Matthew Henry on Numbers 8:5–end
We read before of the separating of the Levites from among the children of Israel when they were numbered, and the numbering of them by themselves (Num 3:6, Num 3:15), that they might be employed in the service of the tabernacle. Now here we have directions given for their solemn ordination (Num 8:6), and the performance of it, Num 8:20. All Israel must know that they took not this honour to themselves, but were called of God to it; nor was it enough that they were distinguished from their neighbours, but they must be solemnly devoted to God. Note, All that are employed for God must be dedicated to him, according as the degree of employment is. Christian musts be baptized, ministers must be…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:19
to make an atonement for the children of Israel, &c.--to aid the priests in that expiatory work; or, as the words may be rendered, "to make redemption for" the Levites being exchanged or substituted for the first-born for this important end, that there might be a sanctified body of men appointed to guard the sanctuary, and the people not allowed to approach or presumptuously meddle with holy things, which would expose them to the angry judgments of Heaven.
John Gill on Numbers 8:21
And the Levites were purified,.... From sin, by the sprinkling of the sin water, or water of purification on them, Numbers 8:7,
and they washed their clothes; that they might have no defilement about them, neither in their bodies, nor in their garments:
and Aaron offered them as an offering before the Lord; a wave offering, as in Numbers 8:11,
and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them; by offering the sacrifices for them, Numbers 8:12.
John Calvin on Numbers 8:20–end
Numbers 8:20-22
20. And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the Lord commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.
20. Fecit itaque Moses et Aharon, et omnis congregatio filiorum Israel, de Levitis: secundum crania quae praeceperat Jehova Mosi de Levitis, sic feterunt illis filii Israel
21. And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the Lord; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
21. Et purificaverunt sese Levitae, laveruntque vestimenta sua et obtulit Aharon filius oblationem coram Jehova, et expi…
