Numbers 8:13
And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֙
And thou shalt set
H5975
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֙
And thou shalt set
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בָנָ֑יו
his sons
H1121
בָנָ֑יו
his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְהֵֽנַפְתָּ֥
and offer
H5130
וְהֵֽנַפְתָּ֥
and offer
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
8 of 11
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
אֹתָ֛ם
H853
אֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Numbers 8:11And 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 8:21And 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.
Historical Context
Aaron, as high priest, received the Levites as assistants to the priesthood. This organizational structure remained until the Babylonian exile (586 BC), though Levitical roles evolved significantly during the monarchy period with temple construction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'given' status of the Levites challenge modern concepts of self-determination and autonomy?
- What gradations of service exist in the church today, and how do they relate to this ancient pattern?
- How does Christ's priesthood both fulfill and abolish the Levitical order?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons—the positioning matters: the Levites stand between the priests and the people, subordinate to the Aaronic priesthood yet elevated above the laity. Offer them for an offering unto the LORD repeats the tenufah concept from verse 11, emphasizing that this is no mere assignment but a solemn presentation. The Hebrew root נתן (natan, 'to give') appears throughout this chapter—the Levites are 'given' ones, wholly devoted.
This three-tiered structure (people—Levites—priests) reflects the gradations of holiness in God's dwelling place. Yet it also anticipates the NT breaking down of barriers: Christ our High Priest makes all believers both 'kings and priests' (Revelation 1:6), collapsing the hierarchy through his mediating work.