At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
Ver. 8. At that time,] viz., While they were yet at Mount Sinai; for the two former verses are inserted by a parenthesis.
The Lord separated the tribe of Levi.] This setting up of the ministry amongst them is reckoned as a sign of God's singular love to them. And so it is to us, no doubt, albeit a late pamphleteer a makes that sacred and tremendous function of the ministry to be as mere an imposture, as very a mystery of iniquity, as arrant a fruad, as the Papacy itself. Now the Lord rebuke thee, Satan.
To stand before the Lord.] As also the angels do. Luk 1:19
a The Compassionate Samaritan.