When you bring the Levites before the LORD, the people of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, and Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the people of Israel, that they may do the service of the LORD.
Numbers 8:10-11 (ESV)
Laying on hands was used in several different ways in the Scripture. Hands were laid on the head of an animal that was to be sacrificed, symbolically transferring a person’s sin to that animal (Lev. 16:21). In the New Testament, hands were laid to heal the sick (Acts 28:8) or to give the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18).
Dedicating
But another use for laying on hands is reflected in this passage. God had claimed the tribe of Levi as his own. They would be a special tribe who would not have an inheritance of land. Instead, they would be dedicated to service at the Tabernacle and supported by the tithes offered by the other twelve tribes.
God instructed Moses to have the Levites purify themselves. Then, he was to gather the Levites around the Tabernacle with the rest of the assembly gathered around them. The people from the other tribes were to lay their hands on the Levites as an offering of dedication to the Lord. After that, they would be able to serve at the Tabernacle.
This practice is reflected in Acts 6:6, where the Apostles laid their hands on the seven chosen to help distribute food to the widows. 1 Timothy 5:22 and Hebrews 6:2 also refer to the practice of laying on of hands. Likely a reference to dedicating a person to the Lord’s service.
There is nothing magical about this practice, and it generally does not confer any special gifting. It is simply a body of believers dedicating a person to a specific task or calling. It may be for a short time or a lifetime. But regardless, it is a recognition of God’s calling in their lives.
Not all churches practice this. But for those that do, it can be very meaningful. Both to the church and to the one set apart.
