Numbers, 8
12. The Levites must then lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, one of which you are to offer as a sacrifice for sin, and the other as a burnt offering to Yahweh; this is the rite of atonement for the Levites.
12. The Levites must then lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, one of which you are to offer as a sacrifice for sin, and the other as a burnt offering to Yahweh; this is the rite of atonement for the Levites.
Numbers 8 deals with the process of consecration of the Levites for the tabernacle service. The chapter begins with the instruction that the lamps of the chandelier must be lit to illuminate the area around the altar. Then God commands the Levites to be purified and consecrated for the service from the age of 25. They are presented before the priest for the consecration ceremony, where their heads are shaved and sacrifices are offered. After that, they start working on the tabernacle under the supervision of the priests.
Exodus 27:20: "You will order the children of Israel to bring you pure olive oil from olive trees to the lamp to light the lamps continuously." This verse talks about the use of pure olive oil to light the lamps of the chandelier, which is one of the aspects addressed in numbers 8. Leviticus 8:6: "Then Moses has come to Aaron and his children, and washed them with water." This verse describes one of the rituals of purification performed by the priests, something similar to what is done with the Levites in numbers 8. 1 Chronicles 23:24: "These were the children of Levi according to their families, the heads of families according to the record of their names, according to their heads, those who did the work of the ministry of the Lord's house , from the age of twenty upwards. " This verse mentions the age from which the Levites began to work on the temple service, something that is approached in numbers 8. Numbers 4:3: "From the age of thirty years up to the age of fifty, all who enter the congregation to do the work in the tent of the congregation." This verse refers to a specific age group for the tabernacle service, something that is mentioned in numbers 8. 2 Chronicles 29:34: "But the priests were in small numbers and could not skin all the burnt offering; so their brothers, the Levites, helped them, until the work was finished, and until the other priests sanctified themselves; The Levites were more straight in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests. " This verse highlights the role of the Levites in assisting the priests and performing the temple tasks, something that is treated in numbers 8.
“Comunguemos com santo temor e com grande amor.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
