Numbers 8:26

26 He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities^[a] at the tent of meeting,^[b] but he must not do the work. This is how you are to deal with the Levites regarding their duties."

Numbers 8:26 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 8:26

But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of
the congregation
By giving advice, instructing younger Levites, and doing lighter service. Jarchi says, they shall return to shutting of doors, singing and loading wagons; but the last especially seems too burdensome: the ministry of such is explained by the next clause, to keep the charge;
of the tabernacle, to watch and observe that no stranger or unclean person enter into it; and this they were capable of when at the age of fifty, and upwards: and shall do no service;
heavy and laborious: thus thou shall do unto the Levites touching their charge;
dismiss them from service when at such an age, or however make their service easier; for this respects ancient men, as Aben Ezra notes; though it may include both their entrance on their work, and their cessation from it.

Numbers 8:26 In-Context

24 "In regard to the Levites: From 25 years old or more, a man enters the service in the work at the tent of meeting.

25 But at 50 years old he is to retire from his service in the work and no longer serve.

26 He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities at the tent of meeting, but he must not do the work. This is how you are to deal with the Levites regarding their duties."

Footnotes

• [a]. Or to keep guard
• [b]. Nm 3:7-8