Numbers 8:26

26 but shall serve with their brethren in the tabernacle of the testimony, to stand guard, even though they do not serve in the ministry. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.

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 This regarding the Levites from twenty-five years old and upward, they shall go in to serve in the host of the tabernacle of the testimony.
25 And from the age of fifty years they shall return from their ministry unto the host and shall never serve again,
26 but shall serve with their brethren in the tabernacle of the testimony, to stand guard, even though they do not serve in the ministry. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010