Keraia
Numbers 4

Numbers 4:49

The Numbering of the Levite Clans · Numbers 4:34–49
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Translations

Modern
At the LORD’s command through Moses they were numbered, and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Traditional
According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Literal
According to the commandment of YHWH they were numbered by the hand of Moses, man by man according to his service, and according to his task; and they were numbered by him as YHWH commanded Moses.
Latin
Juxta verbum Domini recensuit eos Moyses, unumquemque juxta officium et onera sua, sicut præceperat ei Dominus.

Original

Hebrew
English
At the LORD’s command through Moses they were numbered, and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Notes

Numbers 4:34–49

The numbering and recording the Levites' names and ensuring each man understood his task was crucial. This helped properly organize Israel for travel and camping and protected the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:1–49

  • This section continues the discussion from 3:21–37 about the duties of the three Levite clans. The Levites carried and cared for the Tent of Meeting while traveling and camping. Other tribes always surrounded them to protect them and their valuable cargo (2:17). They placed the holy items of God in the center of the tribes. The priests and their Levitical assistants kept these items holy by separating them.

  • God, in his holiness, deserves to have the details of his will given careful attention. The Tent of Meeting and its furnishings were holy. The tribe of Levi had to maintain the difference between holy and common, and between ceremonially clean and unclean. This is why there is so much information about the duties of the three Levite clans.

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Biblical Concept of Law David Deuteronomy, Book of Kohath, Kohathites Numbers, Book of Priests and Levites

Topics

Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Tabernacle in the Encampments and on the March The Levites: Numbered As Ministers at Thirty