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This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/8-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/04_Num_08_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 8:26 - Retirement for Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/8-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/8-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/8-25.htm" title="Numbers 8:25">◄</a> Numbers 8:26 <a href="/numbers/9-1.htm" title="Numbers 9:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />After retirement they may assist their fellow Levites by serving as guards at the Tabernacle, but they may not officiate in the service. This is how you must assign duties to the Levites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites in assigning their duties.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They may minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs, but they <i>themselves</i> shall do no work. Thus you shall do to the Levites regarding their duties.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They may, however, assist their brothers in the tent of meeting, to fulfill an obligation, but they <i>themselves</i> shall do no work. In this way you shall deal with the Levites in their obligations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220They may, however, assist their brothers in the tent of meeting, to keep an obligation, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their obligations.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“They may, however, assist their brothers in the tent of meeting, to keep an obligation; but they <i>themselves</i> shall do no work. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their obligations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They may, however, minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting in order to keep <i>up</i> their responsibility, but they <i>themselves</i> shall perform no service. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their responsibilities.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They may assist their brothers in the Tent of Meeting to keep an obligation, but they shall do no [heavy or difficult] work. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their obligations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities at the tent of meeting, but he must not do the work. This is how you are to deal with the Levites regarding their duties.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities at the tent of meeting, but he must not do the work. This is how you are to deal with the Levites regarding their duties.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but shall minister with their brethren in the tent of meeting, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They may help the other Levites in their duties, but they must no longer be responsible for any work themselves. Remember this when you assign their duties." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but shall minister with their brethren in the tent of meeting, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They may assist the other Levites in their duties at the tent of meeting, but they may not do any regular work. This is how you will handle the Levites' duties."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After that, he may help his fellow Levites in performing their duties in the Tent, but he must not perform any service by himself. This is how you are to regulate the duties of the Levites." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He may minister to his brothers at the Tent of Meeting by keeping watch, but he is not to engage in service. This is how you are to act with respect to the obligations of the descendants of Levi."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They may assist their colleagues in the tent of meeting, to attend to needs, but they must do no work. This is the way you must establish the Levites regarding their duties." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />but shall minister with their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, and shall do no service. You shall do thus to the Levites concerning their duties."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do to the Levites concerning their charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but shall assist their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, and shall perform no service. This is how you shall have the Levites do their duties.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he has ministered with his brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to keep the charge, and does not do service; thus you do to the Levites concerning their charge.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he hath ministered with his brethren in the tent of meeting, to keep the charge, and doth not do service; thus thou dost to the Levites concerning their charge.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he served with his brethren in the tent of appointment, to watch the watches, and he shall work no work. Thus shalt thou do to the Levites in their watches.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they shall be the ministers of their brethren in the tabernacle of the covenant, to keep the things that are committed to their care, but not to do the works. Thus shalt thou order the Levites touching their charge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they shall be the ministers of their brothers in the tabernacle of the covenant, in order to care for the things that have been commended to them, but not to perform the works themselves. So shall you assign the Levites in their duties.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They shall assist their fellow Levites in the tent of meeting in performing their duties, but they shall not do the work. This, then, is how you are to regulate the duties of the Levites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They may assist their brothers in the tent of meeting in carrying out their duties, but they shall perform no service. Thus you shall do with the Levites in assigning their duties.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation to keep guard, and shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites concerning their charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he shall serve his brothers in the Time Tabernacle and the work to keep guard; he shall not work; so do to the Levites in their charge." <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />but shall minister with their brethren in the tent of meeting, to keep the charge, but they shall do no manner of service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charges.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his brother shall serve in the tabernacle of witness to keep charges, but he shall not do works: so shalt thou do to the Levites in their charges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/8-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=2998" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/8.htm">Retirement for Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: wə·šê·rêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">After that, they may assist</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’e·ḥāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">their brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">in fulfilling</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: miš·me·reṯ (N-fs) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">their duties</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: bə·’ō·hel (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">at the Tent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4150.htm" title="4150: mō·w·‘êḏ (N-ms) -- Appointed time, place, or meeting. ">of Meeting,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but they themselves are not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ya·‘ă·ḇōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/5656.htm" title="5656: wa·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Labor, service. Or mabowdah; from abad; work of any kind.">the work.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3602.htm" title="3602: kā·ḵāh (Adv) -- Thus. From koh; just so, referring to the previous or following context.">This is how</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you are to assign</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: bə·miš·mə·rō·ṯām (Prep-b:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">responsibilities</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: lal·wî·yim (Prep-l:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">to the Levites.”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-26.htm">1 Chronicles 23:26-32</a></span><br />So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” / For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, / but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-3.htm">1 Chronicles 23:3-5</a></span><br />The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. / “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm">1 Chronicles 23:24</a></span><br />These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-28.htm">1 Chronicles 23:28</a></span><br />but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-32.htm">1 Chronicles 23:32</a></span><br />So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-27.htm">1 Chronicles 23:27</a></span><br />For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-25.htm">1 Chronicles 23:25</a></span><br />For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-30.htm">1 Chronicles 23:30</a></span><br />They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-31.htm">1 Chronicles 23:31</a></span><br />Whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, they were to serve regularly before the LORD in the numbers prescribed for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-29.htm">1 Chronicles 23:29</a></span><br />as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-4.htm">1 Chronicles 23:4</a></span><br />“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-6.htm">1 Chronicles 23:6</a></span><br />Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-22.htm">1 Chronicles 23:22</a></span><br />Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-13.htm">1 Chronicles 23:13</a></span><br />The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-11.htm">1 Chronicles 23:11</a></span><br />Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But shall minister with their brothers in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites touching their charge.</p><p class="hdg">to keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53</a></b></br> But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Numbers 3:32</a></b></br> And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest <i>shall be</i> chief over the chief of the Levites, <i>and have</i> the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Numbers 18:4</a></b></br> And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.</p><p class="hdg">and shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">1 Timothy 4:15</a></b></br> Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/4-32.htm">Assign</a> <a href="/numbers/7-9.htm">Care</a> <a href="/numbers/7-2.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-2.htm">Charges</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/4-19.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/numbers/4-28.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/numbers/4-32.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/numbers/5-28.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/numbers/5-13.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/4-14.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/galatians/5-3.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/numbers/3-8.htm">Obligations</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/numbers/3-28.htm">Performing</a> <a href="/numbers/4-26.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/numbers/4-27.htm">Responsibilities</a> <a href="/numbers/8-25.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/numbers/8-25.htm">Service</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/8-21.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/numbers/8-20.htm">Touching</a> <a href="/numbers/8-25.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/34-13.htm">Assign</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-14.htm">Charges</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/11-15.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/numbers/9-10.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/18-6.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/numbers/9-14.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/numbers/10-3.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/11-28.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-6.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Obligations</a> <a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/numbers/15-3.htm">Performing</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/23-32.htm">Responsibilities</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/numbers/16-9.htm">Service</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/10-3.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/numbers/9-6.htm">Touching</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/8-1.htm">How the lamps are to be lighted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/8-5.htm">The consecration of the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/8-23.htm">The age and time of their service</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting</b><br>This phrase indicates a transition in the roles of the Levites as they age. The Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle, had specific age-related duties. <a href="/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3</a> specifies that Levites were to serve from age 30 to 50. After reaching 50, they were no longer required to perform the heavy labor associated with the Tabernacle service. Instead, they were to assist their younger brethren. This reflects a respect for the wisdom and experience of older Levites, allowing them to mentor and support the younger generation. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, symbolizing God's presence among His people.<p><b>but they themselves are not to do the work</b><br>This clause emphasizes the cessation of active labor for Levites over the age of 50. The work referred to includes the physical tasks of setting up, taking down, and transporting the Tabernacle, as well as performing sacrifices and other rituals. This division of labor ensured that the physically demanding tasks were carried out by those in their prime, while still valuing the contributions of older Levites in advisory and supportive roles. This principle of assigning tasks based on capability and age can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>).<p><b>This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.</b><br>This final phrase provides a directive for the organization and management of the Levitical duties. The Levites were chosen by God to serve in the Tabernacle, taking the place of the firstborn of Israel (<a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Numbers 3:12-13</a>). Their responsibilities were divinely ordained and structured to ensure the proper functioning of worship and service. This structure reflects God's order and care in the administration of His people, paralleling the New Testament church's organization, where roles and responsibilities are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the body (<a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a>). The Levites' service also foreshadows the priesthood of all believers, as described in <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>, where each believer has a role in serving God and His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle, later the Temple. They were not given a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were dedicated to serving God and the community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tent_of_meeting.htm">Tent of Meeting</a></b><br>Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was the center of worship and sacrificial offerings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God and was responsible for organizing the Levites' duties as instructed by God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>The brother of Moses and the first high priest, who played a significant role in the establishment of the priestly duties and the functioning of the Tabernacle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_service.htm">Role of Service</a></b><br>The Levites were called to assist and support, not to lead or perform the primary duties. This teaches us the value of supportive roles in ministry and community, emphasizing that every role is vital in God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/age_and_wisdom.htm">Age and Wisdom</a></b><br>The Levites were to retire from active duty at a certain age, reflecting the importance of recognizing seasons in life and the wisdom that comes with age. It encourages us to value the contributions of older generations in advisory and supportive capacities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a></b><br>The Levites' service was a communal effort, requiring cooperation and unity. This highlights the importance of working together in the body of Christ, each fulfilling their God-given role.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_instructions.htm">Obedience to God's Instructions</a></b><br>The specific instructions given to the Levites underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. It reminds us to seek and follow God's guidance in our lives and ministries.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_numbers_8's_purification_process_historical.htm">Does the detailed purification process in Numbers 8 accurately reflect historical Israelite customs, or might it be a later addition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_num_8_10_align_with_other_rites.htm">How does the ritual laying on of hands in Numbers 8:10 align or conflict with other priestly consecration rites in the Torah?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_levites_start_at_25_or_30.htm">Why does Numbers 8:24-25 state Levites begin serving at age 25, while Numbers 4:3 says they start at age 30?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_the_minimum_age_for_a_priest.htm">What was the minimum age for a priest?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">To keep the charge.</span>--A clear distinction is here made between the <span class= "ital">service </span>which involved heavy manual labour in carrying the furniture of the Tabernacle and in slaughtering the victims, and the <span class= "ital">charge </span>or oversight of the furniture and the vessels of the Sanctuary.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shall minister... to keep the charge, and shall do no</span> service. The word "charge" (Hebrew, <span class="accented">mishmereth</span>) seems to signify the care of the furniture and belongings of the tabernacle, while "service" means the laborious work of transport, or of preparing sacrifice. The duties of the Levite over fifty were in fact honorary, given to him probably for his own sake, that he might have some place and post in the house of God. This careful provision for those who should attain the age of fifty shows that the commandment was designed for the promised land rather than for the wilderness. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/8-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">After that, they may assist</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשֵׁרֵ֨ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šê·rêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> </span><span class="str2">To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their brothers</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֜יו</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in fulfilling</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their duties</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(miš·me·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guard, watch, charge, function</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the Tent</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֹ֤הֶל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ō·hel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Meeting,</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹעֵד֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4150.htm">Strong's 4150: </a> </span><span class="str2">Appointed time, place, or meeting</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but they themselves are not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to do</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲבֹ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·ḇōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the work.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲבֹדָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5656.htm">Strong's 5656: </a> </span><span class="str2">Work of any kind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">This is how</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּ֛כָה</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3602.htm">Strong's 3602: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just so</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are to assign</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">responsibilities</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִשְׁמְרֹתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·miš·mə·rō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guard, watch, charge, function</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the Levites.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לַלְוִיִּ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lal·wî·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levites -- descendant of Levi</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/8-26.htm">Numbers 8:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/8-26.htm">OT Law: Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brothers (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/8-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 8:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 8:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/9-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 9:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>