The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 18:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And take with thee thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, and the sceptre of thy father, and let them be ready in hand, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons shall minister in the tabernacle of the testimony.

Douay-Rheims

וְגַ֣ם אֶת־אַחֶיךָ֩ מַטֵּ֨ה לֵוִ֜י שֵׁ֤בֶט אָבִ֙יךָ֙ הַקְרֵ֣ב אִתָּ֔ךְ וְיִלָּו֥וּ עָלֶ֖יךָ וִֽישָׁרְת֑וּךָ וְאַתָּה֙ וּבָנֶ֣יךָ אִתָּ֔ךְ לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֥הֶל הָעֵדֻֽת׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

The Levites are thus designated to serve alongside the priesthood, acting as attendants in a supportive role. They are instructed to remain vigilant for Aaron, overseeing all matters pertaining to the tabernacle of the congregation as well as the needs of the children of Israel. This includes the duty of aiding them. Over the tabernacle, Aaron and his sons are appointed with the command to maintain all aspects of the tabernacle of the congregation and to guard the inner veil, which symbolizes the sacred and concealed realities, along with all that is necessary for those who approach the Divine altar. This imagery clearly points to Christ, whom the Father has appointed over His household, “His house being us” (Heb. 3:6).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.