Numbers 3:6

3:6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may serve him.

Numbers 8:25

8:25 and at the age of fifty years they must retire from performing the work and may no longer work.

Numbers 18:22

18:22 No longer may the Israelites approach the tent of meeting, or else they will bear their sin and die.

Numbers 20:20

20:20 But he said, “You may not pass through.” Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful force.

Numbers 22:19

22:19 Now therefore, please stay the night here also, that I may know what more the Lord might say to me.”

sn The use of the verb קָרַב (qarav) forms an interesting wordplay in the passage. The act of making an offering is described by this verb, as was the reference to the priests’ offering of strange fire. Now the ceremonial presentation of the priests is expressed by the same word – they are being offered to God.

tn The verb literally means “make it [the tribe] stand” (וְהַעֲמַדְתָּ אֹתוֹ, vÿhaamadtaoto). The verb is the Hiphil perfect with a vav (ו) consecutive; it will take the same imperative nuance as the form before it, but follow in sequence (“and then”). This refers to the ceremonial presentation in which the tribe would take its place before Aaron, that is, stand before him and await their assignments. The Levites will function more like a sacred guard than anything else, for they had to protect and care for the sanctuary when it was erected and when it was transported (see J. Milgrom, Studies in Levitical Terminology, 8-10).

tn The verb וְשֵׁרְתוּ (vÿsherÿtu) is the Piel perfect with a vav (ו) consecutive; it carries the same volitional force as the preceding verb forms, but may here be subordinated in the sequence to express the purpose or result of the preceding action.

tn The Hebrew text uses the infinitive construct of the verb “to bear” with the lamed (ל) preposition to express the result of such an action. “To bear their sin” would mean that they would have to suffer the consequences of their sin.

tn Heb “to meet him.”

tn Heb “with many [heavy] people and with a strong hand.” The translation presented above is interpretive, but that is what the line means. It was a show of force, numbers and weapons, to intimidate the Israelites.

tn In this case “lodge” is not used, but “remain, reside” (שְׁבוּ, shÿvu).

tn This clause is also a verbal hendiadys: “what the Lord might add to speak,” meaning, “what more the Lord might say.”