The chapter begins with details about Aaron and his surviving two sons Eleazar and Ithamar who were priests (v1-4). For the sad story of Nadab and Abihu see Leviticus 10. The tribe of Levi are given to Aaron to help serve and guard the tabernacle (v5-10). There is great emphasis here on guarding. The items belonging to God’s worship, God’s people and God’s glory must be protected.

From the time of the Passover in Egypt the first-born male sons were to be devoted to the Lord. Now the tribe of Levite were to be devoted in their place (v11-13). As there were not enough Levites to equal the first-born sons the difference was made up by paying 1,365 shekels (v40-51). The substitutionary price had to be exact, speaking of how God’s first born would be the perfect substitute and pay the exact price for sin. God’s justice has to be satisfied.

The detailed tasks of the clans of Levi are now listed (v14-39). This brings home how each of God’s people are redeemed to play a specific role.