Numbers 8:20
And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.
Original Language Analysis
עָשׂ֥וּ
did
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֥ת
and all the congregation
H5712
עֲדַ֥ת
and all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
5 of 20
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כְּ֠כֹל
H3605
כְּ֠כֹל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֤ה
according unto all that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
according unto all that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֵּן
H3651
כֵּן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשׂ֥וּ
did
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
This verse concludes the Levitical consecration ceremony (Numbers 8:5-22), conducted at Sinai during Israel's second year of wilderness wandering (ca. 1445 BC). Moses mediated between God and people while Aaron supervised priestly functions, establishing patterns for Israel's tabernacle service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the corporate obedience of Israel's leaders and congregation model accountability in Christian community?
- What does complete conformity to God's commands ('according unto all') teach about partial obedience?
- How does Levitical consecration foreshadow Christ's setting apart of believers for holy service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation... did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded—This verse emphasizes complete obedience (שָׁמַע shama, to hear and obey) to divine instruction regarding Levitical consecration. The threefold witness (Moses, Aaron, congregation) establishes the corporate nature of Israel's covenant obedience.
The phrase according unto all (כְּכֹל kekol) stresses absolute conformity to God's commands—a recurring theme in wilderness worship (cf. Exodus 39:42-43). The Levites' unique status as substitutes for Israel's firstborn (Numbers 3:12-13) required meticulous adherence to consecration rituals, establishing precedent for New Testament priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).