# the people of Israel must lay their hands on the Levites
The action "laying on hands" on someone was often done to dedicate them to Yahweh's work or service. AT: "The people Israel must lay their hands on the Levites, dedicating them to me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh with the same amount of dedication as if they were a sacrifice given to him. AT: "if they were a wave offering" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])