Num. 8 How the lamps are to be lighted, Num. 8:1–4. God commands the Levites to be cleansed, Num. 8:5–15; that they may serve with Aaron and his sons instead of the first-born, Num. 8:16–22. Their age and service, Num. 8:23–26.

i.e. Either, 1. On every side of the candlestick. So the candlestick is here put for the bulk or shaft of the candlestick, as Ex. 25:31, Ex. 25:35, and the lamps, when they were lighted, were put into the branches of the candlestick, and take it out upon occasion.

Beaten gold, not hollow, but solid and massive gold, beaten out of one piece, and not of several pieces joined or soldered together. See Ex. 25:18, Ex. 25:31, Ex. 37:17.

Or, wash or purify them, which was also done with the priests and others when they were to approach to God and his service. See Ex. 19:10, Ex. 19:14, Lev. 14:9.

Of purifying, Heb. of sin, i.e. for the expiation of sin. This water was mixed with the ashes of a red heifer, Num. 19:9, which therefore may seem to have been prescribed before, though it be mentioned after; such kind of transplacings of passages being frequent in Scripture.

The same sacrifice which was offered for a sin-offering for the whole congregation, Lev. 4:0, because the Levites came in the stead of all the first-bern, which did in a manner represent the whole congregation.

The children of Israel; not all of them, which was impossible, but some in the name and stead, and by the appointment of all, to wit, either the first-born, or rather the princes or chiefs of each tribe, who used to transact things in the name of their tribes.

For an offering, Heb. for a wave-offering. Of which see Ex. 29:24. Not that Aaron did so wave them, which he could not do, but that he caused or commanded them to imitate that motion, and to wave themselves towards the several parts of the world; whereby they might signify their readiness to serve…

Upon the heads of the bullocks; to signify, that they were offered by them and for them. See Ex. 29:15, Ex. 29:19, Lev. 1:4, Lev. 3:2, Lev. 4:4.

Before Aaron and his sons, i.e. put them into the power of Aaron and his sons, to employ them in holy ministrations; for so that phrase is sometimes used, as Gen. 13:9, the land is before thee, i.e. in thy power, to use or enjoy it.

The Levites go in, to wit, into the court, where they were to wait upon the priests at the altar of burnt-offering; and, at present, into the tabernacle, to take it down and set it up.

They are given unto me by the people’s consent, as well as taken (as it follows) by my choice and command. See Num. 3:9.

The service of the children of Israel, i.e. to serve God in their stead and behalf, to do what otherwise they had been obliged to do in their own persons. In the tabernacle: how in it, See Poole “Num. 8:15”.

The Levites were purified by washing and sprinkling and sacrifices. See Lev. 15:13–15, Num. 19:11;c.

Before Aaron and his sons; in their presence, and by their direction and appointment.

From twenty and five years old. See Poole “Num. 4:3”.

i.e. Upon the difficult and cumbersome part of their work.

With their brethren, by way of advice, and assistance in lesser and easier works.