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Numbers 18:2

Numbers 18:2 in Multiple Translations

But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony.

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.

And thy brethren also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall be before the tent of the testimony.

Let your brothers, the family of Levi, come near with you, so that they may be joined with you and be your servants: but you and your sons with you are to go in before the ark of witness.

Have your brothers from the tribe of Levi, your father's tribe, join you to help you and your sons with your service in the Tent of the Testimony.

And bring also with thee thy brethren of the tribe of Leui of ye familie of thy father, which shalbe ioyned with thee, and minister vnto thee: but thou, and thy sonnes with thee shall minister before the Tabernacle of the Testimonie:

and also thy brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring near with thee, and they are joined unto thee, and serve thee, even thou and thy sons with thee, before the tent of the testimony.

Bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you; but you and your sons with you shall be before the Tent of the Testimony.

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined to thee, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.

And take with thee thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, and the sceptre of thy father, and let them be ready in hand, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons shall minister in the tabernacle of the testimony.

Require that those who belong to your tribe, the tribe of Levi, must assist you and your sons while you perform your work at the Sacred Tent.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 18:2

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 18:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/גַ֣ם אֶת אַחֶי/ךָ֩ מַטֵּ֨ה לֵוִ֜י שֵׁ֤בֶט אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙ הַקְרֵ֣ב אִתָּ֔/ךְ וְ/יִלָּו֥וּ עָלֶ֖י/ךָ וִֽ/ישָׁרְת֑וּ/ךָ וְ/אַתָּה֙ וּ/בָנֶ֣י/ךָ אִתָּ֔/ךְ לִ/פְנֵ֖י אֹ֥הֶל הָ/עֵדֻֽת
וְ/גַ֣ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אַחֶי/ךָ֩ ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff
מַטֵּ֨ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe N-ms
לֵוִ֜י Lêvîy H3878 Levi N-proper
שֵׁ֤בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-ms
אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
הַקְרֵ֣ב qârab H7126 to present V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אִתָּ֔/ךְ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
וְ/יִלָּו֥וּ lâvâh H3867 to join Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
וִֽ/ישָׁרְת֑וּ/ךָ shârath H8334 to minister Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וְ/אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
וּ/בָנֶ֣י/ךָ bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp | Suff
אִתָּ֔/ךְ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms
הָ/עֵדֻֽת ʻêdûwth H5715 testimony Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 18:2

וְ/גַ֣ם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אַחֶי/ךָ֩ ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
מַטֵּ֨ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
לֵוִ֜י Lêvîy H3878 "Levi" N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
שֵׁ֤בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הַקְרֵ֣ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אִתָּ֔/ךְ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/יִלָּו֥וּ lâvâh H3867 "to join" Conj | V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to borrow or lend, implying a sense of obligation, as seen in various Bible translations, including abide with or join self.
Definition: 1) to join, be joined 1a) (Qal) to join, be joined, attend 1b) (Niphal) to join oneself to, be joined unto
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: abide with, borrow(-er), cleave, join (self), lend(-er). See also: Genesis 29:34; Psalms 112:5; Psalms 37:21.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וִֽ/ישָׁרְת֑וּ/ךָ shârath H8334 "to minister" Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
וְ/אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/בָנֶ֣י/ךָ bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אִתָּ֔/ךְ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
הָ/עֵדֻֽת ʻêdûwth H5715 "testimony" Art | N-fs
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.

Study Notes — Numbers 18:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 29:34 Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.
2 Numbers 18:4 They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you.
3 Ezekiel 44:15 But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD.
4 Numbers 8:22 After that, the Levites came to perform their service at the Tent of Meeting in the presence of Aaron and his sons. Thus they did with the Levites just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
5 2 Chronicles 30:16 They stood at their prescribed posts, according to the Law of Moses the man of God. The priests sprinkled the blood, which they received from the hand of the Levites.
6 Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.
7 Numbers 17:7 Then Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony.
8 Numbers 16:40 just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.
9 1 Chronicles 16:39–40 And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon to regularly present burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of burnt offerings, morning and evening, according to all that was written in the Law of the LORD, which He had commanded Israel to keep.
10 Numbers 8:19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.”

Numbers 18:2 Summary

[This verse is telling us that God wanted Aaron to have some help with his big job, so He told him to bring his brothers from the tribe of Levi to assist him, as seen in Numbers 18:2. This is like when we have a big task to do and we ask our friends or family for help, just like Jesus sent out His disciples two by two, as mentioned in Mark 6:7. God knows we need support and help to do our jobs well, and He often provides it through the people around us, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. By working together and supporting one another, we can accomplish much more than we could alone, and this is a key principle in the Bible, as emphasized in Romans 12:4-5 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Aaron to bring his brothers from the tribe of Levi to assist him?

God instructed Aaron to bring his brothers from the tribe of Levi to assist him because He wanted to provide support and help to Aaron and his sons in their priestly duties, as seen in Numbers 18:2, and to also ensure the Levites had a role in the service of the Tent of the Testimony, as mentioned in Numbers 3:6-10.

What role were the Levites supposed to play in assisting Aaron and his sons?

The Levites were to assist Aaron and his sons in their duties before the Tent of the Testimony, but they were not allowed to come near the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, as stated in Numbers 18:3, to prevent any potential desecration or harm.

How does this verse relate to the concept of teamwork and shared responsibility in ministry?

This verse highlights the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in ministry, as seen in Numbers 18:2, where God provides additional support to Aaron and his sons through the Levites, demonstrating that ministry is not a solo effort, but rather a collective endeavor, as also emphasized in Matthew 10:1 and 1 Corinthians 12:14-27.

What can we learn from God's instruction to Aaron about the importance of family and community in our own lives and ministries?

We can learn that God values family and community, and that He often works through these relationships to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Numbers 18:2, and also in other scriptures such as Genesis 12:3 and Psalm 133:1, which emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation among believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I apply the principle of teamwork and shared responsibility in my own life and ministry, as seen in Numbers 18:2?
  2. In what ways can I seek to support and assist others in their roles and responsibilities, just as the Levites were to assist Aaron and his sons?
  3. What are some potential consequences of not having adequate support and help in our ministries, and how can we avoid these pitfalls?
  4. How can I cultivate a sense of community and cooperation with others, as God intended for the Levites and the priests in Numbers 18:2?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:2

And to thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father,.... For his father Amram was of that tribe, and so the Levites were his brethren, as he is directed to consider them; which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:2

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:2

Minister unto thee, about sacrifices and offerings and other things, according to the rules and limits I have prescribed them. The Levites are said to minister to Aaron here, to the church, , and to God, . They shall not contend with thee for superiority, as they have done, but they shall be subordinate and servants to thee. Thou and thy sons with thee, or, both to thee, and to thy sons with thee; which translation may seem to be favoured by the following words, before the tabernacle, which was the proper place where the Levites ministered, whereas the priests did minister to God both before and in the tabernacle. Besides, both the foregoing words, and the two following verses, do entirely speak of the ministry of the Levites, and the ministry of the priests is distinctly spoken of .

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:2

(2) That they may be joined unto thee.—There is an allusion here to the meaning of the name Levi, which was given to Leah’s third son. (See Genesis 29:34.) The Hebrew verb is the same as that which occurs in the speech of Leah. And minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons . . . —Or, and they shall minister unto thee, both unto thee and to thy sons with thee, before the tent of witness. The service of the Levites was executed before the tent—i.e., in the court; that of the priests was in the holy place, as well as in the court (Numbers 18:7).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 18:2

Verse 2. Thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi - may be joined unto thee] There is a fine paronomasia, or play upon words, in the original. לוי Levi comes from the root לוה lavah, to join to, couple, associate: hence Moses says, the Levites, ילוו yillavu, shall be joined, or associated with the priests; they shall conjointly perform the whole of the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites only their associates or assistants. For an explanation of many parts of this chapter, see the notes on several of the passages referred to in the margin.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:2

2. that they may be joined] This is a play on words, similar to that in Genesis 29:34, the verb lβwβh (μεδ) being employed to explain the word Lηwξ ‘Levite,’ so that the latter is understood to denote ‘one who is joined to the priests as a servant.’ Whether this was the original meaning and derivation is doubtful. shall be before the tent] shall preside over the tent. The preposition is not local, but comprises sacred duties both within the tent and outside in the court.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:2

2-5. Thy brethren — The Gershonites and Merarites might serve before the tabernacle, but not within it, nor near the vessels and the altar, lest both they and the priests should die. See Numbers 4:18, note.

Sermons on Numbers 18:2

SermonDescription
H.J. Vine Leviticus and Hebrews by H.J. Vine H.J. Vine preaches on the nearness and response to God as seen in the book of Leviticus, where the Levites were joined to Aaron, representing the Children of Israel, and kept charg
Stephen Kaung Aaron & His Sons: The Holy Priesthood by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of a man after God's own heart. He emphasizes the importance of being what God wants us to be, a man in Christ, in order for God
Ralph Mahoney Depart From Me, I Never Knew You - Part 1 by Ralph Mahoney In this sermon, the speaker discusses a man who was locked up due to an unjust past wound and hurt. The speaker emphasizes that God judged the men who attacked this man severely. H
K.P. Yohannan Encouraged by Jesus (P1) by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, K.P. Hannan discusses the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and highlights the principles that can help us serve God. He emphasizes the importance of being active an
David Wilkerson Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministering to the Lord before going out to the mission field. He encourages pastors to prioritize their ministry to God an
Watchman Nee Ministry to the Lord by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes the distinction between ministry to the House of the Lord and true ministry to the Lord Himself. He warns that many believers may be engaged in church activ
David Wilkerson The New Temple Priesthood by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of the Zadok priesthood, highlighting Zadok's unwavering faithfulness to both King David and God. This faithfulness exemplifies the true

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