* cease waiting upon the service thereof. Heb. return from the
warfare of the service.
4:23 2Ti 4:7
The Levites, above fifty years of age, might superintend and
assist their junior brethren in the ordinary offices, and
give them and the people counsel and instruction; but they
were exempted from carrying the tabernacle and from other
laborious services. It is remarkable, that no law was made
concerning the age at which the priests should begin to
officiate, and though various blemishes disqualified them for
the service of the sanctuary, yet they continued their
ministrations till death, if capable. On the other hand,
nothing is said concerning any bodily defects or blemishes
disqualifying the Levites; but the time of their service is
expressly settled. Their work was far more laborious than
that of the priests; it is therefore likely that the priests
would not begin very early to officiate; and the wisdom and
experience of age would increase, rather than diminish, their
fitness for the sacred duties of their office.
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