Numbers 8:26
But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
Original Language Analysis
וְשֵׁרֵ֨ת
But shall minister
H8334
וְשֵׁרֵ֨ת
But shall minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
1 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֶחָ֜יו
with their brethren
H251
אֶחָ֜יו
with their brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
3 of 14
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּאֹ֤הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֤הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵד֙
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵד֙
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
לִשְׁמֹ֣ר
to keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֣ר
to keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
בְּמִשְׁמְרֹתָֽם׃
the charge
H4931
בְּמִשְׁמְרֹתָֽם׃
the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
7 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַֽעֲבֹ֑ד
and shall do
H5647
יַֽעֲבֹ֑ד
and shall do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
10 of 14
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
כָּ֛כָה
H3602
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Thus shalt thou do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Thus shalt thou do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The specific duties retired Levites could perform included mentoring younger Levites, supervising tabernacle security, teaching proper handling of sacred objects, and maintaining institutional memory of worship practices. This preserved continuity across generations while respecting physical limitations.
Questions for Reflection
- What advisory or mentoring roles should churches create for retired ministers and leaders?
- How can 'keeping the charge' (oversight without heavy labor) utilize seasoned wisdom while allowing rest?
- What intergenerational ministry partnerships in your church could benefit from pairing young energy with experienced wisdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle... to keep the charge—Retired Levites continued advisory ministry (שָׁרַת sharat, to serve/attend) and oversight (שָׁמַר מִשְׁמֶרֶת shamar mishmeret, guard responsibility) without performing heavy labor. The phrase with their brethren (אֶת־אֶחָיו et-echayv) emphasizes intergenerational partnership—young strength complementing aged wisdom.
Shall do no service (עֲבֹדָה לֹא יַעֲבֹד avodah lo ya'avod) specifically refers to physical labor prohibited in verse 25, not all ministry. This balance between rest and continued contribution models healthy transitions from active to emeritus roles. Paul's mentorship of Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2) reflects this multigenerational pattern, where experienced leaders equip successors while gradually reducing direct responsibilities.