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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 1:48 For the LORD had said to Moses:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/1-48.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/04_Num_01_48.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 1:48 - The Exemption of the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For the LORD had said to Moses:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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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/1-47.htm" title="Numbers 1:47">◄</a> Numbers 1:48 <a href="/numbers/1-49.htm" title="Numbers 1:49">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The LORD had said to Moses:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For the LORD had said to Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had said to Moses:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />for the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yahweh had spoken to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had said to Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had told Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had told Moses: &#8220<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />because the LORD had said to Moses: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD had said to Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />because the LORD had said to Moses, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />because the LORD had ordered Moses: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had said to Moses:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The LORD had said to Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />seeing YHWH speaks to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> seeing Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will speak to Moses, saying,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For the LORD had told Moses,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD had said to Moses:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH spoke with Moshe and said to him:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/1-48.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=350" 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/1.htm">The Exemption of the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47</span>The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers. <span class="reftext">48</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">For the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">had said to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses:</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> </span><span class="reftext">49</span>“Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites.…<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="/numbers/3-5.htm">Numbers 3:5-13</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/8-14.htm">Numbers 8:14-19</a></span><br />In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. / After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. / For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Numbers 18:1-7</a></span><br />So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Exodus 32:26-29</a></span><br />So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. / He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” / The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Deuteronomy 10:8-9</a></span><br />At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. / That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.<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/23-24.htm">1 Chronicles 23:24-32</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. / For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. / So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-11.htm">2 Chronicles 29:11</a></span><br />Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/12-44.htm">Nehemiah 12:44-47</a></span><br />And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-4.htm">Malachi 2:4-7</a></span><br />Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. / True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11-28</a></span><br />Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/8-1.htm">Hebrews 8:1-6</a></span><br />The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, / and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. / And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">Hebrews 9:1-10</a></span><br />Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-11.htm">Hebrews 10:11-14</a></span><br />Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. / But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. / Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5-9</a></span><br />you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. / For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” / To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,</p><p class="hdg">no reference </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/1-44.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">Speaketh</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/1-54.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/2-1.htm">Speaketh</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">God commands Moses to number the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-5.htm">The princes of the tribes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-17.htm">The number of every tribe</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-47.htm">The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For the LORD had said to Moses:</b><br>This phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing the direct relationship between God and Moses. Throughout the Pentateuch, Moses is portrayed as a prophet and leader who receives God's instructions for the Israelites. This divine communication underscores the authority of the message and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The phrase also highlights the role of Moses as a mediator between God and the people, a type of Christ who serves as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>). The context of this passage is the census of the Israelites, which God commands to organize the community for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. This reflects God's sovereignty and His plan for Israel as His chosen people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks directly to Moses, guiding the Israelites in their journey and organization.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He acts as a mediator between God and the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The descendants of Jacob, organized into tribes, who are being prepared for their journey and eventual settlement in the Promised Land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting for the book of Numbers, where the Israelites are being prepared and tested by God as they journey from Egypt to Canaan.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_census.htm">The Census</a></b><br>The event surrounding this verse, where God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelite men able to go to war, signifying organization and preparation for future challenges.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance.htm">Divine Guidance</a></b><br>God’s instructions to Moses highlight the importance of seeking and following divine guidance in our lives. Just as Moses received direct communication from God, we are called to seek His will through prayer and Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_obedience.htm">Leadership and Obedience</a></b><br>Moses’ role as a leader underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Leaders in the church and community should model obedience and faithfulness, just as Moses did.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_organization.htm">Preparation and Organization</a></b><br>The census represents preparation and organization. In our spiritual lives, we should be prepared and organized, ready to face challenges with God’s help.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_responsibility.htm">Community and Responsibility</a></b><br>The census also emphasizes the role of community and shared responsibility. Each member of the community had a role to play, reminding us of the importance of contributing to the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_exclude_levites_in_numbers_1_47-53.htm">What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_zelophehad's_sin_not_detailed.htm">Numbers 27:3-4: Why isn't more detail given about Zelophehad's sin if it was important enough to affect his family's inheritance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_miriam's_death_so_brief.htm">Numbers 20:1 - Why is Miriam's death recorded so briefly, with no details about her mourning or burial, unlike other prominent figures?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_confirm_moses_and_aaron's_roles.htm">Psalm 99:6 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; how can we confirm the historical existence and roles of Moses and Aaron, given limited archaeological evidence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(48) F<span class= "bld">or the Lord had spoken . . . --</span>Better, <span class= "ital">And the Lord spake . </span>. . (<a href="/numbers/3-1.htm" title="These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spoke with Moses in mount Sinai.">Numbers 3:1</a>; <a href="/context/numbers/3-5.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Numbers 3:5-6</a>; <a href="/context/numbers/3-14.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,">Numbers 3:14-15</a>). It is true that the Levites were not included in the earlier numbering, and consequently that they must have been exempted by divine direction. It does not appear, however, that there is a reference to any previous command respecting the Levites, or that the specific destination of the Levites had been previously declared.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 48.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Had spoken.</span> Rather, "spake," and so Septuagint. This was the formal command to separate, although it had been anticipated to a considerable extent. The Levites had been marked out from the others <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> as the tribesmen of Moses and Aaron, <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> as the champions of Jehovah in the matter of the golden calf (<a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Exodus 32:26</a>, <span class="accented">sq.</span>); they had been already employed, or at least designated, for religious services; and the peculiarity of their future position in Israel had been recognized in the Divine legislation (<a href="/leviticus/25-32.htm">Leviticus 25:32</a>, sq.), and in their not being called upon to contribute to the capitation for the sanctuary. In a word, this ordinance, like so many others, did little more than give a formal and direct sanction to a state of things which had already come into play, partly through natural causes, partly through providential directions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/1-48.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">For the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had said to</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses:</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/1-48.htm">Numbers 1:48 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/1-48.htm">OT Law: Numbers 1:48 For Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/1-47.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 1:47"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 1:47" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/1-49.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 1:49"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 1:49" /></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>