“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
While this verse is short and seems like an introductory statement, it sets the stage for what follows. In the Book of Numbers, the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness, and God was giving instructions to Moses on various matters related to the organisation, worship, and responsibilities of the Levites.
To better understand the significance of Numbers 8:5, let’s explore the context and the verses that follow:
Numbers 8:6-7:“Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.”
In these verses, God instructs Moses to cleanse the Levites before they assume their duties. The cleansing process involves sprinkling them with water of purifying, having them shave all their hair, washing their clothes, and making themselves clean. This act of purification symbolises a consecration and setting apart of the Levites for their sacred service to God.
Numbers 8:8:“Then let them take a young bullock with his meat offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering.”
After the Levites have been cleansed, God instructs Moses to present two young bulls—one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. These offerings are significant in the Israelite sacrificial system, emphasising the need for atonement and consecration before serving in the sanctuary.
Numbers 8:9-11:“And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together: And thou shalt bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites: And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD.”
In these verses, God commands Moses to bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation, gather the whole assembly of Israel, and have the Israelites put their hands on the Levites. This act of laying hands symbolises the transfer of authority and responsibility from the people to the Levites, signifying that they are appointed to serve on behalf of the entire nation.
Numbers 8:12-14:“And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites. And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the LORD. Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.”
Here, the Levites, after having hands laid on them, lay their hands on the heads of the bulls to symbolise the transfer of their impurities and sins to the animals. One bull is offered as a sin offering, making atonement for the Levites, while the other is offered as a burnt offering to consecrate them to the Lord. Through these rituals, the Levites are officially separated and dedicated for service in the tabernacle, belonging to the Lord.
The significance of Numbers 8:5, therefore, lies in its introduction to a series of instructions outlining the consecration and purification process for the Levites before their service in the tabernacle. This passage highlights the importance of proper preparation, cleansing, and dedication when approaching God’s service and the need for atonement for sin.
Overall, Numbers 8:5 and the subsequent verses demonstrate God’s attention to detail and His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity. While this specific verse may seem brief, it introduces a significant process that emphasises the holiness and sanctification required in the service of the Lord.
