Numbers 8:22
And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the tabernacle of the congregation before Aaron, and before his sons: as the LORD had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did they unto them.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
And after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
And after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֵ֞ן
H3651
כֵ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לַֽעֲבֹ֤ד
in to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֤ד
in to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
5 of 23
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
8 of 23
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 23
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 #:
12 of 23
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 #:
13 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֤ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
Historical Context
The Levites' service (Numbers 3:5-10; 4:1-49) included dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the tabernacle, guarding sacred objects, and assisting priests. This verse marks their official commencement of duties following a month-long consecration process.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must consecration precede service rather than the reverse? What dangers arise from premature ministry?
- How does the Hebrew connection between 'worship' and 'work' challenge modern sacred/secular divisions?
- What 'wilderness preparation' might God require before releasing you into fuller kingdom service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After that went the Levites in to do their service—The sequential phrase after that (אַחֲרֵי־כֵן acharei-ken) emphasizes consecration as prerequisite to service. The verb to do their service (לַעֲבֹד אֶת־עֲבֹדָתָם la'avod et-avodatam) uses the same root for both worship and work, revealing that Levitical ministry was simultaneously service to God and labor for the community.
This verse establishes the principle that effective ministry flows from proper consecration—a pattern Jesus affirmed by delaying public ministry until after His baptism and wilderness testing (Luke 3:21-4:14). The phrase as the LORD had commanded reiterates covenant fidelity as the foundation for acceptable service.