Numbers 3:1-10

1 This is the list of Aaron and Moses' descendants at the time when the LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai.

2 The names of Aaron's sons are Nadab (the firstborn), Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3 These are the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.

4 Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD's presence because they offered unauthorized fire in his presence in the Desert of Sinai. They had no children. So only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.

5 The LORD said to Moses,

6 "Bring the tribe of Levi, and have them stand in front of the priest Aaron to assist him.

7 They will work for him and the whole community in front of the tent of meeting, doing what needs to be done for the inner tent.

8 They will take care of all the furnishings in the tent of meeting and work for the Israelites, doing what needs to be done for the inner tent.

9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons. The Levites will be the only Israelites given to them.

10 Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. Anyone else who tries to do the priests' duties must be put to death."

Numbers 3:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 3

In this chapter an account is given of the genealogy of the priests and Levites, and of the gift of the Levites to the priests, of the numbering of them, and the service they were to perform; and first of the priests, the sons of Aaron, Nu 3:1-4; and then of the Levites, as given unto them, to wait upon them, and assist them, Nu 3:5-10; and these were taken instead of the firstborn, Nu 3:11-13; and ordered to be numbered, which was done accordingly by their families, Nu 3:14-20; and the sum of each is given, and the particular work assigned to them; of the Gershonites, Nu 3:21-26; of the Kohathites, Nu 3:27-32; of the Merarites, Nu 3:33-38; the sum total of them is given, Nu 3:39; then the firstborn of the children of Israel, from a month old are ordered to be numbered, and were, Nu 3:40-43; and these appearing to be more in number than the Levites, by two hundred seventy three a direction is given that the two hundred seventy three should be redeemed at the rate of five, shekels apiece, and the money paid to Aaron and his sons, Nu 3:44-48; which was accordingly done, Nu 3:49-51.