Num 8:16-18 | KingComments | STEP | After the identification of the Israelites with the Levites, expressed by the laying on of hands, the Levites are offered to the LORD. The Levites must do what the whole people should do. The Levites represent the whole people in their service and their service belongs to the whole people. In this way they have become the property of the LORD instead of the firstborn. That fact is recalled again to emphasize that they are God’s property because of the redemption He has established.

‏ Numbers 8:16-18

Instead of the Firstborn

After the identification of the Israelites with the Levites, expressed by the laying on of hands, the Levites are offered to the LORD. The Levites must do what the whole people should do. The Levites represent the whole people in their service and their service belongs to the whole people. In this way they have become the property of the LORD instead of the firstborn. That fact is recalled again to emphasize that they are God’s property because of the redemption He has established.