Introduction
Overview
Numbers 4 . 1 , The age at which the Levites were to begin to serve , and the duration of the service; Numbers 4 . 4 , The duty of the Kohathites; Numbers 4 . 16 , The charge of Eleazar; Numbers 4 . 17 , The office of the priests; Numbers 4 . 21 , The duty of the Gershonites; Numbers 4 . 29 , of the Merarites; Numbers 4 . 34 , The number of the Kohathites; Numbers 4 . 38 , of the Gershonites Numbers 4 . 42 , and of the Merarites.
Reciprocal . Genesis 46 . 11 . Levi Exodus 31 . 6 . that they Numbers 1 . 47 . General Numbers 4 . 49 . as the Lord Numbers 7 . 66 . On the tenth day Numbers 8 . 1 . General
Numbers 3 . 19 , Numbers 3 . 27
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 34 . General Joshua 21 . 10 . General 1 Chronicles 15 . 2 . None ought to 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 . the Levites 2 Chronicles 29 . 12 . Kohathites
thirty years . Numbers 8 . 24-26 , Genesis 41 . 46 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 24-27 , 1 Chronicles 28 . 12 , 1 Chronicles 28 . 13 , Luke 3 . 23 , 1 Timothy 3 . 6
enter . 2 Kings 11 . 4-12 , 2 Chronicles 23 . 1-11 , 2 Corinthians 10 . 3 , 2 Corinthians 10 . 4 , Ephesians 6 . 10-18 , 1 Timothy 1 . 18
to do . Numbers 3 . 7 , Numbers 3 . 8 , Numbers 16 . 9 , 1 Chronicles 6 . 48 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 4 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 5 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 28-32 , 1 Timothy 3 . 1
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 23 . thirty years Numbers 4 . 30 . service Numbers 4 . 35 . General Numbers 4 . 47 . From thirty Numbers 8 . 15 . go in 2 Chronicles 31 . 17 . twenty Ezra 3 . 8 . twenty years old Ezekiel 1 . 1 . in the thirtieth
Numbers 4 . 15 , Numbers 4 . 19 , Numbers 4 . 24 , Numbers 4 . 30 , Numbers 3 . 30 , Numbers 3 . 31 , Mark 13 . 34
Reciprocal . Exodus 39 . 32 . all the Numbers 7 . 9 . unto the Numbers 10 . 21 . the Kohathites 1 Samuel 6 . 19 . he smote 1 Chronicles 13 . 2 . the priests Ezra 8 . 28 . the vessels
And when . Numbers 2 . 16 , Numbers 2 . 17 , Numbers 10 . 14
Aaron shall come . The law prohibiting any person , except the high priest on one day in the year , to enter into the most holy place , must have admitted an exception while the Israelites were in the wilderness . that exception , therefore , is here expressly made; and the directions given respecting it must be religiously observed , or the service could not be safely performed. While the cloud rested on the tabernacle , the general rule was in force; but when it was removed , then the priests might enter to prepare the sacred vessels for removal. Numbers 4 . 15 , Numbers 3 . 27-32
they shall . Exodus 26 . 31-33 , Exodus 36 . 35 , Exodus 40 . 3 , Isaiah 25 . 7 , Matthew 27 . 51 , Hebrews 9 . 3 , Hebrews 10 . 20
and cover . Exodus 25 . 10-22 , Exodus 37 . 1-9 , 2 Samuel 6 . 2-9
Reciprocal . Exodus 26 . 14 . a covering Exodus 31 . 10 . General Exodus 35 . 19 . The cloths Numbers 1 . 51 . the Levites 1 Samuel 4 . 4 . with the ark 1 Samuel 6 . 19 . he smote 2 Samuel 6 . 3 . set 1 Chronicles 23 . 26 . carry Revelation 11 . 19 . the ark
badgers' skins . This was not the covering of badgers' skins made for the tabernacle , which was carried by the Gershonites . Numbers 4 . 24 , and Numbers 4 . 25 , but one made for the purpose of concealing and sheltering the ark when it was to be carried.
a cloth . Numbers 4 . 7 , Numbers 4 . 8 , Numbers 4 . 11-13 , Exodus 35 . 19 , Exodus 39 . 1 , Exodus 39 . 41
and shall put . Wesamoo baddaiv , rather , "and adjust the staves thereof;" i.e. , dispose them rightly under the covering , that they might be laid on their shoulders . for the staves were never taken out of the rings.
the staves . Exodus 25 . 13-15 , 1 Kings 8 . 7 , 1 Kings 8 . 8
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 10 . General Numbers 4 . 13 . General 1 Chronicles 15 . 15 . bare the ark 2 Chronicles 5 . 8 . the staves
the table . Exodus 25 . 23-30 , Exodus 37 . 10-16 , Leviticus 24 . 5-8
cover withal . or , pour out withal
the continual . The Israelites , without doubt , were able to procure corn enough from the adjacent countries , even when in the wilderness , to make the shewbread , and to present the daily meat offerings.
Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 29 . the Exodus 25 . 30 . General Leviticus 24 . 8 . General Numbers 4 . 6 . a cloth Numbers 4 . 8 . General Numbers 4 . 12 . General Numbers 7 . 14 . spoon Jeremiah 52 . 18 . bowls Hosea 9 . 4 . their bread Zechariah 14 . 20 . the bowls
Numbers 4 . 6 , Numbers 4 . 7 , Numbers 4 . 9 , Numbers 4 . 11-13
Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 13 . General Joshua 2 . 18 . scarlet thread Song of Solomon 4 . 3 . scarlet
Exodus 25 . 31-39 , Exodus 37 . 17-24 , Psalm 119 . 105 , Revelation 1 . 20 , Revelation 2 . 1
Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 38 . the tongs Leviticus 24 . 4 . the pure Numbers 4 . 8 . General Numbers 4 . 12 . General Numbers 4 . 16 . the office 1 Kings 7 . 49 . the tongs
Numbers 4 . 6 , Numbers 4 . 12
Reciprocal . Exodus 26 . 14 . rams' skins dyed red
Exodus 30 . 1-19 , Exodus 37 . 25-28 , Exodus 39 . 38 , Exodus 40 . 5 , Exodus 40 . 26 , Exodus 40 . 27
Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 13 . General Numbers 4 . 6 . a cloth Numbers 4 . 8 . General Numbers 4 . 13 . General
Numbers 4 . 7 , Numbers 4 . 9 , Numbers 3 . 8 , Exodus 25 . 9 , Exodus 31 . 10 , 2 Kings 25 . 14 , 2 Kings 25 . 15 , 1 Chronicles 9 . 29 , 2 Chronicles 4 . 11 , 2 Chronicles 4 . 16 , 2 Chronicles 4 . 19 , 2 Chronicles 4 . 22
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 10 . General Numbers 4 . 13 . General
The embers of the sacred fire seem to have been removed in the grate , which was carried apart from the brazen altar; both being covered from view by purple cloths. Numbers 4 . 6-9 , Numbers 4 . 11 , Numbers 4 . 12 , Exodus 27 . 3-5 , Exodus 39 . 1 , Exodus 39 . 41 , Leviticus 6 . 12 , Leviticus 6 . 13
Reciprocal . Exodus 27 . 7 . bear it
all the vessels thereof . Exodus 38 . 1-7 , 2 Chronicles 4 . 19
basins . or , bowls
Reciprocal . Exodus 25 . 13 . General Exodus 27 . 3 . fleshhooks Exodus 27 . 7 . bear it Exodus 37 . 4 . staves Leviticus 6 . 12 . the fire Jeremiah 52 . 18 . the shovels Zechariah 14 . 20 . the bowls
after that . Numbers 7 . 9 , Numbers 10 . 21 , Deuteronomy 31 . 9 , Joshua 4 . 10 , 2 Samuel 6 . 13 , 1 Chronicles 15 . 2 , 1 Chronicles 15 . 15
they shall . Numbers 3 . 38 , Exodus 19 . 12 , 1 Samuel 6 . 19 , 2 Samuel 6 . 6 , 2 Samuel 6 . 7 , 1 Chronicles 13 . 9 , 1 Chronicles 13 . 10 , Hebrews 12 . 18-29
These things . Numbers 3 . 30 , Numbers 3 . 31
Reciprocal . Exodus 37 . 4 . staves Exodus 37 . 5 . General Numbers 1 . 50 . thou shalt Numbers 3 . 8 . General Numbers 4 . 4 . General Numbers 4 . 5 . Aaron shall come Numbers 4 . 20 . they shall Numbers 4 . 24 . burdens Numbers 4 . 47 . every one Numbers 4 . 49 . every one Numbers 18 . 2 . but thou Numbers 18 . 3 . neither Deuteronomy 10 . 8 . bear Joshua 3 . 3 . the priests 1 Samuel 4 . 4 . with the ark 2 Samuel 15 . 24 . bearing 1 Kings 8 . 3 . the priests took up 1 Chronicles 9 . 11 . the ruler 1 Chronicles 13 . 7 . carried the ark 1 Chronicles 15 . 13 . for that 2 Chronicles 5 . 4 . the Levites 2 Chronicles 35 . 3 . not be Revelation 11 . 19 . the ark
the office . Eleazar himself , perhaps with the other priests , was required to carry the oil for the light , the incense , and the flour for the daily meat offering , and the holy ointment; besides superintending the Levites. It may be supposed , that he himself carried no more of the oil than for present use . see note on Numbers 4 . 9. Numbers 3 . 32
the oil . Exodus 25 . 6 , Exodus 27 . 20 , Exodus 27 . 21 , Leviticus 24 . 2
the sweet . Exodus 30 . 34-38 , Exodus 37 . 29
the daily . Exodus 29 . 39-41
the anointing . Exodus 30 . 23-33
the oversight . Luke 4 . 18 , Acts 20 . 28 , 1 Corinthians 4 . 1 , 1 Timothy 2 . 5 , Hebrews 3 . 1 , Hebrews 3 . 6 , 1 Peter 2 . 25 , 1 Peter 5 . 2
Reciprocal . 1 Chronicles 9 . 11 . the ruler 1 Chronicles 9 . 20 . Phinehas
Eleazar and the priests would be chargeable with the death of the Kohathites , if they failed to give them proper cautions and directions; or permitted them to gaze with irreverence or curiosity upon the holy things , which they might carry , but not see . Numbers 4 . 20. Numbers 16 . 32 , Numbers 17 . 10 , Numbers 18 . 5 , Exodus 19 . 21 , Leviticus 10 . 1 , Leviticus 10 . 2 , 1 Samuel 6 . 19 , 2 Samuel 6 . 6 , 2 Samuel 6 . 7 , Jeremiah 38 . 23
the most holy . Numbers 4 . 4
Reciprocal . Leviticus 16 . 2 . that he die not Numbers 4 . 20 . they shall Numbers 4 . 24 . burdens Numbers 18 . 3 . only they 2 Samuel 6 . 6 . put forth 1 Chronicles 15 . 2 . None ought to Ezra 8 . 28 . the vessels
they shall . Numbers 4 . 15 , Numbers 4 . 19 , Exodus 19 . 21 , Leviticus 10 . 2 , 1 Samuel 6 . 19 , Hebrews 10 . 19 , Hebrews 10 . 20 , Revelation 11 . 19
the holy things . Hakkodesh , "the holy ," or "sanctuary ," i.e. , the ark , as the Jews generally understand it; and with good reason , as any one may be convinced , who compares 1 Kings 8 . 8 , with 2 Chronicles 5 . 9 , where that which is called the holy in the former , is called the ark in the latter.
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 18 . General Numbers 18 . 3 . only they 2 Samuel 6 . 6 . put forth 1 Chronicles 15 . 2 . None ought to Ezra 8 . 28 . the vessels
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 49 . as the Lord
Numbers 3 . 18 , Numbers 3 . 21 , Numbers 3 . 24
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 41 . General
thirty years . Numbers 4 . 3
to perform the service . Heb. to war the warfare , Numbers 4 . 3 , Isaiah 63 . 1-4 , Romans 7 . 14-24 , 1 Corinthians 9 . 7 , 2 Corinthians 6 . 7 , 2 Corinthians 10 . 3-5 , Ephesians 6 . 10-19 , Galatians 5 . 17 , Galatians 5 . 24 , 1 Timothy 1 . 18 , 2 Timothy 2 . 3 , 2 Timothy 2 . 4 , 2 Timothy 4 . 7
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 30 . service Numbers 4 . 35 . General Numbers 4 . 47 . From thirty Numbers 8 . 24 . from twenty Numbers 8 . 25 . cease waiting upon the service thereof 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 . the Levites
burdens . or , carriage , Numbers 4 . 15 , Numbers 4 . 19 , Numbers 4 . 27 , Numbers 4 . 31 , Numbers 4 . 32 , Numbers 4 . 47 , Numbers 4 . 49
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 25 . the charge Numbers 4 . 6 . badgers' skins Numbers 7 . 7 . Two wagons Numbers 10 . 17 . the sons
the curtains . Numbers 3 . 25 , Numbers 3 . 26 , Numbers 7 . 5-7
the covering . Exodus 26 . 14
Reciprocal . Exodus 26 . 2 . curtain Exodus 26 . 7 . curtains Numbers 1 . 50 . thou shalt Numbers 4 . 6 . badgers' skins Numbers 7 . 7 . sons of Gershon
the hangings . Exodus 27 . 9
and their cords . Exodus 35 . 18
appointment . Heb. mouth , The Levites were under the command of the priests. Eleazar exercised this authority in general , as next in succession to Aaron , and he in particular was placed over the Kohathites; while Ithamar , his younger brother , commanded the Gershonites and Merarites . Numbers 4 . 33. Luke 1 . 70 , 1 Corinthians 11 . 2
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 16 . word Numbers 3 . 32 . General Numbers 4 . 24 . burdens Numbers 20 . 24 . word Numbers 26 . 62 . those that
Numbers 4 . 33 , 1 Corinthians 12 . 5 , 1 Corinthians 12 . 6
Reciprocal . Exodus 38 . 21 . by the hand Numbers 3 . 8 . General Numbers 7 . 8 . four wagons 1 Chronicles 9 . 11 . the ruler 1 Chronicles 9 . 20 . Phinehas
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 36 . under the custody and charge Numbers 4 . 45 . General
service . Heb. warfare , Numbers 4 . 3 , Numbers 4 . 23 , Psalm 110 . 1-7 , 1 Timothy 6 . 11 , 1 Timothy 6 . 12 , 2 Timothy 2 . 4 , 2 Timothy 4 . 7 , 2 Timothy 4 . 8
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 4 . General Numbers 4 . 35 . General Numbers 4 . 47 . From thirty 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 . the Levites
the charge . Numbers 3 . 36 , Numbers 3 . 37 , Numbers 7 . 8 , Numbers 7 . 9
the boards . Exodus 26 . 15
Reciprocal . Exodus 26 . 19 . forty sockets of silver Exodus 26 . 26 . bars of shittim wood Numbers 4 . 24 . burdens Numbers 4 . 49 . every one
and by name . An inventory was taken of every particular , even to the very pins belonging to each part , that nothing might be wanting when the tabernacle was set up.
the instruments . Numbers 3 . 8 , Numbers 7 . 1 , Exodus 25 . 9 , Exodus 38 . 17 , Exodus 38 . 21 , 1 Chronicles 9 . 29
Reciprocal . Exodus 26 . 15 . boards Exodus 26 . 19 . forty sockets of silver Exodus 27 . 19 . all the pins thereof Numbers 4 . 24 . burdens Numbers 7 . 8 . the sons
under the hand . Numbers 4 . 28 , Joshua 3 . 6 , Isaiah 3 . 6
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 8 . General Numbers 4 . 27 . appointment 1 Chronicles 9 . 11 . the ruler 1 Chronicles 9 . 20 . Phinehas
Reciprocal . 1 Chronicles 23 . 24 . after the house
Numbers 4 . 3 , Numbers 4 . 23 , Numbers 4 . 30 , Numbers 4 . 39 , Numbers 4 . 43 , Numbers 4 . 47 , Numbers 8 . 24-26 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 24 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 26 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 27 , 1 Chronicles 28 . 13 , Luke 3 . 23 , 1 Timothy 3 . 6
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 28 . eight thousand
In the third chapter we have an account of the whole number of the Levites; and here of those only who were able to serve the Lord in the sanctuary. By comparing the two places , we find the number of the effective and ineffective males to stand thus .
Families , Effective Men , Ineffective Men , Totals
Kohathites 2 ,750 5 ,850 8 ,600 Gershonites 2 ,630 4 ,870 7 ,500 Merarites 3 ,200 3 ,000 6 ,200
Thus we find that the whole number of the Levites amounted to 22 ,300; of whom 8 ,580 were fit for service and 13 ,720 unfit , being either too old or too young. What an astonishing number of men , all performing some service by which God was glorified , and the congregation at large benefited!
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 28 . eight thousand Numbers 4 . 44 . General
Reciprocal . Leviticus 26 . 46 . by the hand Numbers 3 . 16 . word Numbers 4 . 47 . every one Numbers 4 . 49 . According to the
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 22 . from a month old 2 Chronicles 31 . 17 . genealogy
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 35 . General Luke 3 . 23 . thirty
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 44 . General Numbers 7 . 7 . sons of Gershon
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 16 . word Numbers 4 . 49 . According to the
Reciprocal . 1 Chronicles 6 . 47 . Merari 2 Chronicles 31 . 17 . genealogy
Reciprocal . Numbers 4 . 35 . General 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 . the Levites Luke 3 . 23 . thirty
The family of Merari , though smaller than either of the other families of Levi , yet had a greater number of able men than any of them; for out of 6 ,200 males of a month old and upwards , we find 3 ,200 who were neither too young nor too old for the service of the sanctuary; which was more than one-half of their whole number. In this the wisdom and providence of God appear most conspicuously; for the Merarites were charged with the heaviest part of the sanctuary , as the boards , bars , sockets , etc; and though waggons were afterwards provided for them , yet the loading and unloading of the sockets , and other things of great weight , would require much strength , both bodily and numerical. . Compare Numbers 4 . 36 , and Numbers 4 . 40 , with Numbers 3 . 22 , Numbers 3 . 28 , Numbers 3 . 24. Thus God ever manifests his wisdom , in fitting men for the work to which they are appointed , whether with respect to number or gifts . "For to one is given , by the Spirit , the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge , by the same Spirit; to another faith , by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing , by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues , but all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit , dividing to every man severally as he will." Numbers 3 . 34 , Deuteronomy 33 . 25 , 1 Corinthians 10 . 13 , 1 Corinthians 12 . 8-12 , 2 Corinthians 12 . 9 , 2 Corinthians 12 . 10
Reciprocal . Exodus 27 . 6 . staves for the altar
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 16 . word Numbers 4 . 49 . According to the
Reciprocal . 2 Chronicles 31 . 17 . genealogy
From thirty . Numbers 4 . 3 , Numbers 4 . 23 , Numbers 4 . 30 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 , 1 Chronicles 23 . 27
every one . Numbers 4 . 15 , Numbers 4 . 24 , Numbers 4 . 37 , Romans 12 . 6-8 , 1 Corinthians 12 . 4-31
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 39 . and Aaron Numbers 4 . 35 . General Luke 3 . 23 . thirty
Numbers 3 . 39 , Matthew 7 . 14 , Matthew 20 . 16 , Matthew 22 . 15
Reciprocal . Numbers 7 . 8 . the sons Numbers 26 . 62 . those that 1 Chronicles 23 . 3 . thirty and eight
According to the . Numbers 4 . 37 , Numbers 4 . 41 , Numbers 4 . 45 , Numbers 1 . 54 , Numbers 2 . 33 , Numbers 3 . 51
every one . Numbers 4 . 15 , Numbers 4 . 24 , Numbers 4 . 31 , Isaiah 11 . 2-4 , Isaiah 42 . 1-7 , Isaiah 49 . 1-8 , Romans 12 . 4-8
as the Lord . Numbers 4 . 1 , Numbers 4 . 21
Reciprocal . Numbers 3 . 16 . word Numbers 26 . 57 . of Gershon Deuteronomy 10 . 8 . time the Lord 1 Chronicles 6 . 48 . brethren 1 Chronicles 23 . 26 . carry Zechariah 12 . 13 . Levi