Numbers 8:21

And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them [as] an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.

And the Levites {H3881} were purified {H2398}, and they washed {H3526} their clothes {H899}; and Aaron {H175} offered {H5130} them as an offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and Aaron {H175} made an atonement {H3722} for them to cleanse {H2891} them.

The L'vi'im purified themselves and washed their clothes. Then Aharon offered them as a holy gift before ADONAI and made atonement for them in order to cleanse them.

The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them.

And the Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes: and Aaron offered them for a wave-offering before Jehovah; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.

Commentary

Numbers 8:21 describes a crucial step in the consecration of the Levites for their sacred service in the Tabernacle. This verse highlights their purification rituals and the pivotal role of Aaron, the High Priest, in presenting them before the LORD and making atonement on their behalf. This act symbolized their readiness and acceptability to serve in God's presence.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (Numbers 8:5-26) detailing the specific instructions for consecrating the Levites. Unlike the priests (descendants of Aaron), the Levites were not to offer sacrifices, but were designated to assist the priests in the service of the Tabernacle, carrying its components, setting it up, and maintaining its holy vessels. Their purification and dedication were essential because they would handle holy things and draw near to the sacred space of God's dwelling among Israel. This ritual served as a formal separation from the other tribes, marking them as uniquely set apart for divine work.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Consecration: The washing of clothes and the act of being "purified" underscore the absolute necessity of ceremonial cleanliness and holiness when approaching God or engaging in His service. This physical purification symbolized an inward readiness and dedication.
  • Mediation and Atonement: Aaron, acting as the High Priest, performed the atonement for the Levites. This was not for specific sins but for their general state, making them ceremonially fit for service. Aaron's mediation highlights the importance of an intercessor between God and His people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Christ.
  • Divine Appointment and Readiness for Service: The entire ritual prepared the Levites for their divinely appointed roles. It was a formal commissioning, ensuring they were consecrated and acceptable to God before undertaking their significant responsibilities in the wilderness journey and beyond.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "purified" is tahar (ื˜ื”ืจ), meaning to be clean, pure, or ceremonially cleansed. This term is used extensively in the Old Testament for various forms of ritual purification necessary for approaching God. The word for "atonement" is kaphar (ื›ึธึผืคึทืจ), which literally means to cover, purge, or make reconciliation. In this context, it speaks to the act of covering or cleansing the Levites from any defilement that would hinder their sacred duties, making them acceptable before the LORD.

Practical Application

While believers today are not under the Old Testament ceremonial law, the principles of purity and consecration remain vital. Just as the Levites were cleansed for service, Christians are called to spiritual purity and dedication in their service to God. Our ultimate cleansing comes not through ritual washings but through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who is our Great High Priest (Hebrews 9:12). This verse reminds us that serving God requires a heart set apart for Him, cleansed and ready to fulfill the purpose for which He has called us. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1), understanding that our spiritual cleansing enables us to draw near and serve Him effectively.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 8:7 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 19:19 (3 votes)

    And the clean [person] shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.

  • Numbers 8:11 (3 votes)

    And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD [for] an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD.

  • Numbers 8:13 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them [for] an offering unto the LORD.

  • Numbers 8:15 (3 votes)

    And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them [for] an offering.

  • Numbers 3:12 (2 votes)

    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 19:12 (2 votes)

    He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean.