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.

And thou shalt give {H5414} the Levites {H3881} unto Aaron {H175} and to his sons {H1121}: they are wholly given {H5414} unto him out of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Assign the L'vi'im to Aharon and his sons; their one responsibility in regard to the people of Isra'el is to serve him.

Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him from among the Israelites.

And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 3 marks a pivotal moment in the organization of ancient Israel's worship, detailing the specific roles and responsibilities of the tribe of Levi. Following the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood for the Tabernacle service, this chapter focuses on the Levites as their dedicated assistants. Verse 9 specifically articulates the divine mandate for the Levites to be given over entirely to Aaron and his sons, highlighting their unique position within the broader community of Israel. This arrangement ensured the proper care and transport of the holy Tabernacle and its sacred vessels, a task too holy for the common Israelite and too extensive for the priests alone.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment and Dedication: The phrase "wholly given" underscores that the Levites' service was not a human choice but a divine decree. They were specifically chosen by God for this sacred task, signifying a complete dedication to the priestly house and the worship of the Lord.
  • Support for the Priesthood: The primary function of the Levites was to assist Aaron and his descendants in their priestly duties. This included maintaining the Tabernacle, carrying its components during journeys, and ensuring the sanctity of the sacred space. Their role was indispensable for the functioning of Israel's worship system, as detailed in Numbers 1:50-53.
  • Substitution for the Firstborn: As elaborated in subsequent verses (e.g., Numbers 3:12-13), the Levites were given to God in place of the firstborn sons of Israel, who were originally consecrated to the Lord. This act of substitution further emphasizes the sacred nature of their calling.
  • Order and Structure in Worship: This verse, along with the entire chapter, illustrates God's meticulous attention to order and structure in the administration of His worship. Clear roles were assigned to ensure that all aspects of service were carried out with reverence and precision.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "wholly given" translates the Hebrew term Χ Φ°Χͺוּנִים (nethunim), which means "given ones" or "those who are given." This term emphasizes the idea of being specifically designated or appointed for a particular purpose, rather than simply being assigned. It highlights a complete and unreserved dedication, reflecting that their service was a divine gift to the priests and to God's sanctuary. This concept of being "given" for service resonates with the idea of presenting oneself as a living sacrifice in later biblical thought.

Practical Application

While the specific duties of the Levites were tied to the Old Testament Tabernacle, the principle of dedicated service and support for spiritual leadership remains timeless. This verse reminds believers today of several important truths:

  • Called to Serve: Every believer is called to serve God in some capacity, using their unique gifts and talents for the benefit of the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10).
  • Supporting Leadership: Just as the Levites supported the priests, there is a biblical precedent for believers to respect and support those in spiritual leadership within the church.
  • Order in Ministry: God values order and intentionality in ministry. Recognizing and fulfilling our specific roles contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the community of faith.
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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Numbers 18:7

    Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Ephesians 4:8

    Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

  • Ephesians 4:11

    And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
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