Numbers 8:7

And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and [so] make themselves clean.

And thus shalt thou do {H6213} unto them, to cleanse {H2891} them: Sprinkle {H5137} water {H4325} of purifying {H2403} upon them, and let them shave {H8593}{H5674} all their flesh {H1320}, and let them wash {H3526} their clothes {H899}, and so make themselves clean {H2891}.

Here is how you are to cleanse them: sprinkle the purification water on them, have them shave their whole body with a razor, and have them wash their clothes and cleanse themselves.

This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.

And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of expiation upon them, and let them cause a razor to pass over all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 8:7

Numbers 8:7 is part of a detailed instruction from God to Moses regarding the consecration of the Levites for their sacred service in the Tabernacle. This chapter specifically outlines the precise purification rites required for the Levites before they could begin their duties, distinguishing them from the Aaronite priests but assigning them vital supportive roles. Their thorough cleansing was an essential prerequisite for their dedicated service, emphasizing the profound holiness required for those who would approach and serve God in His sanctuary. This process immediately follows the instructions for the lighting of the lamps on the menorah (Numbers 8:2), setting the stage for the proper and pure functioning of the Tabernacle worship system.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Purity for Service: The primary message conveyed is that serving God demands a prior state of purity and consecration. The detailed steps outlined—sprinkling, shaving, and washing—underscore the thoroughness of the required cleansing. This was not merely physical cleanliness but a symbolic purification to prepare the Levites for their holy work.
  • Ritual Cleansing and Separation: The verse highlights specific ceremonial actions prescribed by God for the Levites. The "water of purifying" (Hebrew: mey chattath, "water of sin" or "water of purification from sin") was a special mixture used for ritual purification, similar to the "water of separation" mentioned in other contexts like Numbers 19:9 for defilement by a corpse. Shaving "all their flesh" was an unusually drastic measure, symbolizing a complete removal of previous defilement and a fresh start, marking them as distinct and set apart for their unique role.
  • Divine Ordination and Obedience: These specific instructions are not arbitrary but divinely ordained. God Himself dictates the terms of service, emphasizing His sovereignty and the absolute necessity of obedience in all aspects of worship and ministry within the Old Covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "water of purifying" translates the Hebrew mey chattath (מֵי חַטָּאת). While literally meaning "water of sin," it is understood as water used for purification from ritual impurity or sin, indicating its purpose in cleansing from defilement that could hinder one from approaching God. The verb "shave" (galach - גָּלַח) implies a complete and thorough removal of hair, signifying a radical cleansing and a break from a previous state. This deep cleansing act is also seen in contexts of purification from severe defilement, such as in Leviticus 14:8 for the cleansing of a leper, underscoring the seriousness of the Levites' consecration.

Practical Application

While the specific rituals of Numbers 8:7 are part of the Old Covenant and are not practiced today, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers:

  • Preparation for Ministry: Just as the Levites had to be purified, those who serve God today are called to spiritual purity and consecration. This involves a heart cleansed by faith in Christ and a commitment to living a life that honors God. As 2 Timothy 2:21 suggests, we should cleanse ourselves to be instruments for noble purposes.
  • Thoroughness of Cleansing: The detailed and rigorous nature of the Levites' purification (shaving, washing, sprinkling) speaks to the thoroughness God desires in our spiritual cleansing. It's not a superficial act but a deep, transformative process that affects every part of our being.
  • Symbolism of Transformation: The shaving of "all their flesh" can be seen as a powerful symbol of shedding the old self and embracing a new identity completely dedicated to God. This concept is beautifully echoed in the New Testament call to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Through faith in Jesus, believers are spiritually cleansed and set apart for God's service, not by ritual but by grace and truth, as seen in the "washing of regeneration" in Titus 3:5.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 19:7 (3 votes)

    Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even.

  • Numbers 19:10 (3 votes)

    And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever.

  • Numbers 19:13 (3 votes)

    Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness [is] yet upon him.

  • Leviticus 8:6 (3 votes)

    And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

  • James 4:8 (2 votes)

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

  • Genesis 35:2 (2 votes)

    Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

  • Psalms 51:2 (2 votes)

    Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.