Teks -- Numbers 3:1-51 (NET)
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Wesley -> Num 3:1; Num 3:1; Num 3:1; Num 3:4; Num 3:6; Num 3:7; Num 3:7; Num 3:7; Num 3:8; Num 3:9; Num 3:10; Num 3:10; Num 3:12; Num 3:15; Num 3:15; Num 3:25; Num 3:25; Num 3:25; Num 3:26; Num 3:27; Num 3:28; Num 3:28; Num 3:31; Num 3:31; Num 3:32; Num 3:32; Num 3:38; Num 3:39; Num 3:39; Num 3:41; Num 3:41; Num 3:46; Num 3:47
Which follow in this chapter.
Wesley: Num 3:1 - The generations The kindred or family. Moses his family and children are here included under the general name of the Amramites, Num 3:27, which includes all the child...
The kindred or family. Moses his family and children are here included under the general name of the Amramites, Num 3:27, which includes all the children and grand - children of Amram, the persons only of Aaron and Moses being excepted. And the generations of Moses are thus obscurely mentioned, because they were but common Levites, the priesthood being given solely to Aaron's posterity, whence Aaron is here put before Moses, who elsewhere is commonly named after him.
Wesley: Num 3:1 - In Sinai Nadab and Abihu, were then alive, though dead at the time of taking this account.
Nadab and Abihu, were then alive, though dead at the time of taking this account.
Wesley: Num 3:4 - In the sight of Aaron Under his inspection and direction, and as their father's servants or ministers in the priest's office.
Under his inspection and direction, and as their father's servants or ministers in the priest's office.
Wesley: Num 3:6 - Present them Offer them to the Lord for his special service. This was promised to them before, and now actually conferred.
Offer them to the Lord for his special service. This was promised to them before, and now actually conferred.
Wesley: Num 3:7 - His charge That is, Aaron's, or those things which are committed principally to Aaron's care and oversight.
That is, Aaron's, or those things which are committed principally to Aaron's care and oversight.
Wesley: Num 3:7 - Of the congregation That is, of all the sacrifices and services which are due to the Lord from all the people, because the people might not perform them, in their own per...
That is, of all the sacrifices and services which are 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 first-born, Num 8:16, and now by the Levites.
Wesley: Num 3:7 - 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...
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.
Wesley: Num 3:8 - 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 ot...
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.
Wesley: Num 3:9 - Given to him To attend upon him and observe his orders, and ease him of his burden.
To attend upon him and observe his orders, and ease him of his burden.
Wesley: Num 3:10 - The stranger That is, every one who is of another family than Aaron's; yea, though he be a Levite.
That is, every one who is of another family than Aaron's; yea, though he be a Levite.
To execute any part of the priest's office.
Wesley: Num 3:12 - The first born - Who were God's property, Exo 13:12, and to whom the administration of holy things was formerly committed, which now was taken away from them, e...
born - Who were God's property, Exo 13:12, and to whom the administration of holy things was formerly committed, which now was taken away from them, either because they had forfeited this privilege by joining with the rest of their brethren in the idolatrous worship of the calf, or because they were to be mainly concerned in the distribution and management of the inheritances which now they were going to possess, and therefore could not be at leisure to attend upon the service of the sanctuary: and God would not commit it to some other persons in each tribe, which might be an occasion of idolatry, confusion, division, and contempt of sacred things, but to one distinct tribe, which might be entirely devoted to that service, and particularly to the tribe of Levi; partly out of his respect to Moses and Aaron, branches of this tribe; partly as a recompence of their zeal for God against idolaters, and partly because it was the smallest of the tribes, and therefore most likely to find both employment in, and maintenance for the work.
Wesley: Num 3:15 - From a month old Because at that time the first-born, in whose stead the Levites came, were offered to God. And from that time the Levites were consecrated to God, and...
Because at that time the first-born, in whose stead the Levites came, were offered to God. And from that time the Levites were consecrated to God, and were, as soon as capable, instructed in their work.
Wesley: Num 3:15 - Elsewhere they are numbered from twenty five years old, when they were entered as novices into part of their work, Num 8:24, and from thirty years old, when they were admitted to their whole...
five years old, when they were entered as novices into part of their work, Num 8:24, and from thirty years old, when they were admitted to their whole office.
Wesley: Num 3:25 - The tabernacle Not the boards, which belonged to Merari, Num 3:36, but the ten curtains.
Not the boards, which belonged to Merari, Num 3:36, but the ten curtains.
The curtains of goats hair.
That is, the coverings of rams - skins and badgers - skins.
Wesley: Num 3:26 - The cords By which the tabernacle was fastened to the pins, and stretched out, Exo 35:18.
By which the tabernacle was fastened to the pins, and stretched out, Exo 35:18.
Wesley: Num 3:27 - 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, an...
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 here, 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 honour for his own family.
That is, appointed for that work, as soon as they were capable of it.
Wesley: Num 3:28 - Of the sanctuary That is, of the holy things contained in or belonging to the sanctuary.
That is, of the holy things contained in or belonging to the sanctuary.
Wesley: Num 3:31 - The hanging Which covered the most holy place, for all other hangings belonged to the Gershonites.
Which covered the most holy place, for all other hangings belonged to the Gershonites.
That is, all the other furniture belonging to it.
Wesley: Num 3:32 - Chief Next under the high-priest; whence he is called the second priest, 2Ki 25:18, and in case of the high-priest's absence by sickness or other necessary ...
Next under the high-priest; whence he is called the second priest, 2Ki 25:18, and in case of the high-priest's absence by sickness or other necessary occasions, he was to perform his work, and he had a superiority over all the rest of the priests and Levites.
Wesley: Num 3:32 - The chief of the Levites That is, over those three persons, who were each the chief of their several families, Num 3:24, Num 3:31, Num 3:34.
Wesley: Num 3:38 - For the charge Either in their stead, that charge which they were obliged to keep, if God had not committed it to those: or for their benefit; for their preservation...
Either in their stead, that charge which they were obliged to keep, if God had not committed it to those: or for their benefit; for their preservation, as the word may be rendered.
Wesley: Num 3:39 - Two and twenty thousand If the particular numbers mentioned Num 3:22, Num 3:28, Num 3:34, be put together, they make 22,300. But the odd 300 are omitted here, either accordin...
If the particular numbers mentioned Num 3:22, Num 3:28, Num 3:34, be put together, they make 22,300. But the odd 300 are omitted here, either according to the use of the holy scripture, where in so great numbers small sums are commonly neglected, or, because they were the first-born of the Levites, and therefore belonged to God already, and so could not be given to him again instead of the other first-born.
Wesley: Num 3:39 - If this number of first born seem small to come from 22,000 Levites, it must be considered, that only such first-born are here named as were males, and such as continued in t...
born seem small to come from 22,000 Levites, it must be considered, that only such first-born are here named as were males, and such as continued in their parents families, not such as had erected new families of their own. Add to this, that God so ordered things by his wise providence for divers weighty reasons, that this tribe should be much the least of all the tribes, as is evident by comparing the numbers of the other tribes, from twenty years old, Num. 1:3-49, with the number of this from a month old; and therefore it is not strange if the number of their first-born be less than in other tribes.
Wesley: Num 3:41 - Instead of the first born - Such as are now alive of them, but those which should be born of them hereafter are otherwise disposed.
born - Such as are now alive of them, but those which should be born of them hereafter are otherwise disposed.
Wesley: Num 3:41 - Of the Levites Not that they were to be taken from the Levites, or to be sacrificed to God, any more than the Levites themselves were; but they together with the Lev...
Not that they were to be taken from the Levites, or to be sacrificed to God, any more than the Levites themselves were; but they together with the Levites were to be presented before the Lord by way of acknowledgment, that the Levites might be set apart for God's service, and their cattle for themselves as God's ministers, and for their support in God's work.
Wesley: Num 3:46 - For those that are to be redeemed 'Tis probable, in the exchange they began with the eldest of the first-born, and so downwards, so that those were to be redeemed, who were the two hun...
'Tis probable, in the exchange they began with the eldest of the first-born, and so downwards, so that those were to be redeemed, who were the two hundred, seventy three youngest of them.
Wesley: Num 3:47 - Five shekels Which was the price paid for the redemption of a first-born a month old.
Which was the price paid for the redemption of a first-born a month old.
JFB -> Num 3:1; Num 3:1; Num 3:2-4; Num 3:5-10; Num 3:9; Num 3:11-13; Num 3:11-13; Num 3:32; Num 3:38; Num 3:39; Num 3:41
JFB: Num 3:1 - These . . . are the generations of Aaron and Moses, &c. This chapter contains an account of their families; and although that of Moses is not detailed like his brother's, his children are included under the...
This chapter contains an account of their families; and although that of Moses is not detailed like his brother's, his children are included under the general designation of the Amramites (Num 3:27), a term which comprehends all the descendants of their common father Amram. The reason why the family of Moses was so undistinguished in this record is that they were in the private ranks of the Levites, the dignity of the priesthood being conferred exclusively on the posterity of Aaron; and hence, as the sacerdotal order is the subject of this chapter, Aaron, contrary to the usual style of the sacred history, is mentioned before Moses.
JFB: Num 3:1 - 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.
This is added, because at the date of the following record the family of Aaron was unbroken.
JFB: Num 3:2-4 - And these are the names of the sons of Aaron 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:...
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 10:1-2; Num 3:4; Num 26:61); but 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.
JFB: Num 3:5-10 - Bring the tribe of Levi near The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection...
The Hebrew word "bring near" is a sacrificial term, denoting the presentation of an offering to God; and the use of the word, therefore, in connection with the Levites, signifies that they were devoted as an offering to the sanctuary, no longer to be employed in any common offices. They were subordinate to the priests, who alone enjoyed the privilege of entering the holy place; but they were employed in discharging many of the humbler duties which belonged to the sanctuary, as well as in various offices of great utility and importance to the religion and morals of the people.
JFB: Num 3:9 - they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel, &c. The priests hold the place of God, and the Levites are the servants of God in the obedience they render to 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.
JFB: Num 3:11-13 - I have taken the Levites, &c. 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 substitu...
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. By an appointment made in memory of the last solemn judgment on Egypt (from which the Israelitish households were miraculously exempt) all the first-born were consecrated to God (Exo 13:12; Exo 22:29), who thus, under peculiar circumstances, seemed to adopt the patriarchal usage of appointing the oldest to act as the priest of the family. But the privilege of redemption that was allowed the first-born opened the way for a change; and accordingly, on the full organization of the Mosaic economy, the administration of sacred things formerly committed to the first-born was transferred from them to the Levites, who received that honor partly as a tribute to Moses and Aaron, partly because this tribe had distinguished themselves by their zeal in the affair of the golden calf (Exo 32:29), and also because, being the smallest of the tribes, they could ill find suitable employment and support in the work. (See on Deu 33:8). The designation of a special class for the sacred offices of religion was a wise arrangement; for, on their settlement in Canaan, the people would be so occupied that they might not be at leisure to wait on the service of the sanctuary, and sacred things might, from various causes, fall into neglect. But the appointment of an entire tribe to the divine service ensured the regular performance of the rites of religion. The subsequent portion of the chapter relates to the formal substitution of this tribe.
JFB: Num 3:11-13 - I am the Lord That is, I decree it to be so; and being possessed of sovereign authority, I expect full obedience.||
03707||1||18||0||@Number the children of Levi==-...
That is, I decree it to be so; and being possessed of sovereign authority, I expect full obedience.|| 03707||1||18||0||@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.
JFB: Num 3:32 - chief Rather, "chiefs" of the Levites. Three persons are mentioned as chiefs of these respective divisions [Num 3:24, Num 3:30, Num 3:35]. And Eleazar presi...
Rather, "chiefs" of the Levites. Three persons are mentioned as chiefs of these respective divisions [Num 3:24, Num 3:30, Num 3:35]. And Eleazar presided over them; whence he is called "the second priest" (2Ki 25:18); and in the case of the high priest's absence from illness or other necessary occasions, he performed the duties (1Ki 4:4).
JFB: Num 3:38 - those that encamp, &c. That being the entrance side, it was the post of honor, and consequently reserved to Moses and the priestly family. But the sons of Moses had no stati...
That being the entrance side, it was the post of honor, and consequently reserved to Moses and the priestly family. But the sons of Moses had no station here.
JFB: Num 3:39 - twenty and two thousand The result of this census, though made on conditions most advantageous to Levi, proved it to be by far the smallest in Israel. The separate numbers st...
The result of this census, though made on conditions most advantageous to Levi, proved it to be by far the smallest in Israel. The separate numbers stated in Num 3:22, Num 3:28, Num 3:34, when added together, amount to twenty-two thousand three hundred. 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, 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.|| 03733||1||12||0||@Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, &c.==--The principle on which the enumeration of the Levites had been made was now to be applied to the other tribes. 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 18:15-16). Every Israelite would naturally wish that his son might be redeemed by a Levite without the payment of this tax, and yet some would have to incur the expense, for there were not Levites enough to make an equal exchange. Jewish writers say the matter was determined by lot, in this manner: Moses put into an urn twenty-two thousand pieces of parchment, on each of which he wrote "a son of Levi," and two hundred seventy-three more, containing the words, "five shekels." These being shaken, he ordered each of the first-born to put in his hand and take out a slip. If it contained the first inscription, the boy was redeemed by a Levite; if the latter, the parent had to pay. The ransom-money, which, reckoning the shekel at half a crown, would amount to 12s. 6d. each, was appropriated to the use of the sanctuary. The excess of the general over the Levitical first-born is so small, that the only way of accounting for it is, by supposing those first-born only were counted as were males remaining in their parents' household, or that those first-born only were numbered which had been born since the departure from Egypt, when God claimed all the first-born as his special property.
JFB: Num 3:41 - the cattle of the Levites These, which they kept to graze on the glebes and meadows in the suburbs of their cities, to supply their families with dairy produce and animal food,...
These, which they kept to graze on the glebes and meadows in the suburbs of their cities, to supply their families with dairy produce and animal food, were also taken as an equivalent for all the firstlings of the cattle which the Israelites at that time possessed. In consequence of this exchange the firstlings were not brought then, as afterwards, to the altar and the priests.
Clarke: Num 3:1 - The generations of Aaron and Moses The generations of Aaron and Moses - Though Aaron and Moses are both mentioned here, yet the family of Aaron alone appears in the list: hence some h...
The generations of Aaron and Moses - Though Aaron and Moses are both mentioned here, yet the family of Aaron alone appears in the list: hence some have thought that the word Moses was not originally in the text. Others think that the words
Nadab and Abihu died - See the notes on Leviticus 10 (note).
Clarke: Num 3:6 - Bring the tribe of Levi near Bring the tribe of Levi near - The original word הקרב hakreb is properly a sacrificial word, and signifies the presenting of a sacrifice or o...
Bring the tribe of Levi near - The original word
Clarke: Num 3:7 - The charge of the whole congregation The charge of the whole congregation - They shall work for the whole congregation; and instead of the first-born.
The charge of the whole congregation - They shall work for the whole congregation; and instead of the first-born.
Clarke: Num 3:8 - All the instruments All the instruments - The tabernacle itself and all its contents: see all described, Num 3:25, Num 3:26, Num 3:31, Num 3:36, Num 3:37. The Levites w...
All the instruments - The tabernacle itself and all its contents: see all described, Num 3:25, Num 3:26, Num 3:31, Num 3:36, Num 3:37. 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.
Clarke: Num 3:10 - Aaron and his sons - shall wait on their priest’ s office 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 con...
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.
Clarke: Num 3:12 - I have taken the Levites - instead of all the first-born I have taken the Levites - instead of all the first-born - The Levites are taken for the service of the sanctuary in place of the first-born. The fi...
I have taken the Levites - instead of all the first-born - The Levites are taken for the service of the sanctuary in place of the first-born. 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. See Num 3:45. Several reasons have been assigned why God should give this honor to the tribe of Levi in preference to all the others, but they do not seem to me to be conclusive. Their zeal in destroying those who had corrupted the worship of God in the business of the golden calf, Exo 32:28, has been thought a sufficient reason. A better reason is, that this was the smallest tribe, and they were quite enough for the service. To have had a more numerous tribe at this time would have been very inconvenient. Aaron, says Mr. Ainsworth, being in his priesthood a type of Christ, all these rites are fulfilled in him. For unto Christ God gave children, Heb 2:13. And they are a congregation of first-born, whose names are written in heaven, Heb 12:23, being of God’ s own will begotten by the word of truth, that they should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures, Jam 1:18, to whom he also gives the first-fruits of his Spirit, Rom 8:23. These wait on and follow the Lamb, being first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb, Rev 14:4; and Christ hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, that we may serve him day and night in his temple, Rev 1:6; Rev 7:15.
Clarke: Num 3:15 - A month old and upward A month old and upward - The males of all the other tribes were numbered, from twenty years and upward; had the Levites been numbered in this way, t...
A month old and upward - The males of all the other tribes were numbered, from twenty years and upward; had the Levites been numbered in this way, they would not have been nearly equal in number to the firstborn of the twelve tribes. Add to this, that as there must have been first-born of all ages in the other tribes, it was necessary that the Levites, who were to be their substitutes, should be also of all ages; and it appears to have been on this ground, at least partly, that the Levites were numbered from four weeks old and upward.
Clarke: Num 3:16 - Moses numbered them Moses numbered them - Though Moses and Aaron conjointly numbered the twelve tribes, yet Moses alone numbered the Levites; "for as the money with whi...
Moses numbered them - Though Moses and Aaron conjointly numbered the twelve tribes, yet Moses alone numbered the Levites; "for as the money with which the first-born of Israel, who exceeded the number of Levites, were redeemed, was to be paid to Aaron and his sons, Num 3:48, it was decent that he, whose advantage it was that the number of the first-born of Israel should exceed, should not be authorized to take that number himself."- Dodd, from Bishop Kidder.
Clarke: Num 3:22 - Seven thousand and five hundred Seven thousand and five hundred - Perhaps originally ר resh , 200, instead of ך caph , 500; see the following note Num 3:39 (note).
Seven thousand and five hundred - Perhaps originally
Clarke: Num 3:39 - Which Moses and Aaron numbered Which Moses and Aaron numbered - The word ואהרן veaharon , "and Aaron."has a point over each of its letters, probably designed as a mark of sp...
Which Moses and Aaron numbered - The word
Clarke: Num 3:39 - All the males - were twenty and two thousand All the males - were twenty and two thousand - This total does not agree with the particulars; for the Gershonites were 7,500, the Kohathites 8,600,...
All the males - were twenty and two thousand - This total does not agree with the particulars; for the Gershonites were 7,500, the Kohathites 8,600, the Merarites 6,200, total 22,300. Several methods of solving this difficulty have been proposed by learned men; Dr. Kennicott’ s is the most simple. Formerly the numbers in the Hebrew Bible were expressed by letters, and not by words at full length; and if two nearly similar letters were mistaken for each other, many errors in the numbers must be the consequence. Now it is probable that an error has crept into the number of the Gershonites, Num 3:22, where, instead of 7,500, we should read 7,200, as
Clarke: Num 3:43 - All the first-born males - were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen All the first-born males - were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen - Thus we find there were 273 first-born beyond the ...
All the first-born males - were 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, about 15s. And this money, amounting to 1,365 shekels, equal to £204 15s. English, he took of the first-born of Israel, Num 3:50. But how was this collected among 22,273 persons? Rabbi Solomon Jarchi says, "to prevent contention, Moses took 22,000 slips of parchment, and wrote on each a son of Levi, and 273 others, on which he wrote five shekels; then he mixed them in a basket, and each man took out one; those who drew the slips on which five shekels were written, paid the money; the others went free."This is a most stupid and silly tale, for such a mode of settlement never could have been resorted to by an intelligent people. It would have been much more simple to have paid it out of a general fund; and it is very likely that in this way the expense was defrayed. This species of redeeming of men is referred to by St. Peter, 1Pe 1:18, 1Pe 1:19 : "Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious (
Calvin: Num 3:1 - These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses 1.These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses He now separately enumerates the Levites; but, before he proceeds to state their number, he first...
1.These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses He now separately enumerates the Levites; but, before he proceeds to state their number, he first shortly refers to what he had just before more fully narrated, that of the four sons of Aaron only two survived their father, inasmuch as Nadab and Abihu had suffered the penalty of their negligence in their defilement of the sacrifice. The six verses 423 which Moses inserts respecting the office of the priests have been expounded in their proper place. The dignity of the tribe of Levi is here exalted, when God compares the Levites to the first-born; the distribution of their charges is also touched upon, 424 but, since these things are connected with the census of the people, and the mode of pitching the camp, I have thought it best to annex them to what has just preceded, inasmuch as otherwise the history would be interrupted. And, in fact, in the order that I have followed, the office of each family is only incidentally treated of, so that all might know their proper station.
Calvin: Num 3:5 - And the Lord spake unto Moses 5.And the Lord spake unto Moses This passage contains two heads: first, That the Levites should be set apart for the ministry of the sanctuary and ...
5.And the Lord spake unto Moses This passage contains two heads: 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. But it has been already said, and we shall hereafter see again, that the tribe of Levi in general was divinely chosen to perform the sacred offices; so that the people might know that no one was worthy of so honorable a charge; but that it depended on the gratuitous calling of God, whose attribute it is to create all things out of nothing. In this way, not only was the temerity of those repressed who might be foolishly ambitious of the honor, but the whole Church was taught that, in order to worship God aright, there was need of extraneous aid. For, if the Levites had not stood between, the Law prohibited the rest of the people from having access to God, since it brought in the whole human race guilty of pollution. But, in order that they might be more certainly directed to the One Mediator, the high priesthood was exalted, and one priest was chosen to preside over all the rest: on this account God would have the Levites subject to the successors of Aaron. At the same time, He had regard to order, for a multitude, which is not governed by chiefs, will always be disorderly. Yet, it is unquestionable that the supreme power of Christ was represented in the person of Aaron; and hence the folly of the Papists is refuted, who transfer, or rather wrest, this example to the state of the Christian Church, 180 so as to set the bishops over the presbyters, and thus to fabricate the primacy of the Roman See. But if the true meaning of this figure be sought, it will be more appropriate to reason that, whatever ministers and pastors of the Church are now appointed, they are placed as it were under the hand of Christ, in order that they may usurp no dominion, but behave themselves modestly, as having to render an account to Him who is the Prince of pastors. (1Pe 5:4.) Hence we conclude that the Papacy is only founded in wicked sacrilege; for Christ is unjustly deprived of His own, if any one else is feigned to be Aaron’s successor. Meanwhile, the political distinction of ranks is not to be repudiated, for natural reason itself dictates this in order to take away confusion; but that which shall have this object in view, will be so arranged that it may neither obscure Christ’s glory nor minister to ambition or tyranny, nor prevent all ministers from cultivating mutual fraternity with each other, with equal rights and liberties. Hence, too, was taken that declaration of the Apostle, that it is not lawful for any man to take this honor upon himself, but that they are the legitimate ministers of the Church who are “called” to be so. (Heb 5:4)
Calvin: Num 3:12 - And I, behold, I have taken the Levites 12.And I, behold, I have taken the Levites A little further on we shall see more clearly why God claims one tribe for Himself; He now only shews that...
12.And I, behold, I have taken the Levites A little further on we shall see more clearly why God claims one tribe for Himself; He now only shews that the Levites rightfully belong to Him, because by special privilege the first-born of the people were preserved in the destruction of the Egyptians. God, therefore, declares that those, whose lives were thus gratuitously spared, were purchased to Himself. Since, then, He had the free option of devoting to Himself the first-born of every tribe, He was no less at liberty to take 425 only the twelfth part of the people from one tribe. Thus He cuts off all handle for complaint, inasmuch as it would have been intolerable ingratitude to withdraw from His control those whom He had miraculously redeemed; therefore He says that they did not perish in the general slaughter, in order that tie might subject them to ttimself.
Calvin: Num 3:15 - Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers 15.Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers The enumeration of the tribe now follows, commencing with the three sons of Levi, Koh...
15.Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers The enumeration of the tribe now follows, commencing with the three sons of Levi, Kohath, Gershon, and Merari, from whom many families afterwards descended. It must, however, be observed, that all were numbered down to the youngest infants, whereas of the rest of the people only those who had passed their twentieth year were taken into account; whence it appeared that this was the smallest tribe; but by causing the infants to be reckoned, God intended to maintain a just proportion, as we shall see; for, if He had only taken them above their twentieth year, it would not have been known how many first-born there were, and thus the compensation to be made for them would have been uncertain. By this indulgence the people should have been induced to pay the tribute for the surplus with more readiness; for since, after the computation was made, it appeared how much their number came short of the required amount, God justly willed that those should be redeemed for money, who would else have been transferred to that tribe which represented the first-born, and it would have been an act of malignity to refuse God what he demanded, when He had spontaneously condescended to so just a compact. There was also another reason why the Levites were included in the census from their earliest childhood, rather than the others, viz., because it was not necessary that they should be fit for war, when God enrolled from the rest of the people soldiers for Himself who might afterwards bear arms.
Calvin: Num 3:17 - And these were the sons of Levi by their names 17.And these were the sons of Levi by their names Hence it appears that the tribe of Levi, like the others, had made an astonishing progress from a s...
17.And these were the sons of Levi by their names Hence it appears that the tribe of Levi, like the others, had made an astonishing progress from a small and contemptible beginning; for whereas he himself had only begotten three sons, Gershon and Merari only two each, and Kohath four; who would have expected such an increase, that twelve men in so short a time should have grown into so many thousands? But thus powerfully does God work under the semblance of weakness, that thus His glory may be the more conspicuous. But that He promoted the family of Kohath above the others, not only in the priesthood of Aaron, but also in their common ministry, proceeded from the same source of His gratuitous good pleasure, as the calling of Moses. He then, who had dignified also by so honorable an office, was, for his sake, gracious also to the family of Kohath. Neverthless, lost he should be suspected of ambition, or lest occasion of calumny should be given to the ungodly, God chose that the sons of Moses should remain in the ordinary station of the Levites.
Calvin: Num 3:45 - Take the Levites instead of all the first-born 45.Take the Levites instead of all the first-born The compensation of which I have spoken follows; for, since the complete portion of God was not fou...
45.Take the Levites instead of all the first-born The compensation of which I have spoken follows; for, since the complete portion of God was not found in the tribe of Levi, it must needs be supplied from elsewhere. Since, then, the Levites, infants as well as men, were less by two hundred and seventy-three than the first-born of the twelve tribes of Israel, God required that five shekels of the sanctuary should be paid for every head. We have elsewhere seen that the shekel of the sanctuary was double, amounting to two ordinary ones.
Defender -> Num 3:2
Defender: Num 3:2 - sons of Aaron Aaron's sons were destined to succeed him in the priesthood. However, the two oldest, Nadab and Abihu, forfeited this privilege and even their lives b...
Aaron's sons were destined to succeed him in the priesthood. However, the two oldest, Nadab and Abihu, forfeited this privilege and even their lives by offering "strange fire," unauthorized by God (Num 3:4; Lev 10:1-7)."
TSK -> Num 3:1; Num 3:2; Num 3:3; Num 3:4; Num 3:6; Num 3:7; Num 3:8; Num 3:9; Num 3:10; Num 3:12; Num 3:13; Num 3:15; Num 3:16; Num 3:17; Num 3:18; Num 3:19; Num 3:20; Num 3:21; Num 3:22; Num 3:23; Num 3:24; Num 3:25; Num 3:26; Num 3:27; Num 3:28; Num 3:29; Num 3:31; Num 3:32; Num 3:33; Num 3:34; Num 3:35; Num 3:36; Num 3:38; Num 3:39; Num 3:40; Num 3:41; Num 3:43; Num 3:45; Num 3:46; Num 3:47; Num 3:50; Num 3:51
TSK: Num 3:1 - generations // spake generations : Gen 2:4, Gen 5:1, Gen 10:1; Exo 6:16, Exo 6:20; Mat 1:1
spake : Num 1:1; Lev 25:1, Lev 27:34
TSK: Num 3:3 - the priests // whom he consecrated the priests : Exo 28:41, Exo 40:13, Exo 40:15; Lev 8:2, Lev 8:12, Lev 8:30
whom he consecrated : Heb. whose hand he filled, Exod. 29:1-37; Lev. 8:1-9:...
TSK: Num 3:6 - -- The word hakraiv , here rendered bring near, is properly a sacrificial word, and signifies the presenting of a sacrifice or offering to the Lord. A...
The word
Num 1:49-53, Num 2:17, Num 2:33, Num 8:6-15, Num 8:22-26, Num 16:9-11, Num 18:2-6; Exo 32:26-29; Deu 33:8, Deu 33:9; Mal 2:4
TSK: Num 3:7 - keep // to do the keep : Num 3:32, Num 8:26, Num 31:30; 1Ch 23:28-32, 1Ch 26:20, 1Ch 26:22, 1Ch 26:26
to do the : Num 1:50, Num 8:11, Num 8:15, Num 8:24-26
TSK: Num 3:8 - -- Num 4:15, Num 4:28, Num 4:33, Num 10:17, Num 10:21; 1Ch 26:20-28; Ezr 8:24-30; Isa 52:11
TSK: Num 3:10 - they shall // and the stranger they shall : Num 18:7; 1Ch 6:32; Eze 44:8; Act 6:3, Act 6:4; Rom 12:7; 1Ti 4:15, 1Ti 4:16
and the stranger : Num 3:38, Num 1:51, Num 16:35, Num 16:40,...
TSK: Num 3:12 - -- When God miraculously destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians (Exo 12:29), he spared those of the Israelites; and, in commemoration of that even...
When God miraculously destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians (Exo 12:29), 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 13:12-16). God is here pleased to relinquish this claim, and to appoint the whole tribe of Levi to attend his immediate service in their stead.
TSK: Num 3:13 - Because // on the day Because : Num 8:16, Num 8:17, Num 18:15; Exo 13:2, Exo 13:12, Exo 22:29, Exo 34:19; Lev 27:26; Eze 44:30; Luk 2:23; Heb 12:23
on the day : Exo 12:29, ...
TSK: Num 3:15 - -- Num 3:22, Num 3:28, Num 3:34, Num 3:39, Num 3:40, Num 3:43, Num 18:15, Num 18:16, Num 26:62; Pro 8:17; Jer 2:2, Jer 31:3; Mar 10:14; 2Ti 3:15
TSK: Num 3:16 - word word : Heb. mouth, Num 3:39, Num 3:51, Num 4:27, Num 4:37, Num 4:41, Num 4:45, Num 4:49; Gen 45:21; Deu 21:5
TSK: Num 3:17 - Gershon Num 26:57, Num 26:58; Gen 46:11; Exo 6:16-19; Josh. 21:1-45; 1Ch 6:1, 1Ch 6:2, 1Ch 6:16-19
Gershon : Num. 15:5-23, 23:6-23, 24:1-26:65; Neh. 11:1-12:4...
Num 26:57, Num 26:58; Gen 46:11; Exo 6:16-19; Josh. 21:1-45; 1Ch 6:1, 1Ch 6:2, 1Ch 6:16-19
Gershon : Num. 15:5-23, 23:6-23, 24:1-26:65; Neh. 11:1-12:47
TSK: Num 3:18 - -- Num 3:21; Exo 6:17-19; 1Ch 6:17, 1Ch 6:20, 1Ch 6:21, 1Ch 23:7-11, 1Ch 25:4, 26:1-32; Neh. 12:1-26
Num 3:21; Exo 6:17-19; 1Ch 6:17, 1Ch 6:20, 1Ch 6:21, 1Ch 23:7-11, 1Ch 25:4, 26:1-32; Neh. 12:1-26
TSK: Num 3:19 - -- Num 3:27; Exo 6:18, Exo 6:20; 1Ch 6:18, 1Ch 6:38, 1Ch 15:5, 1Ch 15:8-10, 1Ch 15:17-21, 1Ch 23:12, 1Ch 23:13, 1Ch 23:18-20; 1Ch 25:4, 26:1-32; Neh. 12:...
Num 3:27; Exo 6:18, Exo 6:20; 1Ch 6:18, 1Ch 6:38, 1Ch 15:5, 1Ch 15:8-10, 1Ch 15:17-21, 1Ch 23:12, 1Ch 23:13, 1Ch 23:18-20; 1Ch 25:4, 26:1-32; Neh. 12:1-26
TSK: Num 3:20 - -- Num 3:33; Exo 6:19; 1Ch 6:19, 1Ch 6:29, 1Ch 6:44-47, 1Ch 15:6, 1Ch 23:21-23, 1Ch 24:27-30, 1Ch 25:3
TSK: Num 3:22 - from a month old from a month old : The males of all the other tribes were numbered from twenty years old and upwards; but, had the Levites been numbered in this way, ...
from a month old : The males of all the other tribes were numbered from twenty years old and upwards; but, had the Levites been numbered in this way, they would not have been nearly equal in number to the first-born of the twelve tribes. Add to this, that as there must have been first-born of all ages in the other tribes, it was necessary that the Levites, who were to be their substitutes, should also be of all ages; and it appears to have been partly on this ground, that the Levites were numbered from a month old and upwards. Num 4:38-40
Lael : i.e. unto, by, because of God, [Strong’ s H3815]. Num 3:24
TSK: Num 3:25 - the charge // the tabernacle and // and the hanging the charge : From this and the next chapter, we see the very severe labour which the Levites were to perform, while the journeyings of the Israelites ...
the charge : From this and the next chapter, we see the very severe labour which the Levites were to perform, while the journeyings of the Israelites lasted. When we consider, that there was not less than 14 tons 266 lbs. of metal employed in the tabernacle (see note on Exo 38:24), besides the immense weight of the skins, hangings, cords, boards, and posts, we shall find it was no easy matter to transport this moveable temple from place to place. The Gershonites, who were 7,500 in number had to carry the tent, coverings, vail, hangings of the court, cords, etc. (Num 3:25 and Num 3:26); the Kohathites, who were 8,600, the ark, table, candlestick, altars, and instruments of the sanctuary (Num 3:31); and the Merarites, who were 6,200, the boards, bars, sockets, and all matters connected with these belonging to the tabernacle, with the pillars of the court, their sockets, pins, and cords (Num 3:36 and Num 3:37). Num 3:7, Num 4:24-28, Num 7:7, Num 10:17; 1Chr. 9:14-33, 1Ch 23:32, 1Ch 26:21, 1Ch 26:22; 2Ch 31:2, 2Ch 31:11-18; Ezr 8:28-30; Mar 13:34; Rom 12:6-8; Col 4:17; 1Ti 1:18
the tabernacle and : Exo 25:9, Exo 26:1-14, Exo 36:8-19, Exo 40:19
and the hanging : Exo 26:36, Exo 26:37, Exo 36:37, Exo 36:38, Exo 40:28
TSK: Num 3:26 - the hangings // the cords the hangings : Exo 27:9-16, Exo 38:9-16
the cords : Exo 35:18
the hangings : Exo 27:9-16, Exo 38:9-16
the cords : Exo 35:18
TSK: Num 3:28 - eight thousand // keeping eight thousand : Num 4:35, Num 4:36
keeping : Num 3:7, Num 3:31
TSK: Num 3:31 - the ark // the altars // and the hanging the ark : Num 4:4-16; Exod. 25:10-40, 31:1-35:29, 37:1-24, Exo 39:33-42, Exo 40:2-16, Exo 40:30
the altars : Exo 27:1-8, Exo 30:1-10, Exo 37:25-29, Ex...
the ark : Num 4:4-16; Exod. 25:10-40, 31:1-35:29, 37:1-24, Exo 39:33-42, Exo 40:2-16, Exo 40:30
the altars : Exo 27:1-8, Exo 30:1-10, Exo 37:25-29, Exo 38:1-7
and the hanging : Exo 26:31-33, Exo 36:35, Exo 36:36
TSK: Num 3:36 - under the custody and charge under the custody and charge : Heb. the office of the charge, the boards. Num 4:29-33, Num 7:8; Exo 26:15-29, Exo 26:32, Exo 26:37, Exo 27:9-19, Exo 3...
under the custody and charge : Heb. the office of the charge, the boards. Num 4:29-33, Num 7:8; Exo 26:15-29, Exo 26:32, Exo 26:37, Exo 27:9-19, Exo 35:11, Exo 35:18, Exo 36:20-34, Exo 36:36; Exo 38:17-20, Exo 39:33
TSK: Num 3:38 - toward // keeping // for the charge toward : Num 3:23, Num 3:29, Num 3:35, Num 1:53, Num 2:3
keeping : Num 3:10, Num 18:1-5; 1Ch 6:48, 1Ch 6:49
for the charge : Num 3:7, Num 3:8, Num 3:1...
TSK: Num 3:39 - and Aaron and Aaron : The word וֹאֹהֹרֹןֹ , weaharon , ""and Aaron,""has a point over each of its letters, probably designed as a mark of spuriousne...
and Aaron : The word
TSK: Num 3:40 - -- Num 3:12, Num 3:15, Num 3:45; Exo 32:26-29; Psa 87:6; Isa 4:3; Luk 10:20; Phi 4:3; 2Ti 2:19; Heb 12:23; Rev 3:5, Rev 14:4
TSK: Num 3:41 - -- Num 3:12, Num 3:45, Num 8:16, Num 18:15; Exo 24:5, Exo 24:6, Exo 32:26-29; Mat 20:28; 1Ti 2:6
TSK: Num 3:46 - redeemed // the two hundred // which are redeemed : Num 18:15; Exo 13:13
the two hundred : As the number of the Levites was 22,000, and the first-born males of the Israelites were 22,273, the...
redeemed : Num 18:15; Exo 13:13
the two hundred : As the number of the Levites was 22,000, and the first-born males of the Israelites were 22,273, there were therefore 372 more of the latter than of the former, which are here ordered to be redeemed. The price of redemption is fixed at five shekels, or about 15s. each, in Num 3:47. This money, amounting to 1,365 shekels, equal to £204, 15s English, was taken of the first-born. There is some difficulty, however, in determining which of the first-born should be redeemed by paying this sum, and which should be exchanged for the Levites; for every Israelite, no doubt, would rather have his first-born redeemed by a Levite, than pay five shekels; and yet some of them must have incurred this expense. Rabbi Solomon Jarchi says, to prevent contention, Moses took 22,000 slips of parchment, and wrote on each a son of Levi, and 273 more, on which he wrote five shekels; then putting them in an urn, and shaking them together, he ordered every one of the first-born to draw out a slip. If he drew out one with the first inscription, he said to him, a Levite hath redeemed thee, but if he drew out one of the latter, he said, pay the price. This is pronounced by Dr. A. Clarke to be a stupid, silly tale; but when we know that the determination by lot was used among the Israelites, it does not seem improbable that it was now resorted to, though we cannot vouch for the accuracy of the detail. This species of redeeming men is referred to by St. Peter in his 1st Epistle 1Pe 1:18, 1Pe 1:19.
which are : Num 3:39-43
TSK: Num 3:47 - five shekels // the shekel five shekels : Num 18:16; Lev 27:6
the shekel : Num 3:50; Exo 30:13; Lev 27:25; Eze 45:12
TSK: Num 3:50 - -- Num 3:46, Num 3:47; Mat 20:28; 1Ti 2:5, 1Ti 2:6; Tit 2:14; Heb 9:12; 1Pe 1:18, 1Pe 3:18
kecilkan semuaTafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)
Poole: Num 3:1 - These // Object // Answ These which follow in this chapter are the generations i.e. either,
1. The things done by them; as the word generation is sometimes used, as Gen...
These which follow in this chapter are the generations i.e. either,
1. The things done by them; as the word generation is sometimes used, as Gen 6:9 25:19 37:2 . Or rather,
2. The kindred or family, for that is the subject of this chapter, and not their events or actions.
Object. Aaron’ s family indeed is here mentioned, but not Moses’ s family.
Answ Moses’ s family and children are here included under the general name of the Amramite , Num 3:27 , which includes all the children and grandchildren of Amram , the persons only of Aaron and Moses being excepted. And the generations of Moses are thus obscurely mentioned, because they were but common Levites, the priesthood being given solely to Aaron’ s posterity, whence Aaron is here put before Moses, who elsewhere is commonly named after him. In the day that the Lord spake with Moses in Mount Sinai: this seems to be added, because Nadab and Abihu, mentioned Num 3:2 , were then alive, though dead at the time of taking this account.
Poole: Num 3:4 - -- In the time of Aaron’ s life, as this phrase is taken, Num 3:4 ; see also Psa 72:5,17 ; and under their father’ s inspection and direction...
In the time of Aaron’ s life, as this phrase is taken, Num 3:4 ; see also Psa 72:5,17 ; and under their father’ s inspection and direction, and as their father’ s servants or ministers in the priest’ s office; for servants are oft described by this phrase of being , or standing , or serving in the sight or presence , we of their master.
Poole: Num 3:6 - Present them Present them offer them to the lord for his special service. This was promised to them before, and now actually conferred upon them.
Present them offer them to the lord for his special service. This was promised to them before, and now actually conferred upon them.
Poole: Num 3:7 - His charge // Of the whole congregation // Before the tabernacle His charge i.e. Aaron’ s charge, or those things which are committed principally to Aaron’ s care and oversight, and under him and his dire...
His charge i.e. Aaron’ s charge, or those things which are committed principally to Aaron’ s care and oversight, and under him and his direction to the Levites.
Of the whole congregation i.e. of all the sacrifices and services which are due to the Lord from all the people, and because all the people could not and might not perform them, or at least divers of them, in their own persons, therefore they were to be performed by some particular persons in their name and stead; formerly by the first-born, Num 8:16 , and now by the Levites. See Num 1:53 16:9 .
Before the tabernacle emphatically; not within the tabernacle, for the care of these things within the holy place was appropriated to the priests, as the care of the most holy place was peculiar to the high priest.
Poole: Num 3:8 - The charge of the children of Israel The charge 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, ...
The charge 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.
Poole: Num 3:9 - Given unto him Given unto him to attend upon him and observe his orders, and ease him of part of his burden in things hereafter mentioned.
Given unto him to attend upon him and observe his orders, and ease him of part of his burden in things hereafter mentioned.
Poole: Num 3:10 - They shall wait // The stranger // That cometh nigh They shall wait in their own persons, not by the Levites.
The stranger i.e. every one who is of another family than Aaron’ s, yea, though he b...
They shall wait in their own persons, not by the Levites.
The stranger i.e. every one who is of another family than Aaron’ s, yea, though he be a Levite. See Num 1:53 16:40 .
That cometh nigh to wit, to execute any part of the priest’ s office.
Poole: Num 3:12 - Instead of all the first-born Instead of all the first-born who were God’ s propriety by right of redemption, Exo 13:12 , and to whom the administration of holy things was fo...
Instead of all the first-born who were God’ s propriety by right of redemption, Exo 13:12 , and to whom the administration of holy things was formerly committed, which now was taken away from them, either because they had forfeited this privilege by joining with the rest of their brethren in the idolatrous worship of the calf, or because they were to be mainly concerned in the distribution and management of the inheritances which now they were going to possess, and therefore could not be at leisure to attend upon the service of the sanctuary; which made it fit that this work should be committed to other hands. And God would not commit it to some other persons in each tribe, which might be an occasion of idolatry, confusion, division, and contempt of sacred things, but to one distinct tribe, which might be entirely devoted to that service, and particularly to the tribe of Levi; partly, out of his respect to Moses and Aaron, branches of this tribe; partly, as a recompence of their zeal for God and against idolaters; see Exo 32:26,29 De 33:9 ; and partly, because it was the smallest of the tribes, and therefore most likely to find both employment in and maintenance for the work.
Who may appoint whom I please for my service.
Poole: Num 3:15 - From a month old From a month old because at that time the first-born, in whose stead the Levites came, Num 8:16 , were offered to God, Luk 2:22 , and to be redeemed,...
From a month old because at that time the first-born, in whose stead the Levites came, Num 8:16 , were offered to God, Luk 2:22 , and to be redeemed, Num 18:16 . And from that time the Levites were consecrated to God, and were as soon as they were capable,’ to be instructed in their work. Elsewhere they are numbered from twenty-five years old, when they were entered as novices to part of their work, Num 8:24 ; and from thirty years old, when they were completely admitted to their whole office.
Poole: Num 3:25 - The tabernacle // The tent // The covering thereof The tabernacle not the boards, which belonged to Merari, Num 3:36 , but the ten curtains mentioned Exo 26:1 .
The tent to wit, the curtains of goat...
Poole: Num 3:26 - The cords The cords by which the tabernacle was fastened to the pins, and stretched out, Exo 35:18 .
The cords by which the tabernacle was fastened to the pins, and stretched out, Exo 35:18 .
Poole: Num 3:27 - -- 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, ...
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 here below, Num 3:31 ; and in the land of Canaan they had twenty-three cities, which were almost as many as both their brethren received. See Jos 21 .
Poole: Num 3:28 - Keeping // Of the sanctuary Keeping or keepers , &c., i.e. appointed for that work, as soon as they were capable of it.
Of the sanctuary i.e. of those holy things contained i...
Keeping or keepers , &c., i.e. appointed for that work, as soon as they were capable of it.
Of the sanctuary i.e. of those holy things contained in or nearly belonging to the sanctuary, expressed Num 3:31 .
Poole: Num 3:31 - The hanging // All the service thereof The hanging which covered the most holy place, for all other hangings belonged to the Gershonites.
All the service thereof i.e. all the other furni...
The hanging which covered the most holy place, for all other hangings belonged to the Gershonites.
All the service thereof i.e. all the other furniture belonging to it, of which see Num 4:7,9,14 .
Poole: Num 3:32 - Eleazar shall be chief // Over the chief of the Levites Eleazar shall be chief next under the high priest; whence he is called the second priest, 2Ki 25:18 ; and in case of the high priest’ s absence ...
Eleazar shall be chief next under the high priest; whence he is called the second priest, 2Ki 25:18 ; and in case of the high priest’ s absence by sickness or other necessary occasions, he was to perform his work, 1Ki 4:4 ; and he had a superiority over all the rest of the priests and Levites.
Over the chief of the Levites i.e. over those three persons, who were each the chief of their several families; of whom see here, Num 3:24,31,35 .
Therefore these were for another use than those mentioned Num 3:26 .
Poole: Num 3:38 - For the charge of the children of Israel For the charge of the children of Israel either in their stead. that charge which they were obliged to keep either by themselves. or by others appoin...
For the charge of the children of Israel either in their stead. that charge which they were obliged to keep either by themselves. or by others appointed by them, if God had not committed it to those; or for their good, and service, and benefit; for their preservation, as the word may be rendered.
Poole: Num 3:39 - Object // Answ Object But if the particular numbers, mentioned Num 3:22,28,34 , be put together, they make exactly 22,300.
Answ The odd 300 are omitted here, eith...
Object But if the particular numbers, mentioned Num 3:22,28,34 , be put together, they make exactly 22,300.
Answ The odd 300 are omitted here, either according to the use of the Holy Scripture, which in so great numbers small sums are commonly neglected, or because they were the first-born of the Levites, and therefore belonged to God already, and so could not be given to him again instead of the other first-born. See Lev 27:26 . If this number of first-born seem very small to come from 22,000 Levites, it must be considered, that only such first-born are here named as were males, and such as continued in their parents families, not such as had erected new families of their own. Add to this, that God so ordered things by his wise providence for divers weighty reasons, that this tribe should be much the least of all the tribes, as is evident by comparing the numbers of the other tribes from twenty years old, Nu 1 , with the number of this from a month old; and therefore it is not strange if the number of their first-born be less than in other tribes. Although if the other tribes had been computed from a month old, as this was, their number of 600,000 had probably been double or treble to that; and consequently the number of their first-born being 22,273 Num 3:43 , would have been as unproportionable to their whole sum, as this of 300 first-born Levites seems to their whole number. And some add, that only those first-born are numbered, both in this and in the other tribes, which were born since they came out of Egypt, when God challenged all the first-born to be his.
Poole: Num 3:40 - -- That they may be compared with the number of the Levites for the reason here following.
That they may be compared with the number of the Levites for the reason here following.
Poole: Num 3:41 - Instead of all the first-born // The cattle of the Levites Instead of all the first-born to wit, such are now alive of them, but those which should be born of them hereafter are otherwise disposed.
The cattl...
Instead of all the first-born to wit, such are now alive of them, but those which should be born of them hereafter are otherwise disposed.
The cattle of the Levites not that they were to be taken from the Levites, or to be sacrificed to God, any more than the Levites themselves were, but that they together with the Levites were to be presented before the Lord by way of acknowledgment, that the Levites might be set apart for God’ s service, and their cattle for themselves as God’ s ministers, and for their support in God’ s work.
Poole: Num 3:45 - Take the Levites Take the Levites to wit, the 22,000 reckoned up Num 3:39 , See Poole "Num 3:39"
Poole: Num 3:47 - Five shekels apiece Five shekels apiece was the price to be paid for the redemption of a first-born a month old, Num 18:15,16 ; but this money, though paid for these 273...
Five shekels apiece was the price to be paid for the redemption of a first-born a month old, Num 18:15,16 ; but this money, though paid for these 273 persons, was probably paid out of the common stock of all, except lots were cast who should pay, which is not probable in so small a concern accompanied with so much trouble.
Poole: Num 3:48 - -- To whom all the Levites were given, and therefore the money which came in their stead.
To whom all the Levites were given, and therefore the money which came in their stead.
Haydock: Num 3:1 - Generations Generations; descendants of Aaron, whose names are specified; and of Moses, whose children are left unnoticed among the rest of the Levites, ver....
Generations; descendants of Aaron, whose names are specified; and of Moses, whose children are left unnoticed among the rest of the Levites, ver. 27. This enhances the merit of the Jewish legislator, and shews his modesty and disinterestedness. (Haydock)
Haydock: Num 3:4 - Presence Presence; or as it is expressed, (1 Paralipomenon xxiv. 9,) under the hand of Aaron, by his direction, and in quality of his assistant, (Calmet) wh...
Presence; or as it is expressed, (1 Paralipomenon xxiv. 9,) under the hand of Aaron, by his direction, and in quality of his assistant, (Calmet) while he lived. Eleazar succeeded him in the high priesthood; (Josue xxiv. 33,) and his children possessed that dignity, till the posterity of Ithamar came in under Heli, chap. xxv. 3. (Haydock)
Haydock: Num 3:6 - To him To him, and to the other priests, who had to perform the higher offices. The Levites did not approach near the altar, except when they had to carry ...
To him, and to the other priests, who had to perform the higher offices. The Levites did not approach near the altar, except when they had to carry it and the tabernacle. (Calmet)
Haydock: Num 3:7 - And And. Hebrew, "They shall watch over him, and over all the congregation," to assist the priests in their sacred office, and to take care that the peo...
And. Hebrew, "They shall watch over him, and over all the congregation," to assist the priests in their sacred office, and to take care that the people behave respectfully. (Haydock) ---
All were bound to prevent any sacrilegious abuse. (Menochius)
Haydock: Num 3:10 - To whom // Over To whom. Samaritan and Septuagint, "to me." They must serve God in the persons of his priests. They are called a gift, people bestowed, as the ...
To whom. Samaritan and Septuagint, "to me." They must serve God in the persons of his priests. They are called a gift, people bestowed, as the Nothnim, to serve in the meanest functions; and hence the Nathineans take their name. The Gabaonites were employed by Josue in this quality, Josue ix. 23. ---
Over. Hebrew, "they shall retain," &c. They shall permit no stranger to interfere. Cuneus (Rep. ii. 11,) observes, that if a Levite undertook to do the office allotted to another, he was to be slain, after sentence had been passed by the judge. (Calmet)
Haydock: Num 3:12 - Mine Mine. God claimed the first-born, on account of having spared them, Exodus xii. 23. He requires that all males shall be redeemed, except those of t...
Mine. God claimed the first-born, on account of having spared them, Exodus xii. 23. He requires that all males shall be redeemed, except those of the tribe of Levi, whom he claims as his peculiar portion, as the price of the redemption of those who were living in Egypt, when the destroying angel passed by. This honour was wholly gratuitous, though the Levites deserved to obtain a confirmation of it by their zeal, Exodus xxxii. 29., and Deuteronomy xxxiii. 9. God seems to have revealed to Moses the destination of Aaron's family, long before they were appointed to exercise the functions of the priesthood, Exodus xix. 22, 24, and xxiv. 1. (Calmet)
Haydock: Num 3:15 - Month Month; at which time the first-born were to be redeemed, chap xviii. 16. (Menochius) ---
If only those of 20 years of age had been counted, they co...
Month; at which time the first-born were to be redeemed, chap xviii. 16. (Menochius) ---
If only those of 20 years of age had been counted, they could not have amounted to nearly an equal number with the first-born of all the other tribes. (Calmet)
Names. These had been long ago dead. (Menochius)
Haydock: Num 3:22 - Five hundred Five hundred, expressed by the letter c, has, according to Kennicott been put for 200, which the Hebrews denote by a similar letter, r. See 2 Kings ...
Five hundred, expressed by the letter c, has, according to Kennicott been put for 200, which the Hebrews denote by a similar letter, r. See 2 Kings xxiii. 8, and 1 Paralipomenon xi. 11, for other mistakes. (Haydock)
Haydock: Num 3:26 - Thereof // Whatsoever Thereof. The Gersonites had the care of the veils around the court, and of the cords and gates. The priests guarded the tabernacle, ver. 32. The s...
Thereof. The Gersonites had the care of the veils around the court, and of the cords and gates. The priests guarded the tabernacle, ver. 32. The sons of Caath carried the altars, (ver. 31,) and the Merarites took care of the cords, which were attached to the pillars of the court, ver. 37. Hebrew may be translated "(among the vessels of) the tabernacle, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the sanctuary, ( or tabernacle of the congregation) and the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is beside the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords belonging to the service of the tabernacle." (Calmet) ---
Whatsoever, in the Vulgate, must only be referred to the curtains.
Haydock: Num 3:28 - Sanctuary Sanctuary, with respect to the things mentioned, ver. 31. (Menochius) ---
The Samaritan copy observes, that they also carried the brazen laver, as ...
Sanctuary, with respect to the things mentioned, ver. 31. (Menochius) ---
The Samaritan copy observes, that they also carried the brazen laver, as we find they did, chap. iv. 14. All these things were folded up in the violet curtains of the sanctuary, while the ark was covered with the veil which hung before it, chap. iv. 5. Some pretend that the number here specified ought to be 830, to obviate a difficulty [in] ver. 39. But this amendment has no solid foundation. (Calmet)
Haydock: Num 3:32 - Eleazar Eleazar had authority over the Levites, as his father had over the priests also. Thus we find princes of the priests, different from the sovereign p...
Eleazar had authority over the Levites, as his father had over the priests also. Thus we find princes of the priests, different from the sovereign pontiff. (Matthew ii. 4.; xvi. 21.; Luke iii. 2.) Eleazar had also a particular charge of the Caathites, (chap. iv. 16,) and was to take care that they handled the sacred vessels with due respect. (Calmet)
Haydock: Num 3:38 - Sons // In the Sons, the children of Aaron. Those of Moses were among the Levites, 1 Paralipomenon xxiii. 13. They did not remain with their father. ---
In the, ...
Sons, the children of Aaron. Those of Moses were among the Levites, 1 Paralipomenon xxiii. 13. They did not remain with their father. ---
In the, &c. Hebrew, "to guard the," &c., in order to supply for the rest of the Israelites, ver. 9. (St. Augustine, q. 4.)
Haydock: Num 3:39 - And Aaron // Thousand And Aaron; a word omitted in the Samaritan and Syriac, and in the oldest Hebrew manuscript, and marked in the printed copies as dubious. (Kennicott)...
And Aaron; a word omitted in the Samaritan and Syriac, and in the oldest Hebrew manuscript, and marked in the printed copies as dubious. (Kennicott) ---
Thousand. If we collect the different sums, we shall find other 300; so that the Levites would be 27 more than the first-born of the other tribes, though Moses says (ver. 43-46) that they were fewer by 273. Some say that the 28th verse has been corrupted, (Calmet) or the 22nd, where we read 500 instead of 200. (Haydock) ---
Others observe, that in the 22,000, the first-born of the Levites and the priests of Aaron's family are not included, and these might amount to 300 men. (Lyranus) ---
But Bonfrere rightly observes that this number is too small, as only one is allowed for 74 people. He thinks that the first-born, who were heads of families, are omitted, and those also who were born before the angel destroyed the Egyptians. On this supposition, however, 22,000 will appear too great a number to be produced by the Levites in the space of a year, when some were too young, and others too old, to have children, and others had children already before that event. We may, therefore, either admit the solution of Lyranus, or confess that some fault has crept into the number, though this must be very difficult, since Moses argues in the sequel on the supposition of its certainty. (Calmet) ---
St. Jerome hence infers, that these numbers are full of mystery; Origen (hom. 4,) says, that the exact number, 22,000, may signify the perfection which God requires from those whom the takes into his service, as there are just 22 Hebrew letters, and 22 patriarchs, from Adam to Jacob, the father of the Israelites. (Worthington) ---
The 22,000 might be accepted by God, instead of so many Israelites; and the 300 other Levites might be due to him on their own account, being the first-born since the Hebrews left Egypt. (Tirinus) (Du Hamel)
Haydock: Num 3:41 - Cattle Cattle. These were kept by the Levites, and were not intended for sacrifice. (Menochius)
Cattle. These were kept by the Levites, and were not intended for sacrifice. (Menochius)
Haydock: Num 3:46 - Levites Levites, omitting the 300, as ver. 39. For each of these 273, five sicles were to be paid, the price of the redemption of a child who had been vowed...
Levites, omitting the 300, as ver. 39. For each of these 273, five sicles were to be paid, the price of the redemption of a child who had been vowed, Leviticus xxvii. 6. The money was to be paid either by those who were counted last, or by a tax laid upon all the people, or it was determined by lot who should pay it. The Scripture is silent on this head. (Calmet)
Gill -> Num 3:1; Num 3:2; Num 3:3; Num 3:4; Num 3:5; Num 3:6; Num 3:7; Num 3:8; Num 3:9; Num 3:10; Num 3:11; Num 3:12; Num 3:13; Num 3:14; Num 3:15; Num 3:16; Num 3:17; Num 3:18; Num 3:19; Num 3:20; Num 3:21; Num 3:22; Num 3:23; Num 3:24; Num 3:25; Num 3:26; Num 3:27; Num 3:28; Num 3:29; Num 3:30; Num 3:31; Num 3:32; Num 3:33; Num 3:34; Num 3:35; Num 3:36; Num 3:37; Num 3:38; Num 3:39; Num 3:40; Num 3:41; Num 3:42; Num 3:43; Num 3:44; Num 3:45; Num 3:46; Num 3:47; Num 3:48; Num 3:49; Num 3:50; Num 3:51
Gill: Num 3:1 - These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses // in the day that the Lord spoke with Moses in mount Sinai These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses,.... The descendants of them, those of the former, who is named first, because the eldest, were pri...
These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses,.... The descendants of them, those of the former, who is named first, because the eldest, were priests, and those of the latter Levites, and who are not very plainly pointed at, but are included among the Amramites, Num 3:27; the posterity of Moses being very obscure, only Levites, and these not particularly named but swallowed up among the Kohathites: find the following account was as it stood:
in the day that the Lord spoke with Moses in mount Sinai; and not, altogether as it then, was when he spoke to him in the wilderness, of Sinai, for then Aaron had four sons, but now two of them were dead as is after observed; and it seems to be for the sake of this circumstance chiefly that this clause is so put.
Gill: 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,.... The Targum of Jonathan adds, disciples of Moses, the master of the Israelites; none of the posterit...
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron,.... The Targum of Jonathan adds, disciples of Moses, the master of the Israelites; none of the posterity of Moses being expressly, named; Jarchi observes, that the sons of Aaron are called the generations of Moses, because he taught them the law; for whoever, he says, teaches his neighbour's son, the law, the Scripture accounts of him as if he begat him, see 1Co 4:15,
Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar; as in Exo 6:23.
Gill: Num 3:3 - These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed // whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed,.... With the holy, anointing oil, with which they were anointed when, Aaron...
These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed,.... With the holy, anointing oil, with which they were anointed when, Aaron was and they only, see Exo 30:30,
whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office; that is, whom Moses consecrated, by anointing them, putting the priest's garments on them, offering sacrifice for them, and filling their hands with sacrifices which is the phrase here used for consecration: see Exo 29:15.
Gill: 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 And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord,...., By flaming fire, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, see Lev 10:2; and so were not alive at this time when ...
And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord,...., By flaming fire, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, see Lev 10:2; and so were not alive at this time when the account of the priests and Levites was taken:
when they offered strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai; after the tabernacle was set up, and the service of it begun, and quickly after their unction and consecration: of this strange fire; see Gill on Num 10:1,
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; for as the Jewish writers n observe if they had left any behind them, those would have come into the office before Eleazar and Ithamar; and partly to show that all the priests in succeeding ages sprung from those next mentioned:
and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office, in the sight of Aaron their father; in his presence, under his inspection, and by his direction, he seeing and observing that they did everything according to the laws delivered by Moses, relating to, the office of the priesthood; or while he was yet alive, as Aben Ezra, they were concerned with him, and acted under him in the priestly office; and so the Septuagint version renders it, "with Aaron their father" o; but a Jewish writer p interprets it in a different manner, "in the room of Aaron their father"; as if it respected not any conjunction with him in the then present exercise of their office in his lifetime, but their succession in it after his death; but the former seems most correct.
Gill: Num 3:5 - And the Lord spake unto Moses // saying And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After he had given him the order for the numbering the children of Israel, and for the manner of their encampment a...
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After he had given him the order for the numbering the children of Israel, and for the manner of their encampment and journeying:
saying; as follows.
Gill: Num 3:6 - Bring the tribe of Levi near // and present them before Aaron the priest // that they may minister unto him 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 t...
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; as well as bring them near to Aaron; so it follows:
and present them before Aaron the priest; that he may receive them as a gift unto him, as servants to wait upon him; and! that he may appoint and declare unto them their work, and set them about it:
that they may minister unto him; 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.
Gill: Num 3:7 - And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation // before the tabernacle of the congregation 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...
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:
before the tabernacle of the congregation; not within it, neither in the holy place, nor in the most holy place, where they might not enter, to do any service peculiar thereunto, but at the door of the tabernacle, and in the court of it, and in the rooms and chambers in it: and do the service of the tabernacle; not to offer sacrifices on the altar of the burnt offering, which stood in the court, and much less to burn incense on the altar of incense, and to him the lamps, and set on the shewbread in the holy place; and still less to enter into the most holy place, and do there what was to be done on the day of atonement; but to do all that is before observed, and to bring the people's offerings to the priest, and to assist in slaying them; and to keep all profane and polluted persons out of it, the tabernacle, as we find in later times; they were porters at it, and some of them were singers in it, and had the care of various things belonging to it: see 1Ch 9:14.
Gill: 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 And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation,.... Take care of them that none be lost or come to any damage, especial...
And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation,.... Take care of them that none be lost or come to any damage, especially while it was moving, and carried from place to place; then the several parts of it, as well as the vessels in it, were committed to their care and charge, the particulars of which see in Num 3:25,
and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle; See Gill on Num 3:7.
Gill: 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:
they are wholly given unto him out of the chil...
And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons,.... To be their ministers and servants:
they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel: even 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: or they were "given, given" q; which is repeated not only to show that they were wholly given, as we render it, but to denote the certainty of it, that they were really given; and especially to declare the freeness of the gift; the priests had them as free gifts, nor did they pay them any thing for, their service; they were maintained another way, namely, by the tithes of the people; and indeed the priests received a tithe out of the tithe of the Levites; so far were they from contributing any thing to their support, or in consideration of the service they did them.
Gill: 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 And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons,.... To the priestly office; this was done before, but is renewed for the confirmation of it, and repeated t...
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons,.... To the priestly office; this was done before, but is renewed for the confirmation of it, and repeated to put them in mind of it, that they be careful to execute it, as follows:
and 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, deacons 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,
and 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: so Aben Ezra interprets it of anyone that came nigh to a priest, to be with him or join with him in the execution of his office, whether an Israelite or a Levite, he shall die: the Targum of Jonathan adds, by flaming fire before the Lord.
Gill: 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 s...
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:
saying: as follows.
Gill: 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 And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel,.... Separated them from others, and set them apart for the service of the s...
And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel,.... Separated them from others, and set them apart for the service of the sanctuary; this was his own act and deed, and which he did of his own will and pleasure, who is a sovereign Being, and might and would do whatsoever he pleased, nor should any object unto him, or contradict him: and this he did:
instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel; he made an exchange of those for the Levites; upon the destruction of the firstborn of Egypt, and saving the firstborn of Israel, he claimed the latter as his own in a special sense, and now he gave up his right to them, and instead thereof took the Levites; nor could the people of Israel reasonably object to this, nor be uneasy at it, but rather be pleased with it; since hereby they were not only freed from the charge of redeeming their firstborn, but since they were the Lord's, he might have appointed them to be servants to the priests; and every Israelite would choose rather, no doubt, to part with a tribe for this service than to have their firstborn sons employed in it; and there were none so fit as the tribe of Levi, not only because it was a small tribe, but because the priests were of this tribe, to whom they were to minister; and therefore as there was a connection between them, the Levites would readily serve them: it is a notion that has obtained both among Jews and Christians, that the firstborn before this time were priests in the family, but now the Levites were taken in their room; and Jarchi particularly observes, that when the firstborn sinned in the business of the calf, they were rejected, and the Levites, who did not commit idolatry, were chosen in their room; but it does not appear, before the fixing the priesthood in Aaron's family, that the firstborn in a family were priests, and officiated as such, but rather the father and head of the family for the whole, or everyone for himself, as in Adam's family, he and his two sons; and moreover, it was a recent thing, and only among the Hebrews, that the firstborn were in a peculiar manner the Lord's, not as priests, only to be redeemed, and now the Levites were redeemed in their room; it was not to be priests, but the servants of the priests r:
therefore the Levites shall be mine; whom he gave to the priests to assist them in their work, which was for him and his glory.
Gill: 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 they shall be // I am the Lord Because all the firstborn are mine,.... Not merely in a general way, as all creatures are his, but in a special manner as his own, and that for the f...
Because all the firstborn are mine,.... Not merely in a general way, as all creatures are his, but in a special manner as his own, and that for the following reason:
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; that is, sanctified or set them apart as his own special property, or ordered the people of Israel so to do, Exo 13:2; 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; and though it was in the night when he destroyed the firstborn of Egypt, yet it was the night which preceded that day, and was a part of that day, even the fifteenth of Nisan, when the instructions were given to sanctify all the firstborn; though, as Aben Ezra observes, "day" signifies "time", so that it was at or about the same time that the one and the other were done:
mine they shall be; this was declared when they were ordered to be sanctified to him, but now they were to be exchanged for the Levites:
I am the Lord; who have sovereign power to do as he would in claiming the firstborn, and then in exchanging them for the Levites, and appointing the Levites to minister to the priests, and serve in the tabernacle.
Gill: Num 3:14 - And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai // saying And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai,.... At the same time he gave the order, and made the declaration before mentioned, and in th...
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai,.... At the same time he gave the order, and made the declaration before mentioned, and in the place where now the children of Israel were, and from whence they shortly removed:
saying; as follows.
Gill: Num 3:15 - Number the children of Levi // after the house of their fathers, by their families // every male from a month old and upwards shalt thou number them Number the children of Levi,.... Who were left out of the general muster of the children of Israel, but now were to be numbered alone, and in a differ...
Number the children of Levi,.... Who were left out of the general muster of the children of Israel, but now were to be numbered alone, and in a different manner, and for, a different purpose, the Lord having a special regard auto, them, and special service for them:
after the house of their fathers, by their families; into which the tribe was divided; house seems to be put for "houses", which were principal ones; and these were divided into families, which branched from them, and according to these, denominated from their fathers, and not their, mothers, were they to be numbered; for as the Jewish writers often say, a mother's family is no family; wherefore, if a Levite woman married into any other tribe, as she might, her, descendants were not taken into this accounts only such whose fathers were Levites, see Num 1:2,
every male from a month old and upwards shalt thou number them; the reason of this was, because the firstborn, for whom they were to be exchanged, were at a month old claimed by the Lord as his, and to be redeemed; and as this numbering was on, another account than, that of the children of Israel, who were numbered from twenty years of age and upwards, that they might on occasion be called out to war, from which the Levites were exempted, and the numbering of them was for the service of the sanctuary; so from their youth they were to be brought up and trained for this, that they might be fit for it, and enter upon it at a proper age.
Gill: Num 3:16 - And Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord // as he commanded And Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord,.... Took the account of all of a month old in the several houses and families of the tribe ...
And Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord,.... Took the account of all of a month old in the several houses and families of the tribe of Levi; though Moses is only here mentioned, yet it seems from Num 3:39; that Aaron was concerned with him in it; yea, in an after numbering of the Levites who were fit for business from thirty to fifty years of age, the chief of the children of Israel were assisting to him and Aaron, Num 4:46,
as he commanded; he was obedient to the divine will in all things, and so in this, though it was his own tribe and his own posterity, which in all successive ages were to be no other than ministering servants to the priests, and to have no inheritance in the land of Israel.
Gill: 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, by their names,.... The immediate offspring and descendants of that patriarch:
Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; th...
And these were the sons of Levi, by their names,.... The immediate offspring and descendants of that patriarch:
Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; these went down with him into Egypt, Gen 46:11.
Gill: Num 3:18 - And these are the names of the sons of Gershon, by their families // Libni and Shimei And these are the names of the sons of Gershon, by their families,.... Or to Gershon belonged two families, called after the names of his sons, who w...
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon, by their families,.... Or to Gershon belonged two families, called after the names of his sons, who were now numbered, namely:
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, as in Num 3:21.
Gill: Num 3:19 - And the sons of Kohath, by their families // Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel And the sons of Kohath, by their families,.... Who was the second son of Levi:
Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel; so in Exo 6:18; and from whom...
And the sons of Kohath, by their families,.... Who was the second son of Levi:
Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel; so in Exo 6:18; and from whom were named the family of the Amramites, to which Moses and Aaron belonged; and the families of the Izeharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites, as they are called, Num 3:27.
Gill: Num 3:20 - And the sons, of Merari, by their families // Mahli and Mushi // are the families of the Levites, according to the house of their fathers And the sons, of Merari, by their families,.... The third son of Levi:
Mahli and Mushi; the same as in Exo 6:19; from whom were denominated the fam...
And the sons, of Merari, by their families,.... The third son of Levi:
Mahli and Mushi; the same as in Exo 6:19; from whom were denominated the families of the Mahlites and Mushites, who, as the preceding families, were numbered at this time: these
are the families of the Levites, according to the house of their fathers; in all eight families.
Gill: Num 3:21 - Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites // these are the family of the Gershonites Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites,.... The first son of Levi:
these are the family of the Gershonites; th...
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites,.... The first son of Levi:
these are the family of the Gershonites; that were now, numbered.
Gill: Num 3:22 - Those that were numbered of them // according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upwards // even those that were numbered of them, were seven thousand and five hundred Those that were numbered of them,.... Of the two families that sprung from Gershon:
according to the number of all the males, from a month old and ...
Those that were numbered of them,.... Of the two families that sprung from Gershon:
according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upwards: in the said families:
even those that were numbered of them, were seven thousand and five hundred; 7,500 men, which was neither the least nor the largest number of the sons of Levi.
Gill: Num 3:23 - The families of the Gershonites // shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward The families of the Gershonites,.... The two before mentioned, the Libnites and Shimites:
shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward; this was thei...
The families of the Gershonites,.... The two before mentioned, the Libnites and Shimites:
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.
Gill: Num 3:24 - And the chief of the house of the fathers of the Gershonites // shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael And the chief of the house of the fathers of the Gershonites,.... Who had the chief authority over them, and the chief direction of them in what they ...
And the chief of the house of the fathers of the Gershonites,.... Who had the chief authority over them, and the chief direction of them in what they were to do:
shall be 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; nor do the Jewish writers, who affect to know every thing, pretend to tell us.
Gill: Num 3:25 - And the charge of the sons of Gershom // 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 And the charge of the sons of Gershom,.... The Libnites and Shimites:
in the tabernacle of the congregation; or with respect to the things of it, w...
And the charge of the sons of Gershom,.... The Libnites and Shimites:
in the tabernacle of the congregation; or with respect to the things of it, when it was taken down and committed to them; for otherwise they had no place in it, nor might they enter into it, or do any service therein:
shall be the tabernacle and the tent; the former intends not the boards of it, which were the charge of the Merarites, Num 3:36; but the curtains, as Aben Ezra, or the under curtains, as Jarchi calls them, which were made of fine twined linen, Exo 26:1; and the latter is to be understood of the eleven curtains, as Aben Ezra, the curtains of goats hair, which were made for the roof of the tabernacle, as Jarchi observes, see Exo 26:7,
the covering thereof: made of rams' skins, and badgers' skins, which were thrown over the tent, Exo 26:14,
and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation; the vail, as Jarchi calls it; not what divided the holy and most holy places, for that fell to the charge of the Kohathites, Num 3:31; but the vail or hanging which was at the door of the tent, or which led into the holy place, Exo 26:36.
Gill: 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 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; ...
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,
and 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, as Aben Ezra observes, and which was the altar of burnt offering that stood within this court; for the particle
and the cords of it; which seem to be the cords of the court, which fastened the hangings and curtains to brass pins, or stakes fixed in the ground to keep them tight, that the wind might not move them to and fro; but Jarchi says, these were the cords of the tabernacle and tent, and not of the court; and indeed the tabernacle had its cords as well as the court, Exo 38:18; the cords of the court were in the charge of the Merarites, Num 3:37,
for all the service thereof: for that part of the tabernacle and court which the Gershonites had in their care and custody.
Gill: Num 3:27 - And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites // and the family of Izeharites // and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites // these are the families of the Kohathites And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites,.... So called from Amram, the first son of Kohath, and father of Aaron and Moses; so that Moses and Aa...
And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites,.... So called from Amram, the first son of Kohath, and father of Aaron and Moses; so that Moses and Aaron, and their children, are included in this family:
and the family of Izeharites; of which family was Korah, Num 16:1,
and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites; which four families had their names from Kohath's four sons, Num 3:19,
these are the families of the Kohathites; which were as many as both the other sons of Levi.
Gill: Num 3:28 - In the number of all the males, from a month old and upwards, were eight thousand and six hundred // keeping the charge of the sanctuary In the number of all the males, from a month old and upwards, were eight thousand and six hundred,.... 8,600 men, which was the largest number of any...
In the number of all the males, from a month old and upwards, were eight thousand and six hundred,.... 8,600 men, which was the largest number of any of the houses of the Levites; but considering it had double the number of families in it, the increase was not so large in proportion, at least to Gershon, whose two families wanted but 1,100 of these four:
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.
Gill: Num 3:29 - The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward. The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward. Or to the right, which was the more honourable place, exceptin...
The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward. Or to the right, which was the more honourable place, excepting the east or front, which was reserved for Moses and Aaron, and his sons, and who were one of these families; and is the reason why this honour was conferred upon them, as well as they had the more honourable charge, having the holy places and holy things committed to their care; and one from among them was appointed over all the Levites, and the chief of them, as they had also, when they came into the land of Canaan, almost as many cities of refuge as both their other brethren had: their situation about the tabernacle was between that and the camp of Reuben, and this accounts for it, how Korah who was of one of the families of the Kohathites, became so intimately acquainted with, and joined in a conspiracy with Dathan and Abiram, who were of the tribe of Reuben, Num 16:1.
Gill: 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. And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. The same man, who, with his brother ...
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be 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; he descended from the last and youngest of the families of the Kohathites; and some think this was one reason at least of Korah's dissatisfaction, and of his entering into a conspiracy against Moses and Aaron, because one of a younger family of his house was preferred to this dignity before him.
Gill: 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 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, ...
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:
and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister; all the vessels which belonged to the above things; for the table, candlestick, and altars, all had vessels appertaining to them:
and the hanging; that is, the vail, as Jarchi interprets it, which divided between the, holy and the most holy place; all the other hangings for the court, and the door of it, and for the door of the tabernacle, were the charge of the Gershonites, Num 3:25,
and all the service thereof; what belonged to the things in this part of the tabernacle.
Gill: 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 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest,.... Who was of the first of these families, the Amramites:
shall be chief over the chief of the Levites; ...
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest,.... Who was of the first of these families, the Amramites:
shall be chief over the chief of the Levites; 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:
and have the 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 a, special concern in; see Num 4:32.
Gill: Num 3:33 - Of Merari were the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites // these are the families of Merari Of Merari were the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites,.... So called from his two sons Mahli and Mushi, Num 3:20,
these are t...
Gill: 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 And those that were numbered of them,.... Of the above two families:
according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were s...
And those that were numbered of them,.... Of the above two families:
according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred; 6,200 men; the least number of them all.
Gill: Num 3:35 - And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari // shall be Zuriel the son of Abihail // these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari,.... I think it should rather be rendered, "and the chief of the house", that is, o...
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari,.... I think it should rather be rendered, "and the chief of the house", that is, of the Merarites, "the father to the families of Merari"; the common father to them all, having the chief authority and power over them, and so in Num 3:24,
shall be 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:
these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward; to the left of it, between that and the camp of Dan.
Gill: 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 under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle,.... Both of the holy and the most holy place, which we...
And under the custody and 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,
and the bars thereof; which kept the boards tight and close, see Exo 26:26,
and the pillars thereof; the pillars on which the vail was hung, that divided between the holy and most holy place, and, on which the hanging was put for the door of the vail, Exo 26:32,
and the sockets thereof; in which both the boards and pillars were put, Exo 26:19.
Gill: Num 3:37 - And the pillars of the court round about // and their sockets // and their pins, and their cords And the pillars of the court round about,.... Of the great court which went round the tabernacle, on which pillars the hangings were hung:
and thei...
And the pillars of the court round about,.... Of the great court which went round the tabernacle, on which pillars the hangings were hung:
and their sockets; into which the, pillars were put; of both which see Exo 27:9,
and their pins, and their cords, the pins were fixed in the ground, and the cords fastened the hangings of the court to them, whereby they were kept tight and unmoved by the winds; see Exo 27:19.
Gill: Num 3:38 - And those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east // even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward // shall be Moses, 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 And those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east,.... At which was the entrance into the tabernacle:
even before the tabernacle of the ...
And those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east,.... At which was the entrance into the tabernacle:
even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward; that is, before the court of the tabernacle, where the people assembled together:
shall be Moses, Aaron, and his sons; Moses the chief ruler, and Aaron the high priest, and his sons priests under him; these had the most honourable place of all, beings at the front of the tabernacle, between that and the camp of Judah. There is an extraordinary prick on the word Aaron, to show, as Jarchi says, that he was not in the number of Levites, though of the tribe of Levi, being high priest:
keeping the charge of the sanctuary, 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, as it follows:
and 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; so the Targum of Jonathan.
Gill: 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 All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron,
numbered at the commandment of the Lord, throughout their families,.... Whence it app...
All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron,
numbered at the commandment of the Lord, throughout their families,.... Whence it appears, that Moses was not alone, but Aaron with him, in numbering the Levites, and that by the appointment of the Lord. The word "Aaron", in the Hebrew text, has a dot on every letter, for what reason it is not certain; the word itself is left out in the Samaritan and Syriac versions:
all the males, from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand; 22,000 men; but by putting the sums together they amount to three hundred more; for of the Gershonites there were 7,500, and of the Kohathites 8,600, and of the Merarites 6,200, in all 22,300; which difficulty some endeavour to remove by saying, as Aben Ezra observes, that the Scripture takes a short way, mentioning the thousands, and leaving out the hundreds but this, he says, is not right, nor is it the way of the Scripture in this chapter: and in an after account of the firstborn of the Israelites, not only the hundreds are mentioned, but the broken number of seventy three. Others think there is a corruption crept into the text somewhere in the particular numbers, through the inadvertency of some copyist; and suppose it to be in the number of the Kohathites, where they fancy
Gill: Num 3:40 - And the Lord said unto Moses // number all the firstborn of the children of Israel, from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names And the Lord said unto Moses,.... After he had taken the number of the Levites:
number all the firstborn of the children of Israel, from a month ol...
And the Lord said unto Moses,.... After he had taken the number of the Levites:
number all the firstborn of the children of Israel, from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names; that they might be compared with the number of the Levites, and the difference between them observed.
Gill: Num 3:41 - And thou shall take the Levites for me // I am the Lord // instead of the firstborn among the children of Israel // and the cattle of the Levites, instead of all the firstling among the cattle of the children of Israel And thou shall take the Levites for me,.... For his service, to minister to his priests, and serve in his tabernacle:
I am the Lord; who has a rig...
And thou shall take the Levites for me,.... For his service, to minister to his priests, and serve in his tabernacle:
I am the Lord; who has a right to all, and can claim who he pleases for himself in a special manner, and therefore could and did take the Levites to himself:
instead of the firstborn among the children of Israel; these he had taken to him before, and ordered to be sanctified unto him, and for whom a redemption price was paid to his priests for the support of them, and the tabernacle service, and now it was his will to make an exchange of these for the Levites:
and the cattle of the Levites, instead of all the firstling among the cattle of the children of Israel: every firstling of clean cattle was the Lord's, and given to his priests, and the firstlings of unclean cattle were redeemed with a lamb, and which were given to the same; and now instead of these he requires the cattle of the Levites; not that they should be deprived of their use of them, or that they should be taken and sacrificed, but that they should be with them devoted to him, and they should possess them in his right.
Gill: Num 3:42 - And Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him // all the firstborn among the children of Israel And Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him,.... No doubt assisted by others, though not mentioned:
all the firstborn among the children of Israe...
And Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him,.... No doubt assisted by others, though not mentioned:
all the firstborn among the children of Israel; which some think were only those that were born since they came out of Egypt, as Bonfrerius, Bishop Patrick, and others.
Gill: 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 And all the firstborn males,.... For such only were ordered to be numbered, and not firstborn females:
by the number of names; which were particula...
And all the firstborn males,.... For such only were ordered to be numbered, and not firstborn females:
by the number of names; which were particularly taken:
from a month old and upward; for before that time they were not sanctified to the Lord, nor subject to the redemption price:
of those that were numbered of them were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen; 22,273 men; so that there were two hundred seventy three more than the Levites, Num 3:39.
Gill: Num 3:44 - And the Lord spake unto Moses // saying And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After the number was taken, and gave him directions what to do upon it:
saying; as follows.
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After the number was taken, and gave him directions what to do upon it:
saying; as follows.
Gill: 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 among the children of Israel,.... The Lord had declared before that he had taken them, and now he bids M...
Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel,.... 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:
and 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:
and the Levites shall be mine; in a special manner his, being devoted to his service:
I am the Lord; who had a right to do this, and expected to be obeyed in it.
Gill: 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 And for those that are to be redeemed, &c. With money, there being not Levites enough to answer to them, and exchange for them:
of the two hundred ...
And for those that are to be redeemed, &c. With money, there being not Levites enough to answer to them, and exchange for them:
of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites; for the sum total of the Levites, as given, was but 22,000, Num 3:39, whereas the sum total of the firstborn of Israel were 22,273, Num 3:43, so that there were, two hundred seventy three more of the latter than of the former; and what was to be done with these next follows.
Gill: Num 3:47 - Thou shall even take five shekels apiece the poll // after the shekel of the sanctuary shall thou take them // the shekel is twenty gerahs Thou shall even take five shekels apiece the poll,.... Or head; every firstborn, or his parent for him, was bound to pay five shekels, which were abou...
Thou shall even take five shekels apiece the poll,.... Or head; every firstborn, or his parent for him, was bound to pay five shekels, which were about eleven or twelve shillings of our money, and which was afterwards settled as the price of such a redemption, Num 18:16,
after the shekel of the sanctuary shall thou take them; being full weight according to the standard there kept:
the shekel is twenty gerahs; See Gill on Lev 27:25.
Gill: 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 And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed,.... Or the superfluous number, the number of them that exceeded the...
And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed,.... Or the superfluous number, the number of them that exceeded the Levites, namely, two hundred seventy three; the price of their redemption is ordered to be given
unto Aaron, and to his sons; since the Levites were taken in lieu of the firstborn, whose redemption money belonged to the priests; and seeing the Levites were given to Aaron and his sons on that consideration, and there being a deficiency of them to answer to the firstborn, it was but right and just that the redemption price of the superfluous number should be paid to them.
Gill: Num 3:49 - And Moses took the redemption money // of them that were over and above redeemed by the Levites And Moses took the redemption money,.... Of five shekels per head:
of them that were over and above redeemed by the Levites; or were more than thos...
And Moses took the redemption money,.... Of five shekels per head:
of them that were over and above redeemed by the Levites; or were more than those redeemed by them. A Levite redeemed a firstborn, or freed him from the redemption price, being taken in lieu of him: 22,000 Levites were answerable to 22,000 firstborn of Israel; but as there were no more Levites than the above number, there remained two hundred seventy three firstborn to be redeemed by money, and it was the redemption money of these Moses took.
Gill: 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 Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money,.... Or "for the firstborn", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it, and so the Hebrew p...
Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money,.... Or "for the firstborn", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it, and so the Hebrew particle
a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; 1,365 shekels, which is exactly the number of shekels that two hundred seventy three should pay, reckoning five shekels per head; which Jarchi counts thus, for two hundred firstborn, a thousand shekels; for seventy firstborn, three hundred fifty; and for three firstborn fifteen, shekels, which in all amounted to about an hundred seventy pounds of our money.
Gill: Num 3:51 - And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed // unto Aaron and his sons // according to the word of the Lord // as the Lord commanded Moses And 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 sh...
And 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; and this money, as a recompence for the deficiency of the number of them, to answer to the firstborn exchanged for them:
according to the word of the Lord; Num 3:48,
as the Lord commanded Moses; so did he, being a faithful servant in all things in the house of God; he did not convert it to his own use, or to any other use than to what God had appointed it.