. That is what is in mind in the first four chapters.
Muster of the Tribe of Levi. The descendants of Levi were excepted from the muster of the twelve tribes because God had chosen them for the service of the sanctuary. Out of this tribe God had not only called Moses to be the deliverer, lawgiver, and leader of His people, but Moses' brother Aaron, with the sons of the latter, to be the custodians of the sanctuary. And now, lastly, the whole tribe was chosen, in the place of the first-born of all the tribes. God chose the whole tribe to assist the priests, Aaron’s family within the tribe of Levi, in the service of the sanctuary (Numbers 3:5-9). The Levites’ duties were to guard the holy things from affront of foolish people and to care for the holy things.
The supremacy of the tribe of Levi shows the sovereignty of God. Divine grace is fully revealed in the selection of this tribe. This tribe could not be chosen on account of a meritorious character. We read in Jacob’s prophecy words concerning Simeon and Levi which reveal their sin. Gen 49:5 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
Gen 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
Gen 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. Yet out of this tribe the Lord took Moses for the leader of His people, Aaron and his sons for priests, and the whole tribe instead of all the first-born for the special ministry. This is a most blessed illustration of sovereign grace. They were brought into this wonderful place of blessing and privilege by grace.
The difference between the ministry of the priests and the Levites must be noted. The book of Leviticus acquainted us with the work of Aaron and his sons, but it had nothing to say about the ministry entrusted to the Levites. The priests had given to them the ministry of the sanctuary, where they acted as worshippers and intercessors. The work of the Levites as given in this chapter, and that which follows, was of a more outward nature. They had to guard the tabernacle, to attend to its erection and taking down, to bear the different parts, all of which was ordered in all its details by God.
Levi means “joined to, attached.” The grace of God had joined them to the Lord and His ministry. Christian believers are joined to the Lord and are both priests and Levites, possessing priesthood and ministry. We bring spiritual sacrifices, the fruit of our lips, the sacrifice of praise unto God. The whole life of a Christian is to have the Levite character of ministry. All Christian believers are priests and all have a ministry. 1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
The generations of Aaron and Moses are mentioned first in this chapter. While elsewhere we read of Moses and Aaron, Aaron’s name here stands first. His name is put first because he typifies Christ as Priest, upon whose intercession all depends. The Levites were then brought to Aaron to minister unto him and keep his charge. The Lord claims them for His own instead of all the first-born. The first-born were sanctified unto the Lord because of deliverance. They knew therefore that they were sanctified unto God and owned by Him. And this is our blessed knowledge in Christ. We are delivered, sanctified, belong to Him and to keep His charge, rendering the service into which He has called us. May our hearts be led into the enjoyment of all this.
The account of the arrangements for the service of the Levites is fully and carefully given in this and the following chapter. In the rites are certain matters of principle which are of permanent value. First there is the fact of the separation of this tribe by divine arrangement to the sacred service of the sanctuary. It must ever be borne in mind that the Levites occupied that position in a representative capacity. The original provision was that the first-born in every family should be set apart to the work of priesthood. In all probability for the sake of cohesion and order this tribe was now appointed to represent the first-born. This they did, man for man, their number at this period being twenty-two thousand. When the census of the first-born was taken, it was found that there were 273 more first-born than Levites. These unrepresented first-born were commanded to pay a redemption price devoted to the service of the sanctuary. All these arrangements solemnly emphasized for the people the supreme importance of worship and at the same time revealed to them the orderliness of the Lord. It is of interest to remember that while Our Lord after the flesh was not of the tribe of Levi, He was the Firstborn and so, according to the original provision, a Priest.
Theologically the section as a whole explores the theme of God’s holiness. Viewed in one way the priestly hierarchy is a means of protecting Israel from divine holiness. The introduction of another sacred order between priests and people emphasizes the difference between the fallibility of man and the perfection of God. Viewed in another way the hierarchy constitutes the recognized channel through which God brings stability and well-being to his people.
Num 3:1 These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
The generations of Aaron and Moses - Though Aaron and Moses are both mentioned here, yet the family of Aaron alone appears in the list: Moses passes by his own family. Those of Aaron, who is named first, because he was the eldest, were priests, and those of Moses were incorporated with the Levites, the Amramites.
These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses —The name of Aaron is placed first, not only because he was the elder brother, but also because the ministry of Moses was restricted to his own person, and his sons are merely classed amongst the rest of the Levitical families in 1 Chronicles 1Ch 23:14 Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi. whereas the office of Aaron was perpetuated in the persons of his descendants. Hence we find no mention made in this place of the sons of Moses, but only of those of Aaron.
Aaron and Moses - The dignity of the priesthood being conferred exclusively on the posterity of Aaron; and hence, Aaron, contrary to the usual style of the sacred history, is mentioned before Moses.
Aaron and Moses – Note in this instance, Aaron is mentioned before Moses. Aaron, as a type of Jesus in the order of the priesthood, supersedes the authority of the law, in the person of Moses. Hebrews Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Heb 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Heb 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Heb 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Generations – Toledah, a Hebrew noun meaning a generation. This key Hebrew word carries with it the notion of everything entailed in a person's life and that of his or her progeny. In the plural, it is used to denote the chronological procession of history as humans shape it. It refers to the successive generations in one family; or a broader division by lineage. In Gen_2:4, the word accounts for the history of the created world.
In the day that the Lord spake with Moses in mount Sinai - This is added, because at the date of the following record the family of Aaron was unbroken. Nadab and Abihu were then alive, though dead at the time of taking this account.
Num 3:2 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron - Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar; as in Exo 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. All the sons of Aaron, four in number, were consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. The two oldest enjoyed but a brief term of office Lev 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. Lev 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Eleazar and Ithamar, the other two, were dutiful, and performed the sacred service during the lifetime of their father, as his assistants, and under his superintendence.
Nadab and Abihu - neither of them any children when they were put to death. 1Ch 24:2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest's office. Eleazar and Ithamar became the heads of the Aaronic order after their father Aaron.
Num 3:3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.
the priests that were anointed, whom he consecrated - whom Moses consecrated, with the holy anointing oil, with which they were anointed Exo 30:30 And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Whom he consecrated — The rites of consecration are described at length in Exodus 29:1-37, where the command given to Moses is related. and in Leviticus 8:1-13, where the account is given of the actual consecration, on which occasion the appointed sacrificial offerings were placed by Moses in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons. The act of consecration was performed by Moses in the case of Aaron’s sons, as well as in that of Aaron himself.
the priests that were anointed - The oil in both the Old Testament and the New typifies the grace of the Holy Spirit, “the unction from the Holy One.” 1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Num 3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.
In the sight of Aaron — Under his inspection and direction, and as his servants or ministers in the priest’s office, and acted under him in the priestly office.
Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord - They treated the things of God lightly, offering non-holy incense (‘strange fire’, that is, not in accord with God’s commandments) before Him. They died by flaming fire, Lev 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. and so were not alive at this time when the account of the priests and Levites was taken:
Nadab and Abihu - The tragic end of these sacrilegious priests is detailed in full in Leviticus 10:1-7, where see an extended annotation. They had but just been inducted into office. As men of note, they had been taken up the mount and had seen God. Exodus 24:9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: A glorious manifestation of the power and mercy of God had just been given: Lev 9:23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.
Lev 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. The effect upon the people was to awaken the commingling emotions of joy and awe: Amid this scene Nadab and Abihu committed a rash act of sacrilege, Lev 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Lev 10:2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
Lev 10:3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. One vengeful flash from the Shekinah “struck them dead, with their censers in their hands, with not a moment’s warning. What a fearful exhibition of the truth that God’s jealousy burns fiercest about his altar!”
and they had no children - which is observed, partly to show the punishment of them, and the reproach upon their names, that they died childless, and had none to succeed them in the priesthood; and partly to show that all the priests in succeeding ages sprung from Eleazar and Ithamar:
And they had no children — To die childless was regarded not only as a reproach, but also as a judgment. This was especially the case in regard to Nadab and Abihu, inasmuch as the sons of one, or of both, would have succeeded to the high priesthood.
Strange fire - Up to this event, there is no record of any regulation respecting the character of the fire to be used for burning incense. But immediately after this sad catastrophe, in Leviticus 16:12, the command is given to take the coals of fire from the altar of burnt offerings on which it was perpetually burning. Leviticus 6:9; Leviticus 6:13. We infer that such a command had been given before to these newly-robed priests. The fire on the altar had been enkindled by God, and it was the duty of the priests to see that it never should go out. It is probable that this fire, and this only, had been prescribed for this service, and that these sons of Aaron willfully transgressed this requirement.
Num 3:5 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 3:6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
Present them — Offer them to the Lord for his special service, that Aaron may receive them as a gift unto him, as servants to wait upon the Lord in the service of the tabernacle, in guarding the tabernacle taking care of the vessels of it, taking it down, carrying it, from place to place, and setting it up as there was occasion for it.
Bring the tribe of Levi near - Separate them from the rest, set them apart for special service about, the sanctuary, let them have a place nearer to it than the other tribes, or offer them, that is, to the Lord, as in Num 8:11 And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD. It signifies the presenting of a sacrifice or offering to the Lord. As an offering, the tribe of Levi was given up entirely to the service of the sanctuary, to be no longer their own, but the Lord’s property.
The word hakraiv, here rendered bring near, is properly a sacrificial word, and signifies the presenting of a sacrifice or offering to the Lord. As an offering, the tribe of Levi was entirely given up to the service of the sanctuary, to be no longer their own, but the Lord's.
Num 3:7 And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.
keep his charge - That is, Aaron’s, or those things which were committed principally to Aaron’s care and oversight. To assist him that the obligations incumbent on him and on the congregation may be fulfilled.
Of the congregation — That is, of all the sacrifices and services which were due to the Lord from all the people. Because the people might not perform them, in their own persons, therefore they were to be performed by some particular persons in their stead; formerly by the firstborn, and now by the Levites.
Before the tabernacle — Not within the tabernacle, for the care of the things within the holy place was appropriated to the priests, as the care of the most holy place was to the high-priest.
And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation - The charge of Aaron and of all the people of Israel, which was to secure the sanctuary from being polluted or plundered: this the Levites were to be employed about, and thereby ease the high priest and the other priests, and the people, of what otherwise would have been incumbent on them:
This passage contains two important points: first, That the Levites should be set apart for the ministry of the sanctuary and altar; and, secondly, That they should obey the chief priests of the family of Aaron, and do nothing except by their authority and command.
Num 3:8 And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
Of the children of Israel — Those things which all the children of Israel are in their several places and stations obliged to take care of, though not in their persons, yet by others in their stead. The service of the tabernacle would be better done by a separate tribe professionally trained, than by the firstborn of a whole nation.
All the instruments - The tabernacle itself and all its contents. The Levites were to perform the most common and laborious offices. It was their business to take down, put up, and carry the tabernacle and its utensils; for it was the object of their peculiar care. In a word, they were the servants of the priests.
Num 3:9 And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons - To be their ministers and servants: All of them entirely, none excepted; the whole tribe which were not in the priestly office; those were separated from the rest of the tribes of Israel, and appointed for the service of the priests: The priests hold the place of God, and the Levites are the servants of God in the obedience they render to the priests.
They are wholly given unto him — Wholly given in this verse is in Hebrew the word given used twice (nathan nathan) This repetition of the word nathan (given) is emphatic and expressive of complete surrender. The same repetition occurs in Numbers 8:16, where the Levites are represented as “wholly given” to the Lord instead of the firstborn. In Numbers 3:12, they are represented as belonging to the Lord and here given by Him to Aaron and his sons.
Num 3:10 And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
The stranger — That is, everyone who is of another family than Aaron’s; yea, though he be a Levite.
the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death - that comes nigh to perform any part of the priest's office peculiar to him as to offer sacrifice, burn incense, &c. whether he be a common Israelite, or even a Levite, as Korah was; any that was not a priest was reckoned a stranger, and so to be put to death for intruding into the office, as the above mentioned person was.
Aaron and his sons shall wait on their priest’s office - It was the business of the priests to offer the different sacrifices to God; to consecrate the shew-bread, pour out the libations, burn the incense, sprinkle the blood of the victims, and bless the people. In a word, they were the servants of God alone.
It is, however, made clear that the Levites were not to act as priests. The priesthood was to be retained within the close family of Aaron. They were to ‘keep their priesthood’. Only they could approach the altar, manipulate the blood of offerings and sacrifices, and enter the inner Sanctuary. They were the authoritative teachers of the covenant regulations, the discerners of what was clean and unclean (Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 24:8). Any non-Aaronide who acted as a priest and drew near to the altar or the inner sanctuary for priestly service was to be put to death. How this sentence would be carried out, and by whom, is not described.
they shall wait on their priest's office - to do what was peculiar to it, both in the holy and in the most holy place, at the altar, and within, the vail, where the Levites had nothing to do; and this is observed that the priests might take notice, that by the gift of the Levites to them, they were not excused from doing any part of service which was proper to them as priests; for they were given them that they might more readily attend their office, and be wholly employed in it; just as, under the Gospel dispensation, disciples were appointed to take care of the secular affairs of the church, that the apostles might give up themselves to the word of God and prayer Act 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Act 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Num 3:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
And the Lord spake unto Moses - Continued to speak unto him, and give him the reason of his appointing the Levites to minister to the priests and serve the tabernacle:
Num 3:12 And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;
I have taken the Levites — The consecration of this tribe did not originate in the legislative wisdom of Moses, but in the special appointment of God, who chose them as substitutes for the first-born.
The firstborn — Who were God’s property: Exo 13:12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S. The Levites were taken, instead of the firstborn sons of Israel, to perform the service of the Tabernacle. There were nearly as many Levites as first-born, and the difference was made good by the payment of redemption money on the part of the overplus, Num_3:45-48. So each of us has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb to belong to God and to minister to Him!
The firstborn — The first-born were dedicated to God in commemoration of his slaying the first-born of the Egyptians, and preserving those of the Israelites. Even the cattle of the Levites were taken in place of the first-born of the cattle of the rest of the tribes. Num 3:45 Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
The firstborn — When God miraculously destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians Exo 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. he spared those of the Israelites; and, in commemoration of that event, he was pleased to appoint that all the first-born males should be set apart unto himself Exo 13:14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:
Exo 13:15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem. God is here pleased to relinquish this claim, and to appoint the whole tribe of Levi to attend his immediate service in their stead.
Openeth the matrix - womb. This expression is generally employed in cases in which a common term is required to designate the firstborn of both man and beast, (Exodus 13:2; Exodus 13:12-15; Exodus 34:19-20; Numbers 8:16-17; Numbers 18:15; Ezekiel 20:26;)
As servants to the priests and the tabernacle, the Levites are a foreshadow of the church where the bible tells us
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Christians today, the saints, belong to the Lord as the Levites belonged to God. And as the Levites did, so Christians are to serve the Lord. 1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Num 3:13 Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.
I am the Lord — He decreed it to be so; and being possessed of sovereign authority, He expected full obedience.
I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast - that is, sanctified or set them apart as his own special property Exo 13:2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine. for as when he destroyed the firstborn of the Egyptians, he saved the firstborn of Israel, he had a special claim upon them as his; The whole nation of Israel is described as the Lord’s firstborn son in Exodus 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: and the firstborn sons appear to have been regarded in the light of representatives of the entire nation.
Num 3:14 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
Num 3:15 Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
Number the children of Levi — They were numbered as well as the other tribes; but the enumeration was made on a different principle - for while in the other tribes the number of males was calculated from twenty years and upward [Num_1:3], in that of Levi they were counted “from a month old and upward.” The reason for the distinction is obvious. In the other tribes the survey was made for purposes of war [Num_1:3], from which the Levites were totally exempt. But the Levites were appointed to a work on which they entered as soon as they were capable of instruction. They are mentioned under the names of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, sons of Levi, and chiefs or ancestral heads of three subdivisions into which this tribe was distributed. Their duties were to assist in the conveyance of the tabernacle when the people were removing the various encampments, and to form its guard while stationary - the Gershonites being stationed on the west, the Kohathites on the south, and the families of Merari on the north. The Kohathites had the principal place about the tabernacle, and charge of the most precious and sacred things - a distinction with which they were honored, probably, because the Aaronic family belonged to this division of the Levitical tribe. The Gershonites, being the oldest, had the next honorable post assigned them, while the burden of the drudgery was thrown on the division of Merari.
from a month old and upward - The muster of the Levites included all the males from a month old and upwards; and it was at the age of a month that the firstborn were either to be given up or redeemed Num 18:15 Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they bring unto the LORD, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine: nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem. Num 18:16 And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.
Num 3:16 And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded.
Moses numbered them - Moses and Aaron conjointly numbered the twelve tribes, though Moses is only here mentioned, yet it seems from Num_3:39; that Aaron was also involved. Num 3:39 All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
Num 3:17 And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
And these were the sons of Levi - The immediate offspring and descendants of that patriarch:
Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari - these went down with him into Egypt, Gen_46:11. From these the Levites were descended. Of course they were not necessarily naturally so. They could have been born to others in the household of Levi thus becoming a part of the tribe of Levi. But they would be seen as ‘adopted’ sons of Levi.
Num 3:18 And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
It would appear from this that Gershon was the first-born. It is therefore significant that it was the sons of Kohath who obtained the highest position, that of bearing the Ark and the Sanctuary furniture. This would seem to confirm that the reason for their selection, and therefore also for the selection of the Levites as a whole, was more to do with their relationship with Moses and Aaron.
Libni and Shimei - and who are elsewhere mentioned as his sons, Exo_6:17; and from hence were the families of the Libnites and Shimites.
Num 3:19 And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
And the sons of Kohath - Who was the second son of Levi:
Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel - from whom were named the family of the Amramites, to which Moses and Aaron belonged; and the families of the Izeharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites.
Num 3:20 And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
the sons, of Merari, by their families - The third son of Levi:
Mahli and Mushi - from whom were descended the families of the Mahlites and Mushites.
the families of the Levites - in all eight families.
Num 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
According to one scholar, the writing style here of elaborate, stylized repetition is a style used in 1500 B.C. It is often seen throughout the Pentateuch.
The Gershonites were divided into two families, containing 7500 males. They were to encamp under their chief Eliasaph, behind the tabernacle, on the western side, over against Ephraim. They had charge of the tabernacle, the tent, the coverings and the hangings of the door of the tabernacle.
The name Gershon means exile, a stranger, a refugee.
Num 3:22 Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.
Num 3:23 The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward - this was their situation when encamped; they were placed in the rear of the camp of the Levites, between the tabernacle and the camp of Ephraim, which was westward also, Num_1:18. The camp of the priests and Levites is appointed to be of a square form, like that of the other Israelites.
Behind the tabernacle westward - As the position of the twelve tribes in respect of the tent of meeting had been already determined, so in this and the following verses the position of the priests and Levites is fixed. On the east side of the tent Moses and Aaron and Aaron’s sons were to encamp, on the south the Kohathites, on the west the Gershonites, on the north the Merarites.
Num 3:24 And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
Eliasaph the son of Lael - but who he was, or of which family of the Gershonites, whether of the Libnites or Shimites, is not said here or elsewhere.
Num 3:25 And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
The tabernacle — Not the boards, which belonged to Merari, (Num_3:36,) but the ten curtains.
The tent — The curtains of goats’ hair.
The coverings — That is, the coverings of rams’ skins and badgers’ skins.
The cords — By which the tabernacle was fastened to the pins, and stretched out, Exo_35:18.
the hanging for the door of the tabernacle - the veil; not what divided the holy and most holy places, for that fell to the charge of the Kohathites, Num_3:31; but the veil or hanging which was at the door of the tent, or which led into the holy place, Exo_26:36.
The hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation — for the entrance or opening of the tent of meeting. This hanging was of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine-twined linen, and was hung at the entrance — the eastern or open end of the tent (Exodus 26:36). The word rendered door means an opening. At a later period, when the Tabernacle was at Shiloh, it had doors (1 Samuel 3:15). Both words occur in 1 Kings 6:31 :
The responsibility of the Gershonites was to be for the Dwelling-place itself, including the Tent Sanctuary, and all hangings and coverings and cords. This was the second most prestigious task of the Levites, the first being the responsibility for the sacred furniture including the Ark.
From this and the next chapter, we see the severe labor which the Levites were to perform, while the journeyings of the Israelites lasted. Some estimate that the metal portions of the tabernacle weighed 14 tons or so. Add to that the weight of the skins, hangings, boards and posts. It was no easy matter to transport this moveable temple from place to place.
Num 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
the cords of it for all the service thereof - By which the tabernacle was fastened to the pins, and stretched out Exo 35:18. Cords of the tabernacle, not of the court, for those of the court were, with other fittings in the court, belonged to the charge of the Merarites Num_3:36-37. The tabernacle was under the care of the Gershonites.
And the hangings of the court - Which formed the great open court that encompassed the tabernacle, and was an hundred cubits long and fifty broad; Exo_27:9-13.
the curtain for the door of the court - which was an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, Exo_27:16.
which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about - this refers to the court, the hangings, and curtains of the door of it, which are spoken of; and this court surrounded the tabernacle, and the altar which was without the tabernacle, and which was the altar of burnt offering that stood within this court.
for all the service thereof - for that part of the tabernacle and court which the Gershonites had in their care and custody.
Num 3:27 And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
Of Kohath — This family had many privileges above the others: of that were Moses and Aaron, and all the priests: they had the chief place about the tabernacle, and the care of the most holy things there, and in the land of Canaan they had twenty-three cities, which were almost as many as both their brethren received. Yet the posterity of Moses were not at all dignified or distinguished from other Levites. So far was he from seeking any advantage or honor for his own family.
the family of the Amramites - So called from Amram, the first son of Kohath, and father of Aaron and Moses.
the family of Izeharites - of which family was Korah, Num_16:1,
The Kohathites, who were divided into four families, and numbered 8600, were to encamp on the south side of the tabernacle, and more especially to keep the charge of the sanctuary (Num_3:28), to take care of the ark of the covenant, the table (of shew-bread), the candlestick, the altars (of incense and burnt-offering), with the holy things required for the service performed in connection therewith, and the curtain (the veil before the most holy place), and to perform whatever had to be done (“all the service thereof,” see at Num_3:26), i.e., to carry the said holy things after they had been rolled up in covers by the priests (see Num_4:5.).
Num 3:28 In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
Keeping the charge of the sanctuary — That is, appointed for that work, as soon as they were capable of it, of the holy things contained in, or belonging to the sanctuary.
keeping the charge of the sanctuary - of the holy and most holy places, and the vessels and instruments belonging thereunto; not that the males of a month old were keeping them, but when they were grown up and were capable of it, they had the charge thereof, in which they were instructed and trained up from their youth.
Num 3:29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.
Southward - Or to the right, which was the more honorable place, excepting the east or front, which was reserved for Moses and Aaron, and his sons, and who were one of these families. The south has its name in Hebrew (Teman) from Yamin, the right hand, because when a man stands with his face towards the east the south is on his right hand. They were to encamp on the south side of the Tabernacle, the second most prestigious position, between the Dwelling-place and the tribes of Reuben, Simeon and Gad. The priests themselves had the most prestigious position.
Num 3:30 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
Elizaphan the son of Uzziel - The same man, who, with his brother Mishael, carried Nadab and Abihu out of the camp, and buried them, Lev 10:4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp. Elizaphan was of the youngest family of the Kohathites. Three other families outranked his in seniority. The ill-will awakened by this promotion of Elizaphan to the headship may have caused the rebellion of Korah, one of the older families.
Num 3:31 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
The hanging — The veil which divided the holy and the most holy place. All other hangings belonged to the Gershonites.
The service — That is, all the other furniture belonging to it.
And their charge shall be the ark - That is, when the tabernacle was taken down, and carried from place to place, this, and the following things, were committed to their care and custody, the ark with the mercy seat, and all appertaining thereunto, which were in the holy of holies:
and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars - the table of shewbread, and the candlestick of pure gold, with its lamps, and the altar of incense, all which stood in the holy place, and the altar of burnt offering, which was in the court, for both altars were their charge:
the vessels of the sanctuary - all the vessels which belonged to the above things; for the table, candlestick, and altars, all had vessels appertaining to them:
And their charge - for which they would be held responsible, shall be the ark, and the table, that of showbread, and the candlestick, and the altars, both the golden altar of the Holy Place and the altar of burnt offering in the court, and the vessels of the Sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, the screen of the Most Holy Place, and all the service thereof, everything that was connected with the actual carrying of these appointments from one station to the next.
And their charge - This was an awesome responsibility. They would, however, never see them ‘uncovered’. Always the priest would have covered them and packed them adequately first so that there was no danger of their touching them directly, for that would have meant their death.
Num 3:32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
Chief over the chief of the Levites — Eleazar, Aaron’s son, who would become High Priest on the death of Aaron. He was to be chief over the three chiefs of the three houses of the Levites, who were Eliasaph the son of Lael, the chief of the Gershonites; and Elizaphan the son of Uzziel, the chief of the Kohathites; and Zuriel the son of Abihail, the chief of the Merarites:
oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary - the Kohathites, who had the care of the things belonging to the holy and most holy places; and these were particularly under the inspection of Eleazar, because they were things the priests had special concern in.
Num 3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
the Mahlites, and the Mushites - from his two sons Mahli and Mushi, Num_3:20,
The Merarites, who formed two families, comprising 6200 males, were to encamp on the north side of the tabernacle, under their prince Zuriel, and to observe the boards, bolts, pillars, and sockets of the dwelling-place (Exo_26:15, Exo_26:26, Exo_26:32, Exo_26:37), together with all the vessels thereof (the plugs and tools), and all that had to be done in connection therewith, also the pillars of the court with their sockets, the plugs and the cords (Exo_27:10, Exo_27:19; Exo_35:18); that is to say, they were to take charge of these when the tabernacle was taken down, to carry them on the march, and to fix them when the tabernacle was set up again (Num_4:31-32).
Num 3:34 And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
Num 3:35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
Zuriel the son of Abihail - of whom we read nowhere else, nor is it certain of which family he was, whether of the Mahlites or Mushites.
pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward - to the left of it, between that and the camp of Dan.
Num 3:36 And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,
The charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle - Both of the holy and the most holy place, which were the walls of the tabernacle, and which were covered with curtains; these when taken down for journeying were committed to the care of the Merarites; and because these, with what, follow, were a heavy carriage, they were allowed wagons to carry them; and who on this account had more wagons given them than to the Gershonites, for the Kohathites had none, Num_7:6,
Num 3:37 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.
Theirs was the last work when camp was struck and the first when a new station was reached.
Num 3:38 But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
For the charge — for the charge of the children of Israel; either in their room and stead, which otherwise they must have kept; or rather for their safety and security, keeping out all persons from entering into the sanctuary, who had no business there, that they died not.
those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east - At which was the entrance into the tabernacle: it was the post of honor, and consequently reserved to Moses and the priestly family. But the sons of Moses had no station here.
even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward - that is, before the court of the tabernacle, where the people assembled together:
Moses, Aaron, and his sons - Moses the chief ruler, and Aaron the high priest, and his sons priests under him; these had the most honorable place of all, being at the front of the tabernacle, between that and the camp of Judah.
the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death - that is, whoever came nigh to enter into the holy place, and did, who was no priest, though an Israelite, and even a Levite, or into the most holy place, excepting the high priest, it was death unto him, either by the civil magistrate, or by the hand of heaven.
Num 3:39 All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
The number of the Levites is given as 22,000. If we add the number of the Gershonites, Kohathites and Merarites, 7,500, 8,600 and 6,200, we get 22,300. Here is a difficulty which seems to remain unsolved. The omission of the three hundred is variously accounted for - by some, because they might be first-born who were already devoted to God and could not be counted as substitutes; and by others, because in Scripture style, the sum is reckoned in round numbers. The most probable conjecture is a copyist error, that as Hebrew letters are employed for figures, one letter was, in the course of transcription, taken for another of like form but smaller value. The total number in verse 39 must be correct, for in verse 46 we read that the number of the first-born exceeded the total number of the Levites by 273. Num 3:46 And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord - Whence it appears, that Moses was not alone, but Aaron with him, in numbering the Levites, and that by the appointment of the Lord.
Num 3:40 And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
number all the firstborn of the children of Israel - The number of their male children, from a month old and upward, was to be reckoned, in order that a comparison might be instituted with that of the Levites, for the formal adoption of the latter as substitutes for the first-born. The Levites, amounting to twenty-two thousand, were given in exchange for an equal number of the first-born from the other tribes, leaving an excess of two hundred seventy-three; and as there were no substitutes for these, they were redeemed at the rate of five shekels for each (Num_18:15, Num_18:16).
Num 3:41 And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
I am the Lord - who has a right to all, and can claim who and what He pleases for Himself in a special manner, and therefore could and did take the Levites to himself: The Lord asserts His authority over all we possess as well as ourselves.
Cattle of the Levites — The Levites were now to be exchanged for the first-born males of the whole nation, man for man; and the cattle of that whole tribe, instead of the firstling male cattle of the whole nation; that so the Levites and their cattle, instead of the Israelites first-born men and cattle, might be given unto Aaron and the priests, to minister unto them, Numbers 3:45. This was for the first-born males of man and beast, which the Israelites now had. All the first-born that came after this, were to be redeemed, or given to the priests.
Num 3:42 And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
Num 3:43 And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.
twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen - Thus we find there were 273 first-born beyond the number of the Levites. These are ordered, Num_3:46, to be redeemed; and the redemption price is to be five shekels each, Num_3:47.
Num 3:44 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 3:45 Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.
Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn - The Lord had declared before that he had taken them, and now he bids Moses take them, who had numbered them, and give them to Aaron, instead of the firstborn, whose numbers were also taken for this purpose:
the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle - but not to be given to Aaron and his sons, or to the priests for their use, but to remain with the Levites for their use, who were now separated from the other tribes, and taken into the service of God; and as they were dedicated to God, so their cattle likewise for their support as his ministers:
the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle - There appears to have been no numbering of the cattle. It would have been difficult if not impossible to ascertain the number of firstborn among the cattle. It appears, however, that the whole of the cattle of the Levites was given in redemption of the firstborn of all the cattle of the other tribes.
I am the Lord - who had a right to do this, and expected to be obeyed in it.
Num 3:46 And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
The small number of first-born, over and above the number of the Levites, were to be redeemed, and the redemption-money given to Aaron. The church is called the church of the first-born, which is redeemed, not as they were, with silver and gold; but ransomed with the precious blood of the Son of God. 1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: All men are the Lord's by creation, and all true Christians are his by redemption through Christ. Each should know his own post and duty; nor can any service required by such a Master be rightly accounted mean or hard.
Num 3:47 Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
Thou shall even take five shekels apiece the poll - Or head; which was afterwards settled as the price of such a redemption, Num 18:16 And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.
Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll — It is not stated in what manner the 273 families of whom the redemption money was exacted were determined.
after the shekel of the sanctuary - being full weight according to the standard kept in there. Lev 27:25 And all thy estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel.
Twenty gerahs - Gerah is Hebrew, meaning berry, or grain. A noun denoting a small unit of weight used as money. The gerah was one-twentieth of a shekel as used in the sanctuary. It was 1/6000 of a talent and one tenth of a beka. Its modern equivalent is 0.5 - 0.6 gram or 0.02 ounce.
Num 3:48 And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
Num 3:49 And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:
Heb 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
One important lesson for us that comes from this chapter is its lesson on substitution and redemption. In the economy of God, like could be substituted for like. Thus was our Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of the world and all that is in it (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:14-17), a more than sufficient substitute for His creation.
Num 3:50 Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
Num 3:51 And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed - That were redeemed this way, and not by Levites, as in Num_3:49, but by money, paying five shekels a head:
unto Aaron and his sons - to whom the Levites were given.
as the Lord commanded Moses - Moses, being a faithful servant in all things in the house of God, did not convert it to his own use, or to any other use than to what God had appointed it.
