Numbers 3:6

6 "Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.

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 Abi'hu died before the LORD when they offered unholy fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Elea'zar and Ith'amar served as priests in the lifetime of Aaron their father.

5 And the LORD said to Moses,

6 "Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.

7 They shall perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, as they minister at the tabernacle;

8 they shall have charge of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and attend to the duties for the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.