Numbers 8:9
And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together:
Original Language Analysis
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֙
And thou shalt bring
H7126
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֙
And thou shalt bring
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 12
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
5 of 12
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֖ת
the whole assembly
H5712
עֲדַ֖ת
the whole assembly
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
10 of 12
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
Historical Context
The public nature of Levitical consecration reinforced accountability. Unlike priests ordained privately within their family line, Levites were commissioned before the entire assembly—approximately 600,000 men plus women and children. This mass witness prevented false claims to Levitical privilege and confirmed God's choice of this tribe for sacred service.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God ordain ministers publicly before the congregation rather than through private divine call alone?
- How does the congregation's presence at ordination create mutual accountability between servants and those they serve?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation (וְהִקְרַבְתָּ אֶת־הַלְוִיִּם לִפְנֵי אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, vehiqravta et-haleviyyim lifney ohel mo'ed)—Qarav (to bring near, present) is the same verb used for offering sacrifices. The Levites themselves become living offerings, brought lifney (before, to the face of) the Tent of Meeting. Gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together (וְהִקְהַלְתָּ אֶת־כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל, vehiqhalta et-kol-adat beney yisra'el)—Qahal (to assemble) makes this a corporate, public event.
The entire nation witnesses Levitical ordination because the Levites serve on Israel's behalf (v. 19). This public commissioning anticipates the church's practice of publicly ordaining elders and deacons (1 Timothy 5:22, 'Lay hands suddenly on no man'). Ministry isn't self-appointed but community-recognized and God-ordained.