Numbers 10:17

Translations

Modern

Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

Traditional

And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Literal

And the tabernacle was taken down, and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.

Latin

Depositumque est tabernaculum, quod portantes egressi sunt filii Gerson et Merari.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

Notes

Numbers 10:13–28

The order of march described here is different from 2:3–34. There, all three Levitical clans carried the tabernacle and its furnishings in the center of the camp. They marched between the groups led by Judah and Reuben, and the groups led by Ephraim and Dan.

In this passage, the arrangement is more detailed. The Gershonites and Merarites carried the structural parts of the tabernacle between Judah and Reuben. The Kohathites carried the most sacred furniture between Reuben and Ephraim.

This arrangement was practical. It gave the Gershonites and Merarites time to set up the tabernacle before the Kohathites arrived with the sacred objects. This plan also provided protection for the holy items.

In addition, this pattern spread the Levites among the tribes. Their presence among the people may have strengthened spiritual influence throughout the camp (compare Matthew 13:33; 16:6, 11–12; 1 Corinthians 5:6–7).

Numbers 10:11–36

Leaving Sinai was a key moment in Israel's history. The Israelites now had the law and God would test them on how they obeyed it. The departure from Sinai marked the start of the march toward Canaan, although it became a long journey (compare Deuteronomy 1:6–8, 19). This passage summarizes the daily routines during the journey.

Related verses

Numbers 7:6–8
So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites.
Numbers 1:51
Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.
Numbers 3:36–37
The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items,
Hebrews 9:11
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.
Numbers 3:25–26
The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting,
2 Peter 1:14
…because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Numbers 4:21–33
And the LORD said to Moses,

People

Gershon: Firstborn son of Levi; head of the Gershonite Levites Merari: The third son of Levi and founder of the Merarites

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy God, Names of Merari, Merarite Midian, Midianite Numbers, Book of

Topics

Gershon: Son of Levi Israel: March out of the Wilderness Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Order of Marching During Levites: Gershonites and Their Duties Levites: The Merarites The Tribes of Israel: Divided Into Four Divisions While in the Wilderness

Numbers 10:17

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