7:1 The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle;
7:10 Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar;
7:89 God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat. Verse 1had fullyExodus 40:17-19 anointed it30:23-30; Leviticus 8:10, 8:11, 9:1-24 sanctified themGenesis 2:3; Exodus 13:2; 1 Kings 8:64; Matthew 23:19ReciprocalGenesis 28:18 - poured; Exodus 29:36 - anoint it; 30:26 - General; 40:2 - the first month; 40:9 - the anointing oil; Numbers 4:32 - the instruments; 7:88 - that it was anointed Verse 2the princesNumbers 1:4-16, 2:1-34, 10:1-36 and were overetc. Heb. who stoodofferedExodus 35:27; 1 Chronicles 29:6-8; 2 Chronicles 35:8; Ezra 2:68, 2:69; Nehemiah 7:70-72ReciprocalLeviticus 4:22 - a ruler hath sinned; Numbers 1:16 - the renowned; 10:4 - General; 30:1 - General; 31:51 - General; 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General; Ezra 6:17 - offered; Proverbs 3:9 - General Verse 3covered wagonsThe Hebrew egloth tzav, signifies "tilted wagons;" so LXX αμαξας λαμπηνικας, with which the Coptic agrees. These were given for the more convenient exporting of the heavier parts of the tabernacle. Numbers 7:3ReciprocalGenesis 45:21 - wagons; Exodus 25:2 - they; Numbers 7:73 - General; 1 Kings 8:1 - chief of the fathers; 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General; Ezra 2:68 - offered freely Verse 4ReciprocalNumbers 7:73 - General Verse 5Take itExodus 25:1-11, 35:4-10; Psalm 16:2, 16:3; Isaiah 42:1-7, 49:1-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; Titus 3:8 give themi.e. distribute them among the Levites as they need them; giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear.ReciprocalNumbers 4:25 - the curtains; 7:73 - General; Habakkuk 3:1 - serve Verse 6ReciprocalNumbers 10:17 - the sons Verse 7Two wagonsNumbers 3:25, 3:26, 4:24-28 sons of GershonThe Gershonites being fewest in number of able men, had the less burdensome things to carry; for they carried only the curtains, coverings, and hangings - 4:25, 4:40. And although this was a cumbersome carriage, and they needed waggons, yet it was not a heavy one, and they needed few.

Verse 8four wagonsNumbers 3:36, 3:37, 4:28-33 the sonsThough the Merarites were the most numerous, yet they had the greatest burden, namely, the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets, to carry - 4:31, 4:32, 4:48. Therefore they had double the number of waggons to what the Gershonites had assigned them.Reciprocal1 Chronicles 6:47 - Merari Verse 9unto theBecause they had the charge of the ark, table, candlestick, altars, etc. - Numbers 4:4-15
which were to be carried upon their shoulders: for those sacred things must not be drawn by beasts.because3:31, 4:4-16; 2 Samuel 6:6, 6:13; 1 Chronicles 15:3, 15:13, 23:26ReciprocalExodus 36:1 - for the service; Numbers 4:15 - after that; 4:31 - the charge; 10:21 - the Kohathites; 2 Samuel 6:3 - set; 15:24 - bearing; 1 Chronicles 15:2 - None ought to; 15:15 - bare the ark Verse 10princesEvery prince, or chief, offered in the behalf, and doubtless at the expense, of his whole tribe.dedicatingDeuteronomy 20:5; 1 Kings 8:63; 2 Chronicles 7:5, 7:9; Ezra 6:16, 6:17; Nehemiah 12:27, 12:43; Psalm 30:1 *title John 10:22ReciprocalExodus 30:26 - General; Numbers 1:4 - General; 1:16 - the renowned; 7:73 - General; 7:84 - the dedication; 7:88 - that it was anointed; 1 Chronicles 29:5 - General Verse 111 Corinthians 14:33, 14:40; Colossians 2:5ReciprocalNumbers 8:1 - General; 1 Kings 8:63 - dedicated Verse 12Numbers 1:7, 2:3, 10:14; Genesis 49:8, 49:10; Ruth 4:20; Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32, NaassonReciprocalGenesis 35:22 - Now the sons; Numbers 7:19 - General; 7:73 - General; Judges 1:2 - General; 1 Chronicles 2:10 - Nahshon; 5:2 - Judah; 27:3 - the chief Verse 13chargerExodus 25:29, 37:16; 1 Kings 7:43, 7:45; 2 Kings 25:14, 25:15; Ezra 1:9, 1:10, 8:25; Jeremiah 52:19; Daniel 5:2; Zechariah 14:20; Matthew 14:8, 14:11 the shekelExodus 30:13; Leviticus 27:3, 27:25 a meat offering2:1Reciprocal5:11 - fine flour; Numbers 7:31 - offering; 7:37 - General; 7:43 - offering; 7:49 - General; 7:55 - General; 7:61 - General; 7:67 - General; 7:73 - General; 7:79 - General; 7:85 - after the shekel; 2 Kings 12:13 - bowls; 1 Chronicles 28:17 - the bowls; Ezra 8:28 - the vessels; Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons; Mark 6:25 - a charger Verse 14spoonNumbers 4:7; Exodus 37:16; 1 Kings 7:50; 2 Kings 25:14, 25:15; 2 Chronicles 4:22, 24:14 incenseExodus 30:7, 30:8, 30:34-38, 35:8Reciprocal2 Kings 12:13 - bowls; 1 Chronicles 28:17 - the bowls; Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons; Matthew 2:11 - frankincense Verse 15Numbers 25:1-18, 28:1-29:40; Leviticus 1:1-17; Isaiah 53:4, 53:10, 53:11; Matthew 20:28; John 17:19; Romans 3:24-26, 5:6-11, 5:16-21, 8:34, 10:4; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14; Habakkuk 2:10; 1 Peter 1:18, 1:19, 2:24, 3:18Reciprocal1 Chronicles 29:5 - General Verse 16Leviticus 4:23, 4:25ReciprocalExodus 29:14 - it is a Verse 17peaceLeviticus 3:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 this was the offeringIt is worthy of remark, that the different tribes are represented here as bringing their offerings precisely in the same order in which they encamped about the tabernacle - see Numbers 2:1 and 10:1
beginning at the East, then proceeding to the South, then to the West, and ending with the North, according to the course of the sun. Their order may be thus viewed:Encampment / Offerings EAST1. Judah - Nahshon2. Issachar - Nathaneel3. Zebulun - Eliab
SOUTH4. Reuben - Elizur5. Simeon - Shelumiel6. Gad - Eliasaph
WEST7. Ephraim - Elishama8. Manasseh - Gamaliel9. Benjamin - Abidan
NORTH10. Dan - Ahiezer11. Asher - Pagiel12. Naphtali - Ahira
Thus God evinces that he "is not the author of confusion, but of peace" - 1 Corinthians 14:33. It is also worthy of remark, that every tribe offers the same kind of offering, and in the same quantity, to shew, that as every tribe was equally indebted to God for its support, so each should testify an equal sense of obligation. Besides, the vessels were all sacrificial vessels, and the animals were all clean animals, such as were proper for sacrifices; and therefore everything was intended to point out, that the people were to be a holy people, fully dedicated to God, and that God was to dwell among them. Thus, as the priests, altar, etc. were anointed, and the tabernacle dedicated, so the people, by this offering, became consecrated to God. Therefore every act here was a religious act.ReciprocalNumbers 2:3 - Nahshon; 1 Chronicles 2:10 - Nahshon; Matthew 1:4 - Naasson Verse 18Numbers 1:8, 2:5Reciprocal10:15 - General Verse 19Numbers 7:12-17ReciprocalExodus 25:29 - the; Leviticus 2:1 - fine flour; 5:11 - fine flour; Ezra 1:9 - chargers of gold; Jeremiah 52:18 - the spoons; Zechariah 14:20 - the bowls; Matthew 14:8 - a charger Verse 20ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 21Genesis 8:20; Romans 12:1; Ephesians 5:2

Verse 22ReciprocalLeviticus 4:23 - a kid Verse 23Leviticus 7:11-13; 1 Kings 8:63; Proverbs 7:14; Colossians 1:1ReciprocalNumbers 2:5 - General Verse 24Numbers 1:9, 2:7Reciprocal10:16 - General Verse 26ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 27Psalm 50:8-14, 51:16; Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 7:22; Amos 5:22ReciprocalEzra 8:35 - twelve bullocks Verse 28ReciprocalLeviticus 4:23 - a kid Verse 29ReciprocalNumbers 2:7 - General Verse 30Numbers 1:5, 2:10

Verse 31offeringNumbers 7:13-89 chargerKaa?rah, in Arabic, ka?ran, from kua?ra, to be deep, a large deep dish or bowl. It appears by the metal of which this charger and bowl were made, that they were for the use of the altar of burnt offerings in the outer court; for all the vessels of the sanctuary were of gold. It was probably used for receiving the flesh of the sacrifices upon which the priests feasted, or the fine flour for the meat offerings.BowlMizrak, from zarak, to sprinkle, a bowl or bason, used in sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice - Exodus 27:21.Reciprocal25:29 - the Verse 32spoonKaph, in Syriac, kaphtho, a pan or censer, on which the incense was put. Both the metal of which it was made, and that which it contained, shew that it was for the use of the golden altar in the sanctuary.incensePsalm 66:15; Malachi 1:11; Luke 1:10; Revelation 8:3ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 34ReciprocalLeviticus 4:23 - a kid Verse 35And for a sacrificeThese sacrifices were more numerous than the burnt offering or the sin offering; because the priests, the princes, and as many of the people as they invited, had a share of them, and feasted, with great rejoicing, before the Lord. This custom, as Mr. Shelden observes, seems to have been imitated by the heathen, who dedicated their altars, temples, statues, etc., with much ceremony.ReciprocalNumbers 2:10 - Elizur; 10:18 - Elizur Verse 36Numbers 1:6, 2:12Reciprocal10:19 - Simeon Verse 37Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 38ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 39Exodus 12:5; John 1:29; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6

Verse 41ReciprocalNumbers 2:12 - Shelumiel Verse 42Numbers 1:14, 2:14, Son of ReuelReciprocal10:20 - Eliasaph Verse 43offeringNumbers 7:13-89 mingled with oilLeviticus 2:5, 14:10; Habakkuk 1:9; 1 John 2:27

Verse 44ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 45Psalm 66:15; Isaiah 53:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21

Verse 47ReciprocalNumbers 2:14 - Eliasaph Verse 48On the seventhBoth Jewish and Christian writers have been surprised that this work of offering went forward on the seventh day - which they suppose to have been a sabbath
as well as on the other days. But:

1. There is no absolute proof that this seventh day of offering was a sabbath.

2. Were it even so, could the people be better employed than in thus consecrating themselves and their services to the Lord?

We have already seen that every act was a religious act; and we may rest assured, that no day was too holy for the performance of such acts as are here recorded. Here it may be observed, that Moses has thought fit to set down distinctly, and at full length, the offerings of the princes of each tribe, though, as we have already observed, they were the very same, both in quantity and quality, that an honourable mention might be made of every one apart, and that none might think himself in the least neglected.ElishamaNumbers 1:10, 2:18ReciprocalGenesis 48:20 - and he set; Numbers 10:22 - Elishama Verse 49Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 50ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 51 Whether

Verse 53ReciprocalNumbers 2:18 - Elishama Verse 54Numbers 1:10, 2:20ReciprocalGenesis 48:20 - and he set; Numbers 10:23 - Gamaliel Verse 55Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 56ReciprocalJeremiah 52:18 - the spoons Verse 59ReciprocalNumbers 2:20 - Gamaliel Verse 60Numbers 1:11, 2:22Reciprocal10:24 - Abidan Verse 61Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 62Psalm 112:2; Isaiah 66:20; Daniel 9:27; Romans 15:16; Philippians 4:18; Habakkuk 3:1

Verse 65ReciprocalNumbers 2:22 - Abidan Verse 66On the tenth dayWhen the twelve days of the dedication commenced cannot be easily determined; but the computation of F. Scacchus seems highly probable. He supposes, that the tabernacle being erected the first day of the first month of the second year after the departure from Egypt, seven days were spent in the consecration of it, and the altar, etc.; and that on the eight day, Moses began to consecrate Aaron and his sons, which lasted seven days more. Then, on the fourteenth day of that month, was the feast day of unleavened bread; which God commanded to be observed in the first month - Numbers 9:1
and which lasted till the 22nd. The rest of the month, we may well suppose, was spent in giving, receiving, and delivering the laws contained in the book of Leviticus; after which, on the first day of the second month, Moses began to number the people, according to the command in the beginning of this book; which may be supposed to have lasted three days. On the fourth, the Levites were numbered; on the next day we may suppose they were offered to God, and given to the Priests; and on the sixth, they were expiated and consecrated, as we read in the following chapter. On the seventh day, their several charges were assigned them - 4:1
after which, he supposes the princes began to offer, on the eight day of the second month, for the dedication of the altar, which lasted till the nineteenth day inclusively; and on the twentieth day of this month, they removed from Sinai to the wilderness of Paran - 10:11, 10:12.Ahiezer1:12, 2:25Reciprocal10:25 - Ahiezer Verse 67Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 71ReciprocalNumbers 2:25 - Ahiezer Verse 72eleventh dayDr. Adam Clarke remarks, that the Hebrew form of expression here, and in Numbers 7:78, has something curious in it; beyom a?shtey a?sar yom, "in the day, the first and tenth day;" beyom shenim a?sar yom, "in the day, two and tenth day." But this is the idiom of the language; and to an original Hebrew, our almost anomalous words eleventh and twelfth, would appear as strange.Pagiel1:13, 2:27Reciprocal10:26 - Pagiel Verse 73Numbers 7:13-89
The oblations and sacrifices enumerated in vv.13-88 were simple and plain, though costly and magnificent. On this occasion we find there were offered 12 silver chargers, each weighing 130 shekels; 12 silver bowls, each 70 shekels; 7:12 golden spoons, each 10 shekels; making the total amount of silver vessels 2,400 shekels, and that of golden vessels, 120 shekels. A silver charger, at 130 shekels, reduced to troy weight, makes 75 oz. 9 dwts. 16, 8/31 gr.; and a silver bowl, at 70 shekels, amounts to 40 oz. 12 dwts. 21, 21/31 gr. The total weight of the 12 chargers is therefore 905 oz. 16 dwts. 7:3, 7:3/31 gr.; and that of the 12 bowls, 487 oz. 14 dwts. 20; 7:4/31 gr.; making the total weight of silver vessels 1,393 oz. 7:10 dwts. 23, 7/31 gr. The golden spoons, allowing each to be 7:5 oz. 16 dwts. 3, 3/31 gr., amount to 69 oz. 3 dwts. 13, 5/31 gr. Besides these, there were for sacrifice - Sacrifices Bullocks 12
Rams 12
Lambs 12
Goats 24
Rams 60
He goats 60
Lambs 60
Total 240

By this we may at once see, that though the place in which they now sojourned was a wilderness as to cities, villages, and regular inhabitants, yet there was plenty of pasturage; else the Israelites could not have furnished these cattle, with all the sacrifices necessary for different occasions, and especially for the passover, which must of itself have required an immense number of lambs, when each family of 600,000 males was obliged to provide one - 9:1.

Verse 77ReciprocalNumbers 2:27 - Pagiel Verse 78Numbers 1:15, 2:29Reciprocal7:72 - eleventh day; 10:27 - Ahira Verse 79Numbers 7:13-89

Verse 83ReciprocalNumbers 2:29 - Ahira Verse 84the dedicationNumbers 7:10; 1 Chronicles 29:6-8; Ezra 2:68, 2:69; Nehemiah 7:70-72; Isaiah 60:6-10; Habakkuk 3:1; Revelation 21:14 the princesJudges 5:9; Nehemiah 3:9ReciprocalNumbers 7:88 - that it was anointed; 1 Kings 8:63 - dedicated; Ezra 8:28 - the vessels; Zechariah 14:20 - the bowls; Matthew 14:8 - a charger Verse 85two thousand1 Chronicles 22:14, 29:4, 29:7; Ezra 8:25, 8:26 after the shekelNumbers 7:13ReciprocalZechariah 14:20 - the bowls; Matthew 14:8 - a charger Verse 86Reciprocal1 Kings 7:50 - spoons; Matthew 2:11 - frankincense Verse 88that it was anointedNumbers 7:1, 7:10, 7:84

Verse 89to speakNumbers 12:8; Exodus 33:9-11 himthat is, Godhe heardNumbers 1:1; Exodus 25:22; Leviticus 1:1; Habakkuk 3:1 two cherubimsExodus 25:18-21; 1 Samuel 4:4; 1 Kings 6:23; Psalm 80:1; 1 Peter 1:12ReciprocalNumbers 8:1 - General; Deuteronomy 12:5 - habitation; 1 Kings 6:5 - oracle; 1 Chronicles 13:6 - that dwelleth; Romans 9:4 - and the glory; Habakkuk 3:1 - over Verse 1 WhenNumbers 7:89
it may be thought he then spake these things unto him; but both this and what follows, concerning the Levites, seem rather to have been delivered after the order for giving them to the priests, and appointing their several charges - 3:1 and 4:1. But some other things intervening, which depended upon what had been ordered respecting their camp, and that of the Israelites, Moses omits this until he had stated them, and some other matters which he had received from God. - See note on 7:11.ReciprocalGenesis 46:11 - Levi; Deuteronomy 10:8 - time the Lord Verse 2Exodus 25:37, 37:18, 37:19, 37:23, 40:25; Leviticus 24:1, 24:2; Psalm 119:105, 119:130; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 5:14; John 1:9; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 1:12, 1:20, 2:1, 4:5ReciprocalNumbers 18:5 - And ye; Matthew 5:15 - it giveth Verse 4this workExodus 25:31-39, 37:17-24 beaten work25:18, 37:7, 37:17, 37:22 the pattern25:9, 25:40; 1 Chronicles 28:11-19; Habakkuk 3:1, 3:1ReciprocalExodus 25:36 - beaten Verse 5ReciprocalNumbers 8:22 - as the Lord; 1 Chronicles 6:48 - brethren Verse 6cleanse themExodus 19:15; 2 Corinthians 7:1; James 4:8ReciprocalLeviticus 14:11 - General; Numbers 3:6 - General; 2 Chronicles 29:11 - the Lord Verse 7SprinkleLeviticus 8:6, 14:7; Isaiah 52:15; Ezekiel 36:25; Habakkuk 3:1 waterNumbers 19:9, 19:10, 19:13, 19:17-19; Psalm 51:7; Habakkuk 3:1 let them shaveHeb. let them cause a razor to pass over, etc. Leviticus 14:8, 14:9 wash theirNumbers 19:7, 19:8, 19:10, 19:19, 31:20; Genesis 35:2; Exodus 19:10; Leviticus 15:6, 15:10, 15:11, 15:27, 16:28; Psalm 51:2; Jeremiah 4:14; Matthew 23:25, 23:26; James 4:8; 1 Peter 3:21; Revelation 7:14ReciprocalNumbers 8:21 - were purified; 31:23 - it shall be purified; Habakkuk 3:1 - sprinkled Verse 8a youngExodus 29:1, 29:3; Leviticus 1:3, 8:2 his meatNumbers 15:8, 15:9; Leviticus 2:1 another4:3, 4:14, 16:3; Isaiah 53:10; Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21ReciprocalNumbers 8:12 - the one Verse 9thou shalt bringExodus 29:4-37, 40:12 shalt gather the wholeThe words, kol a?dath, which are rendered "the whole assembly," often signify all the elders, or principal persons in the several tribes - Numbers 15:4; 25:7; 35:12. And they cannot well have any other sense here; for it would be impossible for all the children of Israel to put their hands on the Levites, as stated in the next verse. Leviticus 8:3ReciprocalExodus 27:21 - the tabernacle of the congregation; Ezra 6:18 - as it is written Verse 10Numbers 3:45; Leviticus 1:4; Acts 6:6, 13:2, 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14, 5:22ReciprocalGenesis 48:14 - and laid; Numbers 8:16 - wholly given; Acts 8:17 - laid Verse 11offerHeb. waveofferingHeb. wave-offering, Not that they were actually waved, but they were presented to God, as the God of heaven, and the Lord of the whole earth, as the wave offerings were; and in calling them wave-offerings, it was intimated to them that they must move to and fro with readiness in the business of their profession. Numbers 6:20; Exodus 29:24; Leviticus 7:30, 8:27, 8:29 they may executeHeb. they may be to execute, etc. Numbers 1:49-53, 3:5-43Reciprocal3:7 - to do the; 8:13 - offer them; 8:15 - go in; 8:16 - wholly given; 8:21 - offered; Acts 13:2 - Separate Verse 12LevitesExodus 29:10; Leviticus 1:4, 8:14, 16:21 the oneNumbers 8:8, 6:14, 6:16; Leviticus 5:7, 5:9, 5:10, 8:14, 8:18, 9:7, 14:19, 14:20, 14:22; Habakkuk 3:1-10:10 atonementLeviticus 1:4, 4:20, 4:35, 8:34, 16:6, 16:11, 16:16-19; Habakkuk 3:1ReciprocalNumbers 8:21 - Aaron made Verse 13offer themWehainaphta othom tenoophath, literally, as in Numbers 8:11, "and thou shalt wave them for a wave-offering;" manifestly in allusion to the ancient sacrificial rite of waving the sacrifices before the Lord; and it is probable, that some significant action, analogous to the waving of the sacrifice, was employed on this occasion; for the Levites were considered as an offering to the Lord, to whose service they were wholly dedicated. To this the apostle Paul manifestly alludes, when, in writing to the Romans, he says - Romans 12:1
"I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Numbers 8:11, 8:21, 18:6; Romans 12:1, 15:16ReciprocalNumbers 8:15 - and offer; 1 Chronicles 15:2 - to minister Verse 14separateNumbers 6:2; Deuteronomy 10:8; Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:15; Habakkuk 3:1 and the LevitesNumbers 8:17, 3:45, 16:9, 16:10, 18:6; Malachi 3:17Reciprocal1 Chronicles 15:2 - to minister Verse 15go inNumbers 8:11, 3:23-37, 4:3-32; 1 Chronicles 23:1-32, 25:1-26:32 and offerNumbers 8:11, 8:13, 3:12Reciprocal3:7 - to do the; 8:21 - offered; 8:22 - after that; 2 Chronicles 29:34 - their brethren; Malachi 2:5 - covenant Verse 16wholly givenNethunim, nethunim, "given, given." The word being repeated, "because," says Bp. Patrick, "the children of Israel had devoted them to him, by laying their hands upon them - Numbers 8:10
and Aaron had waved them as a wave-offering to the Lord" - 8:11.instead of suchHoubigant, on the authority of the Samaritan, reads, "instead of every first-born of the children of Israel, who openeth the womb." 3:12, 3:45ReciprocalExodus 13:2 - Sanctify; Numbers 3:13 - Because; 3:41 - General; 18:6 - given; Luke 2:23 - Every Verse 17all theNumbers 3:13; Exodus 13:2, 13:12-15; Luke 2:23 on the dayExodus 12:29; Psalm 78:51, 105:36, 135:8; Habakkuk 3:1 I sanctifiedExodus 13:14, 13:15, 29:44; Leviticus 27:14, 27:15, 27:26; Ezekiel 20:12; John 10:36, 17:19; Habakkuk 3:1; James 1:18ReciprocalNumbers 8:14 - and the Levites Verse 18ReciprocalGenesis 48:14 - and laid; Numbers 3:12 - General Verse 19I have givenNumbers 3:6-9, 18:2-6; 1 Chronicles 23:28-32; Ezekiel 44:11-14 a giftHeb. giventhat thereNumbers 1:53, 16:46, 18:5; 1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Chronicles 26:16-20ReciprocalNumbers 3:9 - General; 2 Chronicles 29:34 - their brethren; 35:3 - serve now Verse 20ReciprocalNumbers 9:5 - according; 9:22 - abode Verse 21were purifiedNumbers 8:7, 19:12, 19:19 offered8:11-13, 8:15, 3:12 Aaron made8:12ReciprocalExodus 19:10 - wash; Leviticus 14:11 - General; Numbers 8:13 - offer them Verse 22after thatNumbers 8:15; 2 Chronicles 30:15-17, 30:27, 31:2, 35:8-15 as the LordNumbers 8:5-26Reciprocal3:6 - General; 18:2 - minister; Ezra 8:17 - ministers Verse 24from twentyIn Numbers 4:3, the Levites are appointed to the service of the tabernacle at the age of 30 years; and in 1 Chronicles 23:24, they are ordered to commence their work at 20 years of age. In order to reconcile this apparent discrepancy, it is to be observed:

1. At the time of which Moses speaks in Numbers 4:3, the Levitical service was exceedingly severe, and consequently required full grown, robust men, to perform it; the age of 30 was therefore appointed as the period for commencing this service, the weightier part of which was probably there intended.

2. In this place God seems to speak of the service in a general way: hence the age of 25 is fixed.

3. In David's time, and afterwards, in the fixed tabernacle and temple, the laboriousness of the service no longer existed, and hence 20 years was the age appointed. 4:3, 4:23; 1 Chronicles 23:3, 23:24-27, 28:12, 28:13 wait uponHeb. war the warfare of, etc. 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:18, 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-5ReciprocalNumbers 1:53 - and the; 3:7 - to do the; 4:35 - General; 1 Chronicles 15:2 - to minister; 2 Chronicles 31:17 - twenty; Nehemiah 12:44 - Judah rejoiced Verse 25cease waiting upon the service thereofHeb. return from the warfare of the service, Numbers 4:23; 2 Timothy 4:7
The Levites, above fifty years of age, might superintend and assist their junior brethren in the ordinary offices, and give them and the people counsel and instruction; but they were exempted from carrying the tabernacle and from other laborious services. It is remarkable, that no law was made concerning the age at which the priests should begin to officiate, and though various blemishes disqualified them for the service of the sanctuary, yet they continued their ministrations till death, if capable. On the other hand, nothing is said concerning any bodily defects or blemishes disqualifying the Levites; but the time of their service is expressly settled. Their work was far more laborious than that of the priests; it is therefore likely that the priests would not begin very early to officiate; and the wisdom and experience of age would increase, rather than diminish, their fitness for the sacred duties of their office.ReciprocalNehemiah 12:44 - Judah rejoiced Verse 26to keepNumbers 1:53, 3:32, 18:4, 31:30; 1 Chronicles 23:32, 26:20-29; Ezekiel 44:8, 44:11 and shall1 Timothy 4:15ReciprocalNumbers 3:7 - keep Verse 1 amin the first monthThe first fourteen verses of this chapter evidently refer to a time previous to the commencement of this book; but as there is no evidence of a transposition, it is better to conclude with Houbigant, that "it is enough to know, that these books contain an account of things transacted in the days of Moses, though not in their regular or chronological order." Numbers 1:1; Exodus 40:2Reciprocal40:17 - the first month; Numbers 7:66 - On the tenth day; 7:73 - General; 10:11 - on; 10:12 - out of the; Joshua 5:10 - kept the passover Verse 2keepExodus 12:1-20 his appointedNumbers 28:16; Exodus 12:6, 12:14; Leviticus 23:5; Deuteronomy 16:1, 16:2; Joshua 5:10; 2 Chronicles 35:1; Ezra 6:19; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7; 1 Corinthians 5:7, 5:8ReciprocalExodus 12:21 - and take; 23:15 - the feast; Numbers 9:7 - we may not offer; 9:13 - because; 28:2 - General; 2 Kings 23:21 - as it is written; Ezekiel 45:21 - ye shall Verse 3Exodus 12:7-11 the fourteenth2 Chronicles 30:2, 30:15 at evenHeb. between the two evenings, Exodus 12:6 *marg. Habakkuk 3:1 according to all the ritesNumbers 9:11, 9:12Reciprocal9:13 - because; 28:2 - General; 28:4 - at even; 28:16 - General; Deuteronomy 16:6 - at even; 2 Chronicles 35:1 - the fourteenth Verse 5they keptJoshua 5:10 accordingNumbers 8:20, 29:40; Genesis 6:22, 7:5; Exodus 39:32, 39:42; Deuteronomy 1:3, 4:5; Matthew 28:20; John 15:14; Acts 26:19; Habakkuk 3:5, 3:1ReciprocalNumbers 10:11 - on; 10:12 - out of the Verse 6defiledNumbers 5:2, 6:6, 6:7, 19:11, 19:16, 19:18; Leviticus 21:11; John 18:28 they cameNumbers 15:33, 27:2, 27:5; Exodus 18:15, 18:19, 18:26; Leviticus 24:11ReciprocalNumbers 9:10 - be unclean; 2 Chronicles 30:19 - though he be not; Ezra 6:21 - all such; Haggai 2:13 - General; John 11:55 - to purify Verse 7we may not offerNumbers 9:2; Exodus 12:27; Deuteronomy 16:2; 2 Chronicles 30:17-19; 1 Corinthians 5:7, 5:8ReciprocalNumbers 9:10 - be unclean; 9:13 - because; 28:2 - General; Ezra 6:21 - all such Verse 8StandExodus 14:13; 2 Chronicles 20:17 I willNumbers 27:5; Psalm 25:14, 85:8; Proverbs 3:5, 3:6; Ezekiel 2:7, 3:17; John 7:17, 17:8; Acts 20:27; 1 Corinthians 4:4, 11:23; Habakkuk 3:5, 3:6

Verse 10be uncleanNumbers 9:6, 9:7; Romans 15:8-19, 16:25, 16:26; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 2:1, 2:2, 2:12, 2:13, 3:6-9 yet he shall keepMatthew 5:24; 1 Corinthians 11:28ReciprocalNumbers 19:11 - toucheth the dead; 2 Chronicles 30:2 - in the second month; 30:18 - had not cleansed; Ezra 6:21 - all such; 1 Corinthians 11:27 - whosoever Verse 11fourteenthNumbers 9:3; Exodus 12:2-14, 12:43-49; 2 Chronicles 30:2-15; John 19:36 and eat itExodus 12:8ReciprocalNumbers 10:11 - on; Deuteronomy 16:3 - eat no; 16:6 - at even Verse 12shall leaveExodus 12:10 break any boneIn the East, Belon says, he "met with shepherds who were roasting sheep whole, which they sold to travellers stuck upon sticks of willow tree. The entrails were taken out, and the body again sewed up." 12:46; John 19:36 accordingNumbers 9:3; Exodus 12:43Reciprocal34:25 - be left; Habakkuk 3:1 - had Verse 13forbearethNumbers 15:30, 15:31, 19:13; Genesis 17:14; Exodus 12:15; Leviticus 17:4, 17:10, 17:14-16; Habakkuk 2:3; 3:1, 3:1-10:29, 3:1 becauseNumbers 9:2, 9:3, 9:7 bear his sin5:31; Leviticus 20:20, 22:9; Ezekiel 23:49; Habakkuk 3:1ReciprocalExodus 12:19 - even that; 12:47 - All the; 28:43 - bear not iniquity; 30:33 - cut off; Leviticus 5:1 - bear; 24:15 - bear his sin; Numbers 19:9 - clean; 28:2 - General; 1 Corinthians 11:27 - whosoever Verse 14Exodus 12:48, 12:49; Leviticus 19:10, 22:25, 24:22, 25:15; Deuteronomy 29:11, 31:12; Isaiah 56:3-7; Ephesians 2:19-22ReciprocalExodus 12:43 - There shall; Numbers 15:15 - One; 15:29 - one law; 29:6 - according Verse 15on the dayExodus 40:2, 40:18 the cloudNumbers 14:14; Exodus 14:19, 14:20, 14:24, 33:9, 33:10, 40:34; Nehemiah 9:12, 9:19; Psalm 78:14, 105:39; Isaiah 4:5; Ezekiel 10:3, 10:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1 at evenExodus 13:21, 40:38Reciprocal26:36 - the tent; 38:21 - tabernacle of testimony; Deuteronomy 1:33 - in fire; 1 Kings 8:9 - when; Acts 7:36 - and in the wilderness; 7:44 - the tabernacle Verse 16Numbers 9:18-22; Exodus 13:21, 13:22, 40:38; Deuteronomy 1:33; Nehemiah 9:12, 9:19; Psalm 78:14, 105:39; Isaiah 4:5, 4:6; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Revelation 21:3
This cloud not only enlightened the Israelites, but also protected them, and was a continual pledge of God's presence and protection. To this manifestation of the Divine glory, the prophet Isaiah alludes, when he says - Isaiah 4:5
"The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night." God is the director, protector, and glory of his church.

Verse 17when the cloudNumbers 10:11, 10:33, 10:34; Exodus 40:36-38; Psalm 80:1, 80:2; Isaiah 49:10; John 10:3-5, 10:9 and in theExodus 33:14, 33:15; Psalm 32:8, 73:24; John 10:3, 10:4, 10:9ReciprocalNumbers 9:22 - abode; 33:2 - journeys; Psalm 136:16 - General Verse 18and at theNumbers 9:20, 10:13; Exodus 17:1; 2 John 1:6 as long as1 Corinthians 10:1
There is no time lost, while we are waiting God's time. It is as acceptable a piece of submission to the will of God, to sit still contentedly when our lot requires it, as to work for him when we are called to it.ReciprocalNumbers 9:16 - General Verse 19tarried longHeb. prolongedkept theNumbers 1:52, 1:53, 3:8; Zechariah 3:7ReciprocalExodus 40:37 - General; Leviticus 8:35 - keep; Numbers 9:23 - they kept; 2 Chronicles 13:11 - we keep Verse 20ReciprocalNumbers 9:18 - and at the; Deuteronomy 7:21 - the Lord Verse 21abodeHeb. was, Nehemiah 9:12, 9:19

Verse 22abodeNumbers 9:17, 1:54, 8:20, 23:21, 23:22; Exodus 39:42, 40:16, 40:36, 40:37; Deuteronomy 1:6, 1:7, 2:3, 2:4; Psalm 32:8, 48:14, 73:24, 77:20, 107:7, 143:10; Proverbs 3:5, 3:6; Acts 1:4

Verse 23they keptNumbers 9:19; Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Ezekiel 44:8; Zechariah 3:7
Some of the Levites may have been appointed to watch the moving of the pillar, and to give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir; and this is called "keeping the charge of the Lord." It is uncomfortable staying when God is departed, but very safe and pleasant going, when we see God go before us, and resting where he appoints us to rest.ReciprocalNumbers 10:13 - General