Numbers 3:6

6 “Call forward the tribe of Levi, and present them to Aaron the priest to serve as his assistants.

Numbers 3:6 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 3:6

Bring the tribe of Levi near
Separate them from the rest, set them apart for special service about, the sanctuary, let them have a place nearer to it than the other tribes, or offer them, that is, to the Lord, as in ( Numbers 8:11 ) ; as well as bring them near to Aaron; so it follows:

and present them before Aaron the priest;
that he may receive them as a gift unto him, as servants to wait upon him; and! that he may appoint and declare unto them their work, and set them about it:

that they may minister unto him;
in guarding the tabernacle taking care of the vessels of it, taking it down, carrying it, from place to place, and setting it up as there was occasion for it.

Numbers 3:6 In-Context

4 But Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD ’s presence in the wilderness of Sinai when they burned before the LORD the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. Since they had no sons, this left only Eleazar and Ithamar to serve as priests with their father, Aaron.

5 Then the LORD said to Moses,

6 “Call forward the tribe of Levi, and present them to Aaron the priest to serve as his assistants.

7 They will serve Aaron and the whole community, performing their sacred duties in and around the Tabernacle.

8 They will also maintain all the furnishings of the sacred tent, serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of all the Israelites.