Numbers 1:48

⁴⁷The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers.⁴⁸For the LORD had said to Moses:⁴⁹“Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites.

Summary

In Numbers 1:48, the Lord commands Moses to count the Levites by their clans and families, assigning them specific duties in the tabernacle. This verse highlights the importance of organization and order in the service of God, demonstrating that each individual has a role to play in the community of faith. By appointing the Levites to their tasks, God establishes a system of worship that honors Him and fosters unity among His people. This verse serves as a reminder that God's work is carried out effectively when His followers work together in harmony and obedience to His commands.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

Moses was not to muster the tribe of Levi along with the children of Israel, i.e., with the other tribes, or take their number, but to appoint the Levites for the service of the dwelling of the testimony (Exo 38:21), i.e., of the tabernacle, that they might encamp around it, might take it down when the camp was broken up, and set it up when Israel encamped again, and that no stranger (zar, non-Levite, as in Lev 22:10) might come near it and be put to death (see Num 3:10). The rest of the tribes were to encamp every man in his place of encampment, and by his banner (see at Num 2:2), in their hosts (see Num 2), that wrath might not come upon the congregation, viz., through the approach of a stranger. קצף, the wrath of Jehovah, breaking in judgment upon the unholy who approached His sanctuary in opposition to His command (Num 8:19; Num 18:5, Num 18:22). On the expression "keep the charge" (shamar mishmereth), see at Gen 26:5 and Lev 8:35.