Wesley Corpus

Chapter III In this chapter we have an account, Of the priests, ver. 1 - 4. The work of the Levites, taken instead of the first - born, ver. 5 - 13. Of the number, place and charge of each family; the Gershonites, ver. 14 - 26. The Kohathites, ver. 27 - 32. The Merarites, ver. 33 - 39. Of the first - born, ver. 40 - 51. These - Which follow in this chapter. The generations - The kindred or family. Moses his family and children are here included under the general name of the Amramites, Nu 3:27, which includes all the children and grand - children of Amram, the persons only of Aaron and Moses being excepted. And the generations of Moses are thus obscurely mentioned, because they were but common Levites, the priesthood being given solely to Aaron's posterity, whence Aaron is here put before Moses, who elsewhere is commonly named after him. In Sinai - Nadab and Abihu, were then alive, though dead at the time of taking this account. In the sight of Aaron - Under his inspection and direction, and as their father's servants or ministers in the priest's office. Present them - Offer them to the Lord for his special service. This was promised to them before, and now actually conferred. His charge - That is, Aaron's, or those things which are committed principally to Aaron's care and oversight. Of the congregation - That is, of all the sacrifices and services which are due to the Lord from all the people, because the people might not perform them, in their own persons, therefore they were to be performed by some particular persons in their stead; formerly by the first - born, Num 8:16, and now by the Levites. Before the tabernacle - Not within the tabernacle, for the care of the things within the holy place was appropriated to the priests, as the care of the most holy place was to the high - priest. Of the children of Israel - Those things which all the children of Israel are in their several places and stations obliged to take care of, though not in their persons, yet by others in their stead. Given to him - To attend upon him and observe his orders, and ease him of his burden.