Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Numbers 8

This chapter is concerning the lamps or lights of the sanctuary. I. The burning lamps in the candlestick, which the priests were charged to tend, Numbers 8:1-8:4. II. The living lamps (if I may so call them), The Levites, who as ministers were burning and shining lights. The ordination of the priests we had an account of, Leviticus 8:1-8:36. Here we have an account of the ordination of the Levites, the inferior clergy. 1. How they were purified, Numbers 8:5-8:8. 2. How they were parted with by the people, Numbers 8:9-8:10. 3. How they were presented to God in lieu of the firstborn, Numbers 8:11-8:18. 4. How they were consigned to Aaron and his sons, to be ministers to them, Numbers 8:19. 5. How all these orders were duly executed, Numbers 8:20-8:22. And, lastly, the age appointed for their ministration, Numbers 8:23-8:26 MHBCC 126.1