Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name, as they still do today. New Living Translation At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant, and to stand before the LORD as his ministers, and to pronounce blessings in his name. These are their duties to this day. English Standard Version At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD to stand before the LORD to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day. Berean Standard Bible At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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 to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. New American Standard Bible At that time the LORD singled out the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him and to bless in His name, until this day. NASB 1995 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him and to bless in His name until this day. NASB 1977 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him and to bless in His name until this day. Legacy Standard Bible At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, to stand before Yahweh to minister for Him and to bless in His name to this day. Amplified Bible At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him and to bless in His name until this day. Christian Standard Bible “At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the LORD’s covenant, to stand before the LORD to serve him, and to pronounce blessings in his name, as it is today. Holman Christian Standard Bible At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the LORD’s covenant, to stand before Yahweh to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as it is today. American Standard Version At that time Jehovah set apart the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, to stand before Jehovah to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day. Contemporary English Version After I put the two stones in the sacred chest, the LORD chose the tribe of Levi, not only to carry the chest, but also to serve as his priests at the place of worship and to bless the other tribes in his name. And they still do these things. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the LORD's promise, to stand in the LORD's presence when they serve him as priests, and to praise his name, as they still do today. Good News Translation At that time the LORD appointed the men of the tribe of Levi to be in charge of the Covenant Box, to serve him as priests, and to pronounce blessings in his name. And these are still their duties. International Standard Version At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, to stand in the LORD's presence, to serve, and to bless his name until this day. NET Bible At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the LORD's covenant, to stand before the LORD to serve him, and to formulate blessings in his name, as they do to this very day. New Heart English Bible At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. Webster's Bible Translation 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 to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. World English Bible At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of Yahweh’s covenant, to stand before Yahweh to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAt that time YHWH has separated the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the Covenant of YHWH, to stand before YHWH, to serve Him, and to bless in His Name to this day; Young's Literal Translation 'At that time hath Jehovah separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, to stand before Jehovah, to serve Him, and to bless in His name, unto this day, Smith's Literal Translation In that time Jehovah separated the tribe of Levi, to lift up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, to stand before Jehovah to serve him, and to praise in his name, even to this day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAt that time he separated the tribe of Levi, to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to stand before him in the ministry, and to bless in his name until this present day. Catholic Public Domain Version At that time, he separated the tribe of Levi, so that he would carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and stand before him in the ministry, and speak blessings in his name, even to the present day. New American Bible At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to him, and to bless in his name, as they have done to this day. New Revised Standard Version At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAt that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi, to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to him, and to bless the name of the LORD, to this day. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated At that time LORD JEHOVAH separated the tribe of Levi to take the ark of the covenant of LORD JEHOVAH and to stand before LORD JEHOVAH and to minister to him and he would bless the name of LORD JEHOVAH until today. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917At 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand near before the Lord, to minister and bless in his name to this day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The New Tablets of Stone…7From there they traveled to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land with streams of water. 8At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 9That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him.… Cross References Numbers 3:6-10 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. ... Numbers 8:14-19 In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. / After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. / For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. ... Numbers 18:1-7 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ... 1 Chronicles 23:13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. 1 Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.” 2 Chronicles 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.” Nehemiah 9:4-5 And the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani—stood on the raised platform and cried out in a loud voice to the LORD their God. / Then the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting: Blessed be Your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. Malachi 2:4-7 Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. / True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. ... Hebrews 7:11-17 Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ... Hebrews 9:1-5 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ... 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Revelation 1:6 who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” Acts 6:4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Treasury of Scripture 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 to him, and to bless in his name, to this day. time the Lord Exodus 29:1 And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish, Leviticus 8:9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 1:47-53 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them… bear Numbers 3:31 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof. Numbers 4:15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation. 1 Kings 8:3,4,6 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark… to stand Deuteronomy 18:5 For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever. 2 Chronicles 29:11 My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense. Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. to bless Deuteronomy 21:5 And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. Numbers 6:23-26 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, … Jump to Previous Apart Ark Bear Bless Blessings Carry Covenant Levi Marked Minister Pronounce Separated Serve Stand Time Today Tribe WorkJump to Next Apart Ark Bear Bless Blessings Carry Covenant Levi Marked Minister Pronounce Separated Serve Stand Time Today Tribe WorkDeuteronomy 10 1. God's mercy in restoring the two tablets6. in continuing the priesthood 8. in separating the tribe of Levi 10. in hearkening unto Moses' plea for his people 12. An exhortation to obedience At that time This phrase refers to a specific moment in Israel's history, following the incident of the golden calf and Moses' intercession for the people. It marks a turning point where God reaffirms His covenant with Israel and establishes new directives for worship and service. the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD to stand before the LORD to serve Him and to pronounce blessings in His name as they do to this day Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel who sets apart the tribe of Levi for a special purpose. 2. The Tribe of Levi One of the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen by God for priestly duties and service in the tabernacle. 3. The Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Law, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. 4. Ministering Before the LORD The Levites were tasked with serving in the tabernacle, performing rituals, and maintaining the sacred space. 5. Pronouncing Blessings The Levites were given the authority to bless the people in the name of the LORD, signifying their role as mediators between God and Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod chooses whom He wills for His purposes. The Levites were set apart not because of their merit but by God's sovereign decision. Service and Sacrifice The Levites' role was one of service and sacrifice, reminding us of the call to serve God and others selflessly in our own lives. Mediators of Blessing As the Levites pronounced blessings, we too are called to be channels of God's blessing to those around us, speaking life and encouragement. Holiness and Dedication The Levites were set apart for holy purposes. We are called to live lives of holiness, dedicated to God's service in whatever capacity He calls us. Continuity and Fulfillment The Levitical priesthood points forward to the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament system. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:8?2. How does Deuteronomy 10:8 emphasize the Levites' role in serving the Lord? 3. What responsibilities did the Levites have according to Deuteronomy 10:8? 4. How can we "stand before the LORD" in our daily lives today? 5. Connect Deuteronomy 10:8 with New Testament teachings on serving God. 6. How can we apply the Levites' dedication to our own spiritual service? 7. What is the significance of the Levites' role in Deuteronomy 10:8? 8. How does Deuteronomy 10:8 reflect God's covenant with Israel? 9. Why were the Levites chosen to carry the ark in Deuteronomy 10:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 10? 11. How does Deuteronomy 10:8’s statement that Levi had no land inheritance align with inherited lands described in other biblical texts? 12. Are there archaeological findings that support or contradict the large-scale Levite service outlined in 1 Chronicles 23:24–32? 13. Why does Numbers 35:4–5 mandate a 2,000-cubit boundary around each Levite city, despite no clear historical or archaeological confirmation of such precise measurements? 14. Why do we find no clear archaeological evidence for such a massive sacred structure, as described throughout Exodus 38? What Does Deuteronomy 10:8 Mean At that timeThe setting is the aftermath of Israel’s sin with the golden calf and Moses receiving the second set of tablets (Deuteronomy 10:1-5). In that moment of renewed covenant mercy, “At that time” anchors the Levites’ appointment to a specific historical point, underscoring that God’s call is never random. • Exodus 32:26-29 shows the Levites rallying to the LORD after the calf incident, a decisive loyalty God remembers here. • Psalm 106:23 reflects Moses’ intercession, highlighting divine mercy that frames the Levites’ commissioning. The LORD set apart the tribe of Levi God Himself, not Moses, did the setting apart. The Levites are separated from ordinary tribal inheritance to a sacred vocation. • Numbers 1:49-53 details their exemption from the census for war so they could guard the tabernacle. • Malachi 2:4-5 recalls the covenant of life and peace given to Levi, confirming this divine designation remains binding. This “setting apart” illustrates God’s sovereign right to choose servants for His own purposes (John 15:16). To carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD The ark symbolized God’s throne and His covenant presence (Exodus 25:22). Entrusting its transport to Levi underscores both privilege and responsibility. • Numbers 4:15 assigns the Kohathites, a Levitical clan, to carry the holy furnishings “but they must not touch the holy objects or they will die.” • Joshua 3:6 shows priests bearing the ark into the Jordan, and the waters part—a vivid reminder that obedient service ushers in God’s power. • First Chronicles 15:2 reiterates David’s conviction that “only the Levites” should carry the ark. The lesson is clear: holy things require holy handlers. To stand before the LORD to serve Him “Standing” pictures continual readiness, like court attendants before a king (1 Kings 10:8). Service included sacrifices, incense, music, and teaching. • Deuteronomy 18:5 affirms, “For the LORD your God has chosen him and his sons from all your tribes to stand and minister.” • Second Chronicles 29:11 calls the Levites to “stand before Him to minister,” linking service with national revival under Hezekiah. • Hebrews 7:25 points forward to Jesus, the ultimate priest who “always lives to intercede,” showing that Levitical service foreshadows Christ’s perpetual ministry. To pronounce blessings in His name The Levites spoke God’s favor over the people, acting as authorized mouthpieces. • Numbers 6:22-27 records the Aaronic blessing, ending with “So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” • Deuteronomy 21:5 notes that “the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them… to pronounce blessing in the name of the LORD.” • First Peter 2:9 reminds believers we are now a royal priesthood, echoing the Levitical pattern of blessing others. As they do to this day Moses’ phrase shows the Levites were still faithfully performing these tasks at the time of writing, proving the durability of God’s appointment. • Joshua 3:17 (written later) depicts priests still bearing the ark, confirming continuity. • First Kings 8:4 records Levites bringing the ark into Solomon’s temple generations after Moses. • Malachi 3:6 anchors the whole idea: “I, the LORD, do not change,” so His assignments endure. summary Deuteronomy 10:8 reveals God’s restorative grace—right after Israel’s colossal failure, the LORD consecrates a tribe for intimate service. Levi is set apart to handle the holiest object on earth, to remain in constant attendance before God, and to speak His blessing. The verse underscores divine sovereignty in choosing servants, the necessity of holiness when approaching God, and the ongoing nature of ordained ministry. Through these ancient duties we glimpse the greater Priest, Jesus Christ, and our own calling to carry His presence, serve Him continually, and bless others in His name. (8) At that time--i.e., at Sinai, after Moses' second descent from the mount, not at the time of Aaron's death. Yet the death of Aaron and the separation of the tribe of Levi are similar events in their way: both alike lose territorial inheritance through bearing the burden of the Law.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.--A recent critic has said that the writer of Deuteronomy knows no distinction between priests and Levites. (See on this point Deuteronomy 11:6.) Rashi's note on this verse is better: "To bear the ark (He separated)--the Levites; to stand before Jehovah to minister to Him, and to bless in His name--the priests." Verses 8, 9. - Moses, here resuming the form of address, refers to the separation of the tribe of Levi to the holy service. Verse 8. - At that time; the time when the covenant was restored at Sinai, not the time when Aaron died. The appointment of the tribe of Levi for service took place in connection with that of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood (Numbers 3:4). The service to which the tribe of Levi was chosen appertained to the tribe as such, including the priests as well as the non-priestly Levites, though parts of it specially belonged to the one class rather than the other. Thus the bearing of the ark was the special duty of non-priestly Levites, the Kohathites (Numbers 4:4, etc.; 1 Chronicles 15:15); but was also, on peculiarly solemn occasions, discharged by the priests (Joshua 3:6, etc.; Joshua 6:6; 8:33; 1 Kings 8:3, 6, etc.). To stand before the Lord to minister unto him was the special function of the priests (Deuteronomy 17:12; Deuteronomy 21:5; Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 44:15, 16); but as the service of the Levites was also a sacred service, they too are said to stand to minister before the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:7; 1 Chronicles 15:2; 2 Chronicles 23:6; 2 Chronicles 29:4, 5, 11, 12). To bless in his name does not mean, as some propose, to invoke the Name of God, or to praise his Name, but to pronounce a benediction or invoke a blessing on the people in his Name (cf. 2 Samuel 6:18; 1 Chronicles 16:2). This was the special duty of the priests (cf. Numbers 6:22-27; Deuteronomy 21:5; 1 Chronicles 23:13), but might also be done by others (as by David), and in this benediction the Levites might join (2 Chronicles 25:27).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew At thatהַהִ֗וא (ha·hi·w) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time בָּעֵ֣ת (bā·‘êṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6256: Time, now, when the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel set apart הִבְדִּ֤יל (hiḇ·dîl) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 914: To be divided, separate the tribe שֵׁ֣בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of Levi הַלֵּוִ֔י (hal·lê·wî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him to carry לָשֵׂ֖את (lā·śêṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take the ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 727: A chest, ark of the covenant בְּרִית־ (bə·rîṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1285: A covenant of the LORD, יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel to stand לַעֲמֹד֩ (la·‘ă·mōḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations before לִפְנֵ֨י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the LORD יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel to serve Him, לְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙ (lə·šā·rə·ṯōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to and to pronounce blessings וּלְבָרֵ֣ךְ (ū·lə·ḇā·rêḵ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse in His name, בִּשְׁמ֔וֹ (biš·mōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8034: A name as [they do] to this day. עַ֖ד (‘aḏ) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while Links Deuteronomy 10:8 NIVDeuteronomy 10:8 NLT Deuteronomy 10:8 ESV Deuteronomy 10:8 NASB Deuteronomy 10:8 KJV Deuteronomy 10:8 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 10:8 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 10:8 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 10:8 French Bible Deuteronomy 10:8 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time Yahweh set apart (Deut. 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