Numbers 8:5

5 Then the LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 8:5 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 8:5

And the Lord spake unto Moses
the same time the order about lighting the lamps was given; and this section is joined to the former, Aben Ezra thinks, to show that Aaron employed himself in lighting the lamps, but in the rest of the services the Levites helped him, and stood before him to do what he commanded them: they were ordered to be taken and given to Aaron before; and they were numbered, and their services appointed to each division of them; and now they are ordered to be ordained and consecrated to their office:

saying;
as follows.

Numbers 8:5 In-Context

3 So Aaron did this. He set up the seven lamps so they reflected their light forward, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

4 The entire lampstand, from its base to its decorative blossoms, was made of beaten gold. It was built according to the exact design the LORD had shown Moses.

5 Then the LORD said to Moses,

6 “Now set the Levites apart from the rest of the people of Israel and make them ceremonially clean.

7 Do this by sprinkling them with the water of purification, and have them shave their entire body and wash their clothing. Then they will be ceremonially clean.