Numbers 1:50

“But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, etc.] So called from the ark in it, in which was the law of God, which was a testimony of the will of God to his people: and over all the vessels thereof; the candlestick, table: and altars, as Aben Ezra notes: and over all things that [belong] to it; the vessels of vessels, as the same writer calls them; for the candlestick, shewbread table, and the two altars of incense and burnt offering had vessels appertaining to them: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; carry them from place to place when needful: and they shall minister unto it; by taking care of the instruments of it and the vessels in it,…”

“When a census of the tribe of Levi takes place. Numbers 3:15; Numbers 26:62, “all” the males are counted from a month old and upward, and not, as in the other tribes, those only who were of age for service in the field. Numbers 1:48 had spoken - Render spake. The formal appointment is only now made, in reward for their zeal Exodus 32:26-29, though reference to their future office appears previously in Leviticus 25:32 ff, and they had already acted as assistants to the priests (compare Exodus 38:21). return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Numbers 1". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible".…”

“The tabernacle of testimony - So called here, and Exo 38:21, because it was made chiefly for the sake of the ark of the testimony, which is often called the testimony. Numbers 1:51”

“1:50-53 The Levites inherited the task of erecting, dismantling, transporting, and guarding the Tabernacle. By keeping unauthorized persons from getting too close or desecrating it, they protected the Hebrews from the Lord’s anger. 1:50 Tabernacle of the Covenant: This portable sanctuary symbolized the presence of the Lord and represented Israel’s covenant relationship with him.”

“thou shalt: Num 3:1-10, Num 4:15, Num 4:25-33; Exo 31:18, Exo 32:26-29, Exo 38:21; 1Chr. 23:1-32; 1Chr. 25:1-26:32; Ezr 8:25-30, Ezr 8:33, Ezr 8:34; Neh 12:8, Neh 12:22, Neh 12:47, Neh 13:5, Neh 13:10-13, Neh 13:22 the tabernacle: Num 1:53, Num 20:11; Exo 31:18, Exo 38:21; Psa 122:4 shall encamp: Num 2:17, 3:23-38, Num 10:21 Numbers 1:51”