Numbers 18:6

And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you [they are] given [as] a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

And I, behold, I have taken {H3947} your brethren {H251} the Levites {H3881} from among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: to you they are given {H5414} as a gift {H4979} for the LORD {H3068}, to do {H5647} the service {H5656} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

I myself have taken your kinsmen the L'vi'im from among the people of Isra'el; they have been given as a gift to ADONAI for you, so that you can perform the service in the tent of meeting.

Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.

And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are a gift, given unto Jehovah, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Numbers 18:6 is a pivotal verse within the divine instructions concerning the roles and responsibilities of the priestly and Levitical tribes in ancient Israel. This verse, spoken by God directly to Aaron (representing the priests), clarifies the unique function of the Levites in the service of the Tabernacle.

Context

This chapter in the Book of Numbers details the sacred duties, privileges, and provisions for the priests (Aaron's direct descendants) and the Levites. Following a period of rebellion against priestly authority (Numbers 16), God reaffirms Aaron's exclusive right to the priesthood. Numbers 18 then outlines the specific responsibilities of both groups. While the priests were to handle the most sacred aspects of the Tabernacle and its holy items, the Levites were given to them as assistants. This verse emphasizes that the Levites were separated from the rest of the Israelite tribes for a distinct purpose, highlighting God's meticulous order for worship and service within the community.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Separation: God explicitly states, "I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel." This underscores that the Levites' role was not self-chosen but divinely ordained and set apart from the general population, specifically for sacred service. This separation echoes the broader concept of Israel as God's chosen people.
  • Subordinate but Essential Service: The Levites were given "to you [the priests]... to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Their primary duty was to assist the priests in the physical care, transport, and maintenance of the Tabernacle, ensuring its proper function and sanctity. This division of labor prevented unauthorized access to holy things, which carried severe penalties (Numbers 3:10).
  • A "Gift for the LORD": The phrase "given as a gift for the LORD" (Hebrew: Χ Φ°Χͺֻנִים, netunim, meaning "given ones" or "dedicated ones") signifies that the Levites were not merely servants of the priests, but ultimately servants dedicated to God Himself. They were a special offering from the tribes of Israel, substituting for the firstborn of every family, whom God had claimed as His own (Numbers 3:12-13).
  • Order and Holiness: This verse contributes to the overarching theme of God's desire for order and holiness in worship. By clearly delineating roles for the priests and Levites, God ensured that His presence among His people was approached with reverence and according to His strict instructions.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "given" or "gift" here, netunim (from the root Χ ΦΈΧͺַן, natan, to give), is significant. It emphasizes that the Levites were not merely assigned a task but were literally "given over" or "dedicated" by God for this specific purpose. This highlights their divine appointment and the sacred nature of their calling, making their service a direct offering to the Lord through the hands of the priests.

Practical Application

While the Levitical system is part of the Old Covenant, its principles offer enduring lessons for believers today. Just as the Levites were uniquely chosen and dedicated to God's service, so too are believers under the New Covenant called to serve. Every Christian is part of a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation," set apart for God's purposes.

  • Recognizing God's Call: We are all called to service in various capacities within the body of Christ, whether in prominent or supporting roles.
  • Serving with Dedication: Our service, like that of the Levites, should be seen as a "gift for the LORD," done with diligence and reverence, knowing we serve God first.
  • Valuing Diverse Roles: The New Testament teaches that the Church functions effectively when each member uses their God-given gifts to support the whole, just as the Levites supported the priests in the Tabernacle's operation (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 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.

  • Numbers 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;

  • Numbers 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.

  • Ezekiel 34:11

    For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

  • Numbers 8:16

    For they [are] wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, [even instead of] the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.

  • Numbers 8:19

    And I have given the Levites [as] a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.

  • Isaiah 51:12

    I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;
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