Annotations.
THe generations] that is, the children of Aaron, [unspec 1] and genealogie of the Levites, and the things that befell unto them; for so the word generations is used for accidents that fall out unto any, as is noted on Gen. 5. 1. In this and the next chapter, he shew∣eth the numbring of the Levites, and their order in administration: who were numbred apart, and not with the other tribes, because they were to at∣tend the service of the Tabernacle, and encampe about it, not with the other twelve tribes, Num. 1. 49. 50. and 3. 8, 9, 10. 23. 38. And they were to be numbred after an other manner, not from twentie yeeres old, as the tribes were, Num. 1. 3. but from a moneth old, as touching their tale, Num. 3. 15. and from thirtie yeeres old to fifty, as touching their service, Num. 4. 3. And also, because there 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 inheritance given them, among the sonnes of Israel, Num. 26. 62. but the Lord was their inheri∣tance, Deut. 10. 8, 9. Now to be numbred apart, and not with others, signified some speciall favour towards such, and care over them; as Num. 23. 9.
Aaron Aaron] the elder brother of Moses; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Levites: therefore their names are mentioned here.
V. 3. he filled] that is, consecrated (or perfected) [unspec 3] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Greeke translateth. See the annotations on Ex••••. 29. 9. and Levit. 8.
V. 4. dyed] by a fire from the Lord, Levit. 10. [unspec 4] 1, 2. This is mentioned againe, in Num. 26. 61. 1 Chron. 24. 1, 2. had no sonnes] the He∣brewes (as Chazkuni upon this place,) say, if they had had sonnes, those sonnes had beene be¦fore Eleazar and Ithamar: for whosoever is fore-most in inheritance, is foremost for honour (or digni∣tie.) in the sight of Aaron] or, before the face, that is, whiles Aaron lived; as before the face of Tharah, Gen. 11. 38. is, while Tharah lived, be∣fore the Moone and Sunne, Psal. 72. 5. 17. is, whiles they continue to give light. The Greeke translateth With Aaron. Elsewhere it is said, by the hand of Aaron, 1 Chron. 24. 19. Of these two, there were so many Priests in Davids dayes, that he distributed them into 24. courses, sixteene of Eleazar, and eight of Ithamar, 1 Chron. 24. 3. 4. The Hebrew Doctors say, Moses divided the Priests into eight wards (or courses,) foure of Elea∣zar, and foure of Ithamar: and so they were untill the Prophet Samuels dayes. Then Samuel and David the King parted them into 24. courses. And over every course (or ward) there was one chiefe Provost. And they went up to Ierusalem to serve by course every weeke. And every sabbath day they changed, one course went out; and the next after them, came in, &c. Maimony tom. 3. treat. of the Instruments of the Sanctuarie, chapt. 4. sect. 3. Compare 1 Chron. 9. 22. 25. 2 King. 11. 5. 7.
V. 6. present it] or, cause it to stand; speaking [unspec 6] of the tribe. In Greeke, present them.
V. 7. his charge] Hebr. his custody (or obser∣uation;) [unspec 7] that is, that which he commandeth them to obserue. See this phrase in Lev. 18. 30. 〈…〉〈…〉 of all the congregation] the Greeke explaineth it, of the sonnes of Israel, as in v. 8. So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 2 Chron. 35. 3. serve the Lord your God, and his people Israel. It meaneth also such things, as they were charged to keepe: but the Levites now were taken in their stead. 〈…〉〈…〉 to serve the service] in Greeke, to worke (or doe) the workes of the Tabernacle: which in Num. 8. 11. is said, to serve the service of the Lord. After, in the 8. verse, the Greeke transla∣teth, according to all the workes of the Tabernacle. The Hebrewes write thus; The s••ed of Levi are all of them separated for the service of the Sanctuarie. And it is commanded that the Levites be prepared and readie for the service of the Sanctuarie, whether they be willing or not willing; (as in Num. 18. 23.) And the Levite, he shall serve the service of the Tent of the congregation. And the sonne of Levi which will take upon him all the Levites commandements sa∣ving one thing, they receive him not in, till he take all upon him. Maimony treat, of the Instruments of the Sanct. chap. 3. sect. 1.
V. 9. are given are given] that is, as the Greeke [unspec 9] here, and Moses himselfe in Num. 18. 6. explai∣neth it, are a gift given: o••, they are wholly given. So the Ministers of the Gospell are called gifts, Ephes. 4. 8. 11. 〈…〉〈…〉 unto him] for his helpe, in the charge and worke of the Sanctuarie: they mi∣nistring unto him, and he and his sonnes mini∣string before the Tabernacle, Num. 18. 2. 6.
V. 11. shalt appoint] or, constitute, set in office as [unspec 11] Bishops, or Overseers. The Greeke explaineth it,