Numbers 8:26 kjv
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.
Numbers 8:26 nkjv
They may minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall do to the Levites regarding their duties."
Numbers 8:26 niv
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."
Numbers 8:26 esv
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."
Numbers 8:26 nlt
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."
Numbers 8 26 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Nu 4:3 | From thirty years old and upward...all who could enter the army to do the work in the tent of meeting. | Active Levite service age (30-50). |
| Nu 4:23 | from thirty years old up to fifty years old you shall list them, everyone who can come to do the service... | Active Levite service age. |
| Nu 8:24-25 | 'This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting. But at the age of fifty years they shall retire from the service...' | Specifies service beginning and end ages. |
| 1 Chr 23:24 | These were the sons of Levi...twenty years old and upward, who were to do the work for the service of the house of the Lᴏʀᴅ. | Later adjustment of service age by David. |
| 1 Chr 23:26 | And also to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lᴏʀᴅ... | Illustrates an assistive role. |
| Deut 10:8 | At that time the Lᴏʀᴅ set apart the tribe of Levi...to minister to Him and to bless in His name... | Levites consecrated for unique service. |
| Deut 33:8-11 | Regarding Levi, he said, 'Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your godly one...They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob...' | Levites' role includes teaching and guarding. |
| Ezr 3:8-9 | Then Jeshua...and his brothers the Levites and all who came out of the captivity to Jerusalem, appointed Levites from twenty years and upward to oversee the work... | Older Levites as overseers. |
| Neh 11:15-16 | And Shabbehtai and Jozabad, from the leaders of the Levites, who were over the outside work of the house of God. | Levites overseeing logistical duties. |
| Prov 16:31 | A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness. | Value of age and experience. |
| Prov 20:29 | The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair. | Different forms of value/strength in age. |
| Ps 92:14-15 | They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the Lᴏʀᴅ is upright. | Remaining fruitful in advanced years. |
| Tit 2:2 | Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. | Qualities for older individuals in service. |
| Tit 2:3 | Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good. | Older members teaching/guiding roles. |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | The things which you have heard from me...entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. | Passing on knowledge and mentoring. |
| Phil 1:6 | For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. | God completes the work He starts in people. |
| Heb 4:10-11 | For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest... | Principle of rest after completion or transition of work. |
| Rom 12:1-2 | ...present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. | New Covenant principle of spiritual service for all believers. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood... | Priesthood of believers, service is not age-bound. |
| Heb 13:16 | And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. | Various forms of spiritual sacrifice/service pleasing to God. |
| Lk 22:26 | ...rather, let the one who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. | Leadership as service in the Kingdom. |
| Acts 6:1-4 | Deacons appointed to serve tables, freeing apostles for prayer and word, highlighting differing roles. | Delegation of duties according to capacity. |
Numbers 8 verses
Numbers 8 26 Meaning
Numbers 8:26 outlines the provisions for Levites once they reach the age of fifty. Upon reaching this age, Levites were to cease active, strenuous physical duties associated with the tabernacle service, such as dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the components of the tent of meeting. Instead, their role transitioned to one of assistance, supervision, and guardianship of the holy traditions and procedures. They remained integrated within the community of their brothers, offering guidance and oversight, ensuring the proper execution of the sanctuary's holy responsibilities by younger Levites, but without bearing the physical burdens of the direct labor.
Numbers 8 26 Context
Numbers Chapter 8 describes the dedication and cleansing of the Levites for their service to the Tabernacle. This chapter follows the intricate details of the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings (Exodus 25-40), the laws of offerings (Leviticus), and the establishment of Aaron and his sons as priests (Leviticus 8-10). Numbers 8 marks a crucial moment for the Levites as a distinct tribe, set apart for the Lord's work.The preceding verses (8:24-25) explicitly establish the ages for Levite service: beginning at 25 (though Numbers 4 specified 30 for carrying duties) and retiring from active physical work at 50. Verse 26 then clarifies what this "retirement" entails. It is not an end to service or utility, but a transition of roles. This law was essential for maintaining order, health, and spiritual purity in the sanctuary's operations during Israel's wilderness wanderings and beyond, as the Levites were solely responsible for the physical care and maintenance of the portable dwelling place of God's presence.
Numbers 8 26 Word analysis
- but: This conjunction marks a shift or distinction. It indicates that the instruction that follows (
minister with their brothers) stands in contrast to the earlier command (shall retire from the servicein verse 25). It is not cessation but transformation. - minister: Hebrew: יְשָׁרֵת (
yeshareth), from the root שָׁרַת (sharath). This verb implies rendering service, attendance, or being a servant, often in a general capacity or as an aide. In priestly/Levitical contexts,sharathcan denote formal cultic service, but here it is explicitly distinguished fromavodah, implying a lighter, assistive, or supervisory role rather than the strenuous labor. It points to a continued, valuable presence. - with their brothers: This phrase emphasizes the communal nature of Levite service. An older Levite was not isolated or sidelined in retirement but remained an integral part of the Levite community. It speaks of mentorship, intergenerational connection, and unity in service, even if the roles differed.
- in the tent of meeting: Hebrew: אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד (
ohel mo'ed). This refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God met with Israel. Their continued presence "in" the Tabernacle indicates that their knowledge, experience, and very presence were valuable assets for maintaining the sanctity and order of divine worship. They were not removed from the holy place. - to carry out the duties / to keep the charge: Hebrew: לִשְׁמֹר מִשְׁמֶרֶת (
lishmor mishmeret).lishmor(from שָׁמַרshamar): To guard, keep, watch over, observe, preserve. This suggests protection of what is sacred, adherence to regulations, and ensuring things are done correctly.mishmeret: A charge, a duty, a responsibility, a guard, an observance. It signifies the sacred responsibilities and procedures pertaining to the Tabernacle.This phrase defines their new purpose: oversight, ensuring procedures are followed, maintaining tradition, potentially teaching and guiding younger Levites. They protect the integrity of the service without doing the physical toil.
- but shall do no service / shall not do the work: Hebrew: לֹא יַעֲבֹדוּ עֲבֹדָה (
lo ya'avodu avodah).lo: Not. A clear prohibition.ya'avodu(from עָבַדavad): To work, labor, serve (often strenuously, sometimes even implies bondage).avodah: Work, service, labor, servitude. This term refers to the more demanding, active, physical, or arduous work that Levites from 25 (or 30) to 50 years of age performed, such as moving, setting up, or dismantling the Tabernacle components.This precise phrase sets a boundary: the heavy lifting and strenuous tasks are for younger Levites. It preserves the dignity and health of older Levites and ensures that strenuous tasks are performed by those physically most capable, maintaining the purity and order of the worship environment.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "but minister with their brothers in the tent of meeting": This highlights continuity, community, and presence. While direct
avodah(labor) ceased, thesharath(ministry/assistance) continued within the same sacred space and within the familial context of their tribe. It signals a shift in the nature of service, not its complete cessation. Their wisdom and experience remain in the most holy of contexts, available for the next generation. - "to carry out the duties, but shall do no service": This clearly defines the parameters of their new role. They are still responsible for "keeping the charge"—overseeing the sacred traditions and procedural correctness. However, this is distinctly separated from performing the active, laborious "service." This legal differentiation prevents a breakdown in the system due to aging physical capacity, ensuring that critical tasks requiring strength are handled by younger Levites, while older ones provide invaluable guidance, experience, and wisdom, thus contributing to the spiritual integrity of the worship. It ensures both health and competence within the Tabernacle's holy operations.
Numbers 8 26 Bonus section
- Symbolism of Age 50: In Jewish tradition, age 50 is the "age for giving counsel" (Pirkei Avot 5:21). This cultural understanding resonates deeply with the role prescribed for Levites in Num 8:26. It marks a transition to a phase of life where wisdom and experience, rather than brute strength, become the primary assets. The number 50 is also significant in the Jubilee Year, symbolizing completion, rest, and new beginnings.
- Prevention of Desecration: By having older Levites step back from the strenuous tasks, the law ensures that holy work is always performed with optimal strength and attentiveness. An aging or infirm individual might accidentally mishandle sacred objects or tasks, potentially leading to unintentional defilement of the Tabernacle, which would carry serious consequences. This practical measure protected the sanctity of God's dwelling place.
- Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Though not explicitly stated as "teaching," the phrase "to keep the charge" implicitly involves passing on the oral traditions, proper procedures, and reverence for holy things to the succeeding generations. This continuous transfer of knowledge was crucial for maintaining the precise and intricate details of Tabernacle service throughout Israel's history. It created an invaluable intergenerational system of checks and balances, preserving sacred fidelity.
Numbers 8 26 Commentary
Numbers 8:26 encapsulates profound biblical wisdom concerning human lifecycle, service, and the value of experience. This verse details God's practical instruction for Levites past their physically demanding prime, preventing them from being marginalized or overtaxed. It's not a dismissal from service but a transformation of duty, valuing a Levite's acquired wisdom, knowledge of sacred practices, and deep understanding of divine protocols, rather than solely physical prowess. By "keeping the charge," these older Levites acted as living repositories of tradition, ensuring accuracy and reverence in worship, guarding against procedural errors, and likely acting as mentors and teachers to the younger generation. This provision demonstrates God's care for His servants, allowing for appropriate roles that align with individual capabilities at different life stages, ensuring sustained, holy, and efficient ministry within the Tabernacle.