Numbers 8:11

11 and Aharon will offer the L'vi'im before ADONAI as a wave offering from the people of Isra'el, so that they may do ADONAI's service.

Numbers 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 8:11

And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord
Or "wave" ^F18 them, as a wave offering, which was moved to and fro, backwards and forwards; not that they were actually so waved and moved to and fro by Aaron, which could not be done by him; though it is possible he might make such a motion himself, and they might do the like after him, thereby signifying that they belonged unto the Lord of the whole earth; and some think this testified their readiness to serve the Lord; to which may be added their constant employment in his service, being always in motion, doing one piece of service or another continually; as the people of God, and especially the ministers of the word, should be always abounding: in the work of the Lord. Ainsworth supposes that the troubles and afflictions of the ministers of God are figured hereby:

[for] an offering of the children of Israel;
to the Lord, hereby devoting them to his service:

that they may execute the service of the Lord;
for them, in their room and stead, do what otherwise they must have done; see ( Numbers 3:7 Numbers 3:8 ) ; with this compare ( Isaiah 66:20 Isaiah 66:21 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 (Pynhw) "et motabit", Tigurine version; "et faciet elevare", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; "et agitabit", Drusius; "et agitato", Piscator.

Numbers 8:11 In-Context

9 You are to present the L'vi'im in front of the tent of meeting, and assemble the entire community of the people of Isra'el.

10 You will present the L'vi'im before ADONAI, the people of Isra'el will lay their hands on the L'vi'im,

11 and Aharon will offer the L'vi'im before ADONAI as a wave offering from the people of Isra'el, so that they may do ADONAI's service.

12 The L'vi'im will lay their hands on the heads of the bulls; the one you will offer as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to ADONAI to make atonement for the L'vi'im.

13 You are to place the L'vi'im before Aharon and his sons, and offer them as a wave offering to ADONAI.