Numbers 18:2
And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַ֣ם
H1571
וְגַ֣ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַחֶיךָ֩
And thy brethren
H251
אַחֶיךָ֩
And thy brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
3 of 18
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
מַטֵּ֨ה
also of the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֨ה
also of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
4 of 18
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
שֵׁ֤בֶט
the tribe
H7626
שֵׁ֤בֶט
the tribe
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
6 of 18
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
of thy father
H1
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
of thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הַקְרֵ֣ב
bring
H7126
הַקְרֵ֣ב
bring
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
8 of 18
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אִתָּ֔ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְיִלָּו֥וּ
thou with thee that they may be joined
H3867
וְיִלָּו֥וּ
thou with thee that they may be joined
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
עָלֶ֖יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וִֽישָׁרְת֑וּךָ
unto thee and minister
H8334
וִֽישָׁרְת֑וּךָ
unto thee and minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
12 of 18
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
unto thee but thou and thy sons
H1121
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
unto thee but thou and thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִתָּ֔ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לִפְנֵ֖י
with thee shall minister before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
with thee shall minister before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
16 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
The Levites' service included carrying tabernacle components (chapter 4), guarding the sanctuary (3:7-8), and teaching the law (Deuteronomy 33:10). Their role, though distinct from priesthood, was essential to Israel's worship. This division of labor maximized effectiveness while maintaining order.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you embrace your God-given role without coveting others' assignments?
- What happens when we blur distinctions God has established between different callings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
While Aaron's sons served as priests, the Levites were 'joined' (Hebrew word-play on 'Levi') to assist them. God established a hierarchical service structure—all sacred but with different functions. This demonstrates that God's economy involves diverse roles, each vital but not interchangeable. Rebellion like Korah's arose from refusing divinely appointed distinctions.