Numbers 3:6
Numbers 3:6 in Multiple Translations
“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
Make the tribe of Levi come near, and put them before Aaron the priest, to be his helpers,
“Gather the tribe of Levi together and present them to Aaron the priest to help him with the ministry.
Bring the tribe of Leui, and set the before Aaron the Priest that they may serue him,
'Bring near the tribe of Levi, and thou hast caused it to stand before Aaron the priest, and they have served him,
“Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.
Bring the tribe of Levi, and make them stand in the sight of Aaron the priest to minister to him, and let them watch,
“Bring the men of the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron, in order that they may assist him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:6
BAB
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 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַקְרֵב֙
אֶת
מַטֵּ֣ה
לֵוִ֔י
וְֽ/הַעֲמַדְתָּ֣
אֹת֔/וֹ
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
וְ/שֵׁרְת֖וּ
אֹתֽ/וֹ
הַקְרֵב֙
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
לֵוִ֔י
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
N-proper
וְֽ/הַעֲמַדְתָּ֣
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/שֵׁרְת֖וּ
shârath
H8334
to minister
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:6
הַקְרֵב֙
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.
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.
מַטֵּ֣ה
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.
לֵוִ֔י
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.
וְֽ/הַעֲמַדְתָּ֣
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
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.
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/שֵׁרְת֖וּ
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
Conj | V-Piel-3cp
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.
אֹתֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:6
- Sermons on Numbers 3:6
Context — The Duties of the Levites
4Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
5Then the LORD said to Moses,
6“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
7They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. 8They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 10:8 | At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. |
| 2 | Numbers 2:33 | But the Levites were not counted among the other Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
| 3 | Numbers 1:49–53 | “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it. Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death. The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard. But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 33:8–9 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. |
| 5 | Numbers 16:9–11 | Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?” |
| 6 | Malachi 2:4 | Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 7 | Numbers 2:17 | In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard. |
| 8 | Numbers 8:6–26 | “Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. Then have them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, and you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering. Bring the Levites before the Tent of Meeting and assemble the whole congregation of Israel. You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them. Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD. And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. You are to have the Levites stand before Aaron and his sons and then present them before the LORD as a wave offering. In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel. 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.” So Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel did with the Levites everything that the LORD had commanded Moses they should do. The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them. 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. And the LORD said to Moses, “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting. But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.” |
| 9 | Exodus 32:26–29 | So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.” |
| 10 | Numbers 18:1–7 | So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. 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 they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. 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. And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” |
Numbers 3:6 Summary
This verse is telling us that God chose the tribe of Levi to help Aaron the priest with his work. The Levites were to assist Aaron and the whole community by taking care of the Tent of Meeting and the tabernacle, as described in Numbers 3:7-8. This reminds us that we are all called to serve others and use our gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ, just like the Levites did (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:3-8). By serving others, we are ultimately serving God and fulfilling our purpose in life, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Levites chosen to assist Aaron the priest?
The Levites were chosen to assist Aaron because they were set apart by God to serve the community in spiritual matters, as seen in Numbers 3:6 and Numbers 8:6-26, and this role is further explained in Exodus 32:26-29 and Deuteronomy 10:8-9.
What does it mean for the Levites to 'assist' Aaron the priest?
Assisting Aaron the priest meant that the Levites would help with various tasks and responsibilities related to the Tent of Meeting and the service of the tabernacle, as described in Numbers 3:7-8 and Numbers 18:1-7, similar to how Jesus Christ gives gifts to believers to serve the body of Christ in Ephesians 4:11-12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Numbers?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the book of Numbers, which tells the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and the establishment of the priestly order, as seen in Numbers 1:1-4 and Numbers 36:13, and it sets the stage for the role of the Levites in the community, as further explained in Leviticus 8:1-36 and Deuteronomy 33:8-11.
What can we learn from the Levites' role in serving the community?
The Levites' role teaches us about the importance of serving others and using our gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:3-8, and it reminds us that our service to God is not just about individual accomplishments, but about working together as a community to fulfill God's purposes, as described in Matthew 20:26-28 and Galatians 5:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can use my gifts and talents to serve others in my community, just like the Levites served the Israelites?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and willingness to assist others, just like the Levites assisted Aaron the priest?
- What are some areas in my life where I can surrender my own desires and ambitions to serve God and others, just like the Levites surrendered their own interests to serve the community?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the needs of others, just like the Levites had to balance their own responsibilities with their duties to assist Aaron and the community?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:6
Bring the tribe of Levi near,.... Separate them from the rest, set them apart for special service about, the sanctuary, let them have a place nearer to it than the other tribes, or offer them, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:6
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring the tribe of Levi near , [ haqªreeb (H7126)] - make approach.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:6
Present them; offer them to the lord for his special service. This was promised to them before, and now actually conferred upon them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:6
Verse 6. Bring the tribe of Levi near] The original word הקרב hakreb is properly a sacrificial word, and signifies the presenting of a sacrifice or offering to the Lord. As an offering, the tribe of Levi was given up entirely to the service of the sanctuary, to be no longer their own, but the Lord's property.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:6
6. minister unto him] i.e. unto all the priests, whom Aaron represented.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:6
THE LEVITES TO AARON, Numbers 3:5-11.In the performance of the prescribed ritual there were many duties of a semi-sacerdotal nature, and some that were even menial.
Sermons on Numbers 3:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Burden Under Badger Skins by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches on the importance of bearing one another's burdens, emphasizing the beautiful law of Christ where we carry each other's burdens, reflecting Christ's act of ca |
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Left Behind by George Matheson | George Matheson emphasizes the significance of the Levites, who were overlooked and uncounted in the census of Israel, yet held a vital role in maintaining the tabernacle. He illus |
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A Farewell Sermon by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards delivers a farewell sermon at the First Church in Northampton, MA, emphasizing the accountability of ministers and their congregations before Christ's tribunal on |
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Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u |
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Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other |
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Levitical Ministry - Part 1of4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Levi tribe in the Bible and how it relates to the church. The Levi tribe represents the principle and meaning of the h |
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Chief Cause for Decay in the Church by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from the book of Malachi, specifically chapter 4. The text speaks of a day that will come, burning like an oven, where the proud |