1 Chronicles 23:24-27

OFFICE OF THE LEVITES. (I Chronicles 23:24-32)

These were the sons of Levi . . . that did the work . . . from the age of twenty years and upward—The enumeration of the Levites was made by David (I Chronicles 23:3) on the same rule as that followed by Moses (Numbers 4:3), namely, from thirty years. But he saw afterwards that this rule might be beneficially relaxed, and that the enrolment of Levites for their proper duties might be made from twenty years of age. The ark and tabernacle being now stationary at Jerusalem, the labor of the Levites was greatly diminished, as they were no longer obliged to transport its heavy furniture from place to place. The number of thirty-eight thousand Levites, exclusive of priests, was doubtless more than sufficient for the ordinary service of the tabernacle. But this pious king thought that it would contribute to the glory of the Lord to employ as many officers in his divine service as possible. These first rules, however, which David instituted, were temporary, as very different arrangements were made after the ark had been deposited in the tabernacle of Zion.