Numbers 8:24

“This [is it] that [belongeth] unto the Levites, etc.] The fixed and settled time for their service, as is after related: from twenty and five years old and upward, they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; in (<040403>Numbers 4:3); the time for the Levites entering on the work of the tabernacle is fixed to thirty years and upward, which Jarchi reconciles thus; at twenty five years old the Levite goes in to learn the rites of service, and he learns five years, and when thirty years of age he services; the same is observed by others f89; but what Aben Ezra proposes seems much better; at thirty years of age a Levite entered into the service of bearing and…”

“from twenty and five years old, &c.--(Compare Num 4:3). They entered on their work in their twenty-fifth year, as pupils and probationers, under the superintendence and direction of their senior brethren; and at thirty they were admitted to the full discharge of their official functions.”

“Twenty and five years old and upward - The permanent limit as distinguished from the temporary Numbers 4:3, Numbers 4:23, Numbers 4:30, though David found it necessary to extend the period of the Levites’ service by causing it to commence at 20 years of age 1 Chronicles 23:24-28. This rule continued in force from the time of David downward (compare on 2 Chronicles 31:17; Ezra 3:8). return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Numbers 8". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/numbers-8.html. 1870. StudyLight.org &copy;&#160;2001-2026 Powered by…”

“from twenty: In Num 4:3, the Levites are appointed to the service of the tabernacle at the age of 30 years; and in Ch1 23:24, they are ordered to commence their work at 20 years of age. In order to reconcile this apparent discrepancy, it is to be observed: 1\. At the time of which Moses speaks in Num 4:3, the Levitical service was exceedingly severe, and consequently required full grown, robust men, to perform it; the age of 30 was therefore appointed as the period for commencing this service, the weightier part of which was probably there intended. 2\. In this place God seems to speak of the service in a general way. hence the age of 25 is fixed. 3\. In David's time, and afterwards, in the…”