King James Version

What Does Numbers 8:26 Mean?

“But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.”

Context

This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: to: Heb. to war the warfare of, etc

And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: cease: Heb. return from the warfare of the service

But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **To keep the charge.**—A clear distinction is here made between the *service *which involved heavy manual labour in carrying the furniture of the Tabernacle and in slaughtering the victims, and the *charge *or oversight of the furniture and the vessels of the Sanctuary. **Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. **Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 8:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.