Matthew Henry on Numbers 8:5-26

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Here we have directions for the solemn ordination of the Levites. 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 others.

All who are employed for God, must be dedicated to him, according to the employment. Christians must be baptized, ministers must be ordained; we must first give ourselves unto the Lord, and then our services.

The Levites must be cleansed. They must be clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Moses must sprinkle the water of purifying upon them. This signifies the application of the blood of Christ to our souls by faith, that we may be fit to serve the living God.

God declares his acceptance of them. All who expect to share in the privileges of the tabernacle, must resolve to do the service of the tabernacle. As, on the one hand, none of God's creatures are his necessary servants, he needs not the service of any of them; so none are merely honorary servants, to do nothing.

All whom God owns, he employs; angels themselves have their services.

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The Consecration of the Levites. (b. c. 1490.)Numbers 8:5-26 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE CONSECRATION OF THE LEVITES. (B. C. 1490.) 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 (Numbers 3:6), that they…The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:5-26Numbers 8:5-26 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THE HALLOWING OF THE LEVITES (Numbers 8:5-23).The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:5Numbers 8:5 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Lord spake unto Moses. At some time subsequent to the command given in Numbers 3:6-13, and no doubt before the passover.The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:5-23Numbers 8:5-23 · The Pulpit CommentaryTHE DEDICATION OF THE LEVITES In this section we have the due preparation of those who are specially devoted to the service of God. Consider, therefore— I. THAT BEFORE THEY COULD SERVE THEY MUST BE CLEANSED. Even so all…

commentaryThe Consecration of the Levites. (b. c. 1490.)THE CONSECRATION OF THE LEVITES. (B. C. 1490.) 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 (Numbers 3:6), that they…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:5-23THE DEDICATION OF THE LEVITES In this section we have the due preparation of those who are specially devoted to the service of God. Consider, therefore— I. THAT BEFORE THEY COULD SERVE THEY MUST BE CLEANSED. Even so all…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:5-26EXPOSITION THE HALLOWING OF THE LEVITES (Numbers 8:5-23).Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:5The Lord spake unto Moses. At some time subsequent to the command given in Numbers 3:6-13, and no doubt before the passover.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:6And cleanse them. Before they actually entered upon their new duties they were to be solemnly hallowed. This hallowing, however, is not called קַדֵּשׁ, as is that of the priests (Exodus 29:1), but טַהֵר, cleansing. Ther…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:7Sprinkle water of purifying upon them. Rather, "water of sin," so called because it had to do with the removal of sin, just as "water of separation" (Numbers 19:9, Numbers 19:13) was that which delivered from the legal…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:8Another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering. The ordinary sin offering was a shaggy one of the goats (see on Numbers 7:16); but a bullock had been prescribed for the sin of the high priest, and for the sin…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 8:10Before the Lord. As in Numbers 5:16, either near the brazen altar, or more probably before the entrance of the tabernacle. And the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites. Presumably by means of their…Joseph S. Exell and contributors