Deuteronomy 10:8

Ver. 8. At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi— At that time means not long after Moses came down from the mount the second time, ver. 5. Calmet supposes, that the sacred historian would here insinuate, that the rebellion of Korah happening at Jotbath, (upon which occasion God confirmed the priesthood and the ministry to the tribe of Levi,) it is to this event that Moses alludes in the words, at that time. This phrase is frequently used in the Scripture with some latitude. See Genesis 38:1. Moses mentions in this verse three functions of the Levites; first, The bearing of the ark; Numbers 31:2 nd, Standing before the Lord; that is to say, keeping themselves always in readiness to receive orders to serve him, (1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 18:15. 2 Kings 5:25.) as the assistants of the priests, and guardians of the tabernacle. 1 Chronicles 23:28, &c. 3rdly, Blessing in his name; by which, probably, is understood the sacerdotal benediction, which belonged to the priests only, as children of Levi, to deliver to the congregation. See Numbers 3:26. But, though the solemn pronouncing of the blessing upon the people was the peculiar office of the priests, yet the Levites were likewise concerned in blessing and praising God, 1 Chronicles 16:4 and, by the faithful discharge of their ministry, did contribute towards deriving blessings upon the people. Blessing, in Scripture, is sometimes used for singing the praises of God. 1 Chronicles 23:13. See chap. Deuteronomy 23:8, &c.