Numbers 3

4 in the sight of Aaron. i.e., in his presence; during his life. See also 1 Chron. xxiv. 19.

10 the stranger. That is, any one besides the priests, though even of the tribe of Levi; and so in ver. 38.

25 tabernacle. That is, the coverings of the tabernacle; for the Merarites had charge of the boards (ver. 36).

27. Kohathites.** It is worthy of note that in the Kohathites were included the sons of Moses, who had no higher employment than that of taking care of the sacred vessels, and carrying burdens in connexion with this service. See also iv. 24-28.

39 twenty and two thousand. See note on ch. i. 46 and Exod. xii. 37.

41 the cattle of the Levites. The cattle of the Levites were not to be taken from them, or to be offered in sacrifice; but both they and their cattle were to be presented before the Lord, that they might be set apart for God’s service, and their cattle for their use and support as God’s ministers.

46. Six hundred thousand. See note on ver. 39.

47 five shekels apiece. This was the amount levied on the firstborn in after times, as a perpetual revenue to the priesthood (see xviii. 16). How it was raised in the present instance we are not told.

49 the redemption money. This law suggests the contrast stated in 1 Pet. i. 18.