Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.
Numbers 8:14 belongs to the instructions in chapters 8 and 9 concerning the purification of the Levites. Chapter 8 stands with a group of chapters giving instructions about the Levites, priests, offerings, vows, care of the tabernacle, and marching. The verse is part of the passage on the divisions and work of the tribe of Levi.
It means the Levites were to be separated from among the rest of the children of Israel to belong to the Lord as His own. Their consecration involved the assembly laying hands on them and Aaron presenting them before the Lord, with sacrifices completing the rite. They were taken in place of the firstborn of Israel.
Their separation gave them the family-priesthood portion of the birthright, which was divided among Levi, Judah, and Joseph after Reuben forfeited his claim. They were set apart for service in the ministry and for God's service. They served the priests in the sanctuary, but only the descendants of Aaron could serve as priests. Their appointment to serve in the temple followed the directions given through Moses.
Numbers 8:14 belongs to the instructions in chapters 8 and 9 concerning the purification of the Levites. Chapter 8 stands with a group of chapters giving instructions about the Levites, priests, offerings, vows, care of the tabernacle, and marching. The verse is part of the passage on the divisions and work of the tribe of Levi.
It means the Levites were to be separated from among the rest of the children of Israel to belong to the Lord as His own. Their consecration involved the assembly laying hands on them and Aaron presenting them before the Lord, with sacrifices completing the rite. They were taken in place of the firstborn of Israel.
Their separation gave them the family-priesthood portion of the birthright, which was divided among Levi, Judah, and Joseph after Reuben forfeited his claim. They were set apart for service in the ministry and for God's service. They served the priests in the sanctuary, but only the descendants of Aaron could serve as priests. Their appointment to serve in the temple followed the directions given through Moses.