“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.”
Numbers 8:7 is part of a passage that describes the consecration and preparation of the Levites for their service in the Tabernacle.
The Levites were chosen by God to assist the priests in various tasks related to the worship and service of the Tabernacle.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
“And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them”: This phrase indicates that the actions described in the verse are part of a process of cleansing and purification. The purpose of this process was to prepare the Levites for their sacred duties in the service of God.
“Sprinkle water of purifying upon them”: The first step in the purification process involved sprinkling the water of purifying upon the Levites. This act symbolized the cleansing of impurities and the consecration of the Levites for their service to God.
“Let them shave all their flesh”: The Levites were required to shave all their flesh as part of the purification ritual. Shaving was a common practice in ancient cultures to symbolize purity and a fresh start. By removing their hair, the Levites would demonstrate their dedication to serving God with a renewed commitment.
“Let them wash their clothes”: In addition to the physical actions of sprinkling water and shaving, the Levites were also instructed to wash their clothes. This act further emphasized the need for external cleanliness and the importance of maintaining a state of purity.
“And so make themselves clean”: Through these prescribed actions of sprinkling water, shaving, and washing their clothes, the Levites would make themselves clean in a symbolic sense. These acts were not merely for physical cleanliness but carried spiritual significance as well. The Levites’ external purification symbolized their inner consecration and readiness to serve God.
Overall, Numbers 8:7:teaches us about the importance of purification and consecration in the context of serving God. The rituals described in this verse served as a reminder to the Levites that their service was holy and required a state of readiness and cleanliness. While these specific actions may not be applicable today, the underlying principles of dedicating ourselves to God’s service and maintaining a pure heart remain relevant in our spiritual journey.
