Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryNumbers 8

Lightest the lamps. Literally, “set up the lamps.”

The candlestick. The seven lamps of the candlestick, as a unit, illuminated the sanctuary.

Aaron did so. (See Ex. 27:21; 30:8; Lev. 24:3, 2; 2 Chron. 13:11).

Beaten work. Probably identical with the type of hammered work, repoussé, that has been common throughout the East from very ancient times (see Ex. 25:18, 31, 36; 37:7, 17–22). These words are form from a Hebrew term translated “of a whole piece” in Num. 10:2.

Cleanse them. This ritual was to be performed for the Levites before they entered upon their solemn duties.

Water of purifying. Literally, “water of transgression,” that is, water that washes away transgression. This expression is not found elsewhere in the Bible. What was added to the water we are not told. Compare “waters of bitterness” and “water of impurity” (see on ch. 19:9, 18, 19), and the water for cleansing the leper (Lev. 14:4–7). Shave. Literally, “cause a razor to pass over.” Compare this case with that of the Nazirite (ch. 6:9), the leper (Lev. 14:8), and the captive woman (Deut. 21:12).

Put their hands. This was a representative act. Some commentators think it was perhaps carried out by the princes, transferring to the Levites the obligations of the congregation in connection with the tabernacle services. The Levites were given to God instead of the first-born; and as the whole family was sanctified through the first-born, so the whole congregation benefited.

Offer the Levites. This command is repeated three times (vs. 11, 13, 15). The Levites were a living offering, for service (see Rom. 12:1).

Wholly given unto me. See on ch. 3:9. Instead of the firstborn. Who belonged to God (vs. 17, 18; cf. ch. 3:12, 13).

To make an atonement. Literally, “to make a covering,” the same root word from which comes the word translated “mercy seat.” By discharging these services the Levites made atonement for the children of Israel. Plague. Often a visitation for disobedience (Ex. 12:13; 30:12; Joshua 22:17). The Levites came between God and the congregation, thus providing a “cover” (atonement) for them.

Were purified. Literally, “unsinned,” referring to the personal preparation required and not to the ceremonial sprinkling (v. 7).

Twenty and five. A Levite between the ages of 25 and 50 years was to accept the responsibilities of the services of the tabernacle. At the age of 50 years he was freed from such duties. There remained to him the privilege of doing minor services in the sanctuary on a voluntary basis, as a mark of honor. He was not arbitrarily retired contrary to his own wishes.