Números 3

Números 3

Morgan - In this, and the following chapters, the service of the Levites is dealt with in detail. In the taking of the census for the men of war, the Levites were exempted from military service. This was a clear indication of the mind of God as to the true value of directly religious and spiritual work in national service. A fact which is sometimes overlooked in our thinking of the Levitical order is brought out in the words we have selected from this chapter. It is that the Levites were representatives. The first Divine arrangement was that the firstborn male in every family was to be consecrated to the service of God in the priesthood. Now, in all probability for the sake of cohesion and order, one tribe was set apart to represent the firstborn sons of the nation. In this first carrying out of the arrangement, the number of the tribe of Levi available was 22,000, while there were 22,273 firstborn sons. This company of 273 unrepresented by Levites had to pay a redemption price of five shekels each, which was devoted to the service of the sanctuary. In the light of these things it is interesting to remember that our Lord was the First-born, and so was a Priest according to the original Divine arrangement, and not according to the Levitical order. All those who are redeemed by Him, exercise a priesthood which results from their birthright in Him, and so have no need of any order of men to represent them in priestly work. In this way also the order of Levitical priesthood is done away in Christ. Numbers 3:13 "For all the firstborn are Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine; I am the LORD." BGT Numbers 3:13 ἐμοὶ γὰρ πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν ᾗ ἡμέρᾳ ἐπάταξα πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτου ἡγίασα ἐμοὶ πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν Ισραηλ ἀπὸ ἀνθρώπου ἕως κτήνους ἐμοὶ ἔσονται ἐγὼ κύριος NET Numbers 3:13 because all the firstborn are mine. When I destroyed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I set apart for myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They belong to me. I am the LORD." NLT Numbers 3:13 for all the firstborn males are mine. On the day I struck down all the firstborn sons of the Egyptians, I set apart for myself all the firstborn in Israel, both of people and of animals. They are mine; I am the LORD." ESV Numbers 3:13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the firstborn in Israel, both of man and of beast. They shall be mine: I am the LORD." NIV Numbers 3:13 for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether man or animal. They are to be mine. I am the LORD." KJV Numbers 3:13 Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD. YLT Numbers 3:13 for Mine is every first-born, in the day of My smiting every first-born in the land of Egypt I have sanctified to Myself every first-born in Israel, from man unto beast; Mine they are; I am Jehovah.' For : Nu 8:16,17 18:15 Ex 13:2,12 22:29 34:19 Lev 27:26 Eze 44:30 Lu 2:23 Heb 12:23 on the day that I struck down : Ex 12:29,30 Ex 13:15 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Exodus 12:29; 30+ Now it came about at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was no home where there was not someone dead. Exodus 13:15+ ‘It came about, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore, I sacrifice to the LORD the males, the first offspring of every womb, but every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ For all the firstborn are Mine; on the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt - Firstborn included humans and animals. The Lxx uses prototokos for firstborn, this same word used of Jesus Christ, as the unique preexistent Son of the heavenly Father (Heb 1.6); as the one existing before all creation (Col 1.15); as the first to be resurrected from the dead ( Col 1.18); as the head of a spiritual family of "many siblings" ( Ro 8.29). I sanctified (qadash = set apart) to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, from man to beast. They shall be Mine - Compare the command from Yahweh in Ex 13:2+. Note MINE is used 4 times in vv 12-13 for emphasis. This repeats for emphasis that the Levites belong to Yahweh and therefore in the context of this section it is His right to give them to Aaron for the work of the Tabernacle (Nu 3:6-8). I am the LORD - This declaration seals the sanctification of the firstborn, the Levites. This same divine affirmation was declared by Yahweh when He carried out the destruction of the firstborn in Egypt in Ex 12:12+. Here the affirmation affirms the firstborn "substitutes" are His. This affirmation is repeated in Nu 3:41+ and Nu 3:45+ both also in the context of Yahweh's declaration that the Levites are His "firstborn." Allen adds "The last phrase of this section, “I am Yahweh,” is a characteristic punctuation in the legislative portions of the Torah. These words add authority, significance, and weight to the text. “I am the LORD” is a reminder of both what has been revealed about his blessed person and work as well as what he has shown himself to be in relation to his people. The phrase points to him and to his people in relationship to him, but it does so as a divine punctuation of the text." (EBC) I am the LORD - 164 in 161v - Gen. 15:7; Gen. 28:13; Exod. 6:2; Exod. 6:6; Exod. 6:7; Exod. 6:8; Exod. 6:29; Exod. 7:5; Exod. 7:17; Exod. 10:2; Exod. 12:12; Exod. 14:4; Exod. 14:18; Exod. 16:12; Exod. 20:2; Exod. 29:46; Exod. 31:13; Lev. 11:44; Lev. 11:45; Lev. 18:2; Lev. 18:4; Lev. 18:5; Lev. 18:6; Lev. 18:21; Lev. 18:30; Lev. 19:3; Lev. 19:4; Lev. 19:10; Lev. 19:12; Lev. 19:14; Lev. 19:16; Lev. 19:18; Lev. 19:25; Lev. 19:28; Lev. 19:30; Lev. 19:31; Lev. 19:32; Lev. 19:34; Lev. 19:36; Lev. 19:37; Lev. 20:7; Lev. 20:8; Lev. 20:24; Lev. 21:12; Lev. 21:15; Lev. 21:23; Lev. 22:2; Lev. 22:3; Lev. 22:8; Lev. 22:9; Lev. 22:16; Lev. 22:30; Lev. 22:31; Lev. 22:32; Lev. 22:33; Lev. 23:22; Lev. 23:43; Lev. 24:22; Lev. 25:17; Lev. 25:38; Lev. 25:55; Lev. 26:1; Lev. 26:2; Lev. 26:13; Lev. 26:44; Lev. 26:45; Num. 3:13; Num. 3:41; Num. 3:45; Num. 10:10; Num. 15:41; Deut. 5:6; Deut. 29:6; Jdg. 6:10; 1 Ki. 20:13; 1 Ki. 20:28; Isa. 41:13; Isa. 42:6; Isa. 42:8; Isa. 43:3; Isa. 43:11; Isa. 43:15; Isa. 45:5; Isa. 45:6; Isa. 45:7; Isa. 45:18; Isa. 48:17; Isa. 49:23; Isa. 51:15; Jer. 9:24; Jer. 24:7; Jer. 32:27; Ezek. 6:7; Ezek. 6:10; Ezek. 6:13; Ezek. 6:14; Ezek. 7:4; Ezek. 7:27; Ezek. 11:10; Ezek. 11:12; Ezek. 12:15; Ezek. 12:16; Ezek. 12:20; Ezek. 13:9; Ezek. 13:14; Ezek. 13:21; Ezek. 13:23; Ezek. 14:8; Ezek. 15:7; Ezek. 16:62; Ezek. 17:24; Ezek. 20:5; Ezek. 20:7; Ezek. 20:12; Ezek. 20:19; Ezek. 20:20; Ezek. 20:26; Ezek. 20:38; Ezek. 20:42; Ezek. 20:44; Ezek. 22:16; Ezek. 23:49; Ezek. 24:24; Ezek. 24:27; Ezek. 25:5; Ezek. 25:7; Ezek. 25:11; Ezek. 25:17; Ezek. 26:6; Ezek. 28:22; Ezek. 28:23; Ezek. 28:24; Ezek. 28:26; Ezek. 29:6; Ezek. 29:9; Ezek. 29:16; Ezek. 29:21; Ezek. 30:8; Ezek. 30:19; Ezek. 30:25; Ezek. 30:26; Ezek. 32:15; Ezek. 33:29; Ezek. 34:27; Ezek. 35:4; Ezek. 35:9; Ezek. 35:15; Ezek. 36:11; Ezek. 36:23; Ezek. 36:38; Ezek. 37:6; Ezek. 37:13; Ezek. 37:28; Ezek. 38:23; Ezek. 39:6; Ezek. 39:7; Ezek. 39:22; Ezek. 39:28; Joel 2:27; Joel 3:17; Zech. 10:6 NET Note - In the Exodus event of the Passover night the principle of substitution was presented. The firstborn child was redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and so belonged to God, but then God chose the Levites to serve in the place of the firstborn. The ritual of consecrating the firstborn son to the LORD was nevertheless carried out, even with Jesus, the firstborn son of Mary (Luke 2:22–23+). Thompson - In verses 11-13, God reiterates that the Levites have been chosen by Him to do this work. Not the firstborn son anymore. This is significant. When God first called Israel, every firstborn son and even every firstborn animal was set apart unto Him (Ex. 13:2). The firstborn sons were to be given to the Lord for His service and use (Ex. 22:29-30; Ex 34:19-20). All firstborn sons had to perform sanctuary service and all firstborn animals were the sacrifices. Here God implements a new structure that really begins to develop the idea of substitution. The Levites would now become the firstborn substitute. The substitutionary concept of a relationship with God is seen in Numbers 3:12-13–God would have a substitute firstborn priest (v. 12) and God would have a substitute first born sacrifice (v. 13). The firstborn all belong to God, but now there is a substitutionary priesthood. God selected the Levites and their animals to take the place of the entire nation’s firstborn. There are five very important principles to see from this text: 1) True leaders of God do not appoint themselves; they are chosen by God, called by God and gifted by God. 2) Those who are true leaders in ministry have a responsibility to submit to those over them. The Levites were to submit to Aaron and his sons. 3) Those who have been truly called by God have different ministries and different assignments. 4) It is a very serious and dangerous thing to attempt to minister when not chosen to minister. 5) Any relationship with God will be based on the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. Sanctified (Consecrated, made holy) (06942)(qadash) means to set apart for a specific use. Removed from common use. To be holy. To show one's self to be holy. To consecrate or dedicate. To set apart a person or thing from all common or secular purposes to some religious use. Everything consecrated to God was separated from all profane use. Webster's Dictionary definition #2 for consecrate is convicting - " make or declare sacred; esp devote irrevocably to worship of God by a solemn ceremony." Qadash in Numbers - Num. 3:13; Num. 6:11; Num. 7:1; Num. 8:17; Num. 11:18; Num. 16:37; Num. 16:38; Num. 20:12; Num. 20:13; Num. 27:14 THOUGHT - Although there are many types of service, even the most menial labour for God is of great value. The Levites were to perform the most common and laborious tasks; they set up, they took down and they carried! Yet they were to be dedicated to their work for God because God had set them apart to that work. Oh, that we would have that attitude in the church today! (John Currid) Numbers 3:14 Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying - 4x in Numbers 3 - Nu 3:5, 11, 14, 44. This is not just a saying but a command (Nu 3:16). Note that Israel is no longer at Mt Sinai but is now traveling in the wilderness (cf Nu 1:1). In the Wilderness - 159x in 154v - Gen. 16:7; Gen. 21:14; Gen. 21:20; Gen. 21:21; Gen. 36:24; Gen. 37:22; Exod. 4:27; Exod. 5:1; Exod. 7:16; Exod. 8:28; Exod. 14:11; Exod. 14:12; Exod. 15:22; Exod. 16:2; Exod. 16:32; Exod. 18:5; Exod. 19:2; Lev. 7:38; Lev. 16:22; Num. 1:1; Num. 1:19; Num. 3:4; Num. 3:14; Num. 9:1; Num. 9:5; Num. 10:12; Num. 10:31; Num. 12:16; Num. 13:26; Num. 14:16; Num. 14:22; Num. 14:33; Num. 15:32; Num. 16:13; Num. 21:5; Num. 21:11; Num. 21:13; Num. 21:23; Num. 26:64; Num. 26:65; Num. 27:3; Num. 27:14; Num. 32:13; Num. 32:15; Num. 33:8; Num. 33:11; Num. 33:15; Num. 33:36; Deut. 1:1; Deut. 1:31; Deut. 4:43; Deut. 8:2; Deut. 8:16; Deut. 9:7; Deut. 9:28; Deut. 11:5; Deut. 29:5; Deut. 32:51; Jos. 5:4; Jos. 5:5; Jos. 5:6; Jos. 8:24; Jos. 12:8; Jos. 14:10; Jos. 15:61; Jos. 20:8; Jos. 24:7; 1 Sam. 4:8; 1 Sam. 17:28; 1 Sam. 23:14; 1 Sam. 23:15; 1 Sam. 23:24; 1 Sam. 23:25; 1 Sam. 24:1; 1 Sam. 25:4; 1 Sam. 25:21; 1 Sam. 26:2; 1 Sam. 26:3; 2 Sam. 16:2; 2 Sam. 17:29; 1 Ki. 2:34; 1 Ki. 9:18; 1 Chr. 6:78; 1 Chr. 12:8; 1 Chr. 21:29; 2 Chr. 1:3; 2 Chr. 8:4; 2 Chr. 24:9; 2 Chr. 26:10; Neh. 9:19; Neh. 9:21; Job 24:5; Ps. 55:7; Ps. 63:1; Ps. 78:15; Ps. 78:19; Ps. 78:40; Ps. 78:52; Ps. 95:8; Ps. 106:14; Ps. 106:26; Ps. 107:4; Isa. 32:16; Isa. 35:6; Isa. 40:3; Isa. 41:19; Isa. 43:19; Isa. 43:20; Isa. 63:13; Jer. 2:2; Jer. 4:11; Jer. 12:12; Jer. 17:6; Jer. 31:2; Jer. 48:6; Lam. 4:3; Lam. 4:19; Lam. 5:9; Ezek. 19:13; Ezek. 20:13; Ezek. 20:15; Ezek. 20:17; Ezek. 20:18; Ezek. 20:21; Ezek. 20:23; Ezek. 20:36; Ezek. 34:25; Hos. 9:10; Hos. 13:5; Amos 2:10; Amos 5:25; Matt. 3:1; Matt. 3:3; Matt. 24:26; Mk. 1:3; Mk. 1:4; Mk. 1:13; Lk. 3:2; Lk. 3:4; Lk. 4:1; Jn. 1:23; Jn. 3:14; Jn. 6:31; Jn. 6:49; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:36; Acts 7:38; Acts 7:42; Acts 7:44; Acts 13:18; 1 Co. 10:5; 2 Co. 11:26; Heb. 3:8; Heb. 3:17 Numbers 3:15 "Number the sons of Levi by their fathers' households, by their families; every male from a month old and upward you shall number." Nu 3:22,28,34,39,40,43 18:15,16 26:62 Pr 8:17 Jer 2:2 31:3 Mk 10:14 2Ti 3:15 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries NUMBERS, POSITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Number the sons of Levi by their fathers' households (Heb = “the house of their fathers.”), by their families ("their clans"); every male from a month old and upward you shall number - This was every Levite, including even Moses and Aaron. The unique role of the Levites is here accentuated by the fact that they are to have their own census (for one month old and up) separate from all 12 tribes, which was for military purposes (for 20 yo and up) (Nu 1:3+). Thompson - Now the numbering and naming of the sons of Levi was to be done from sons who were one month old and upward. We may recall that the minimum age for military service was 20. This lower age would allow for larger number of Levites that would coincide with the number of first born from Israel. Now in verse 15, God commanded Moses to number the sons of Levi and verse 16 says that Moses did exactly what he was commanded to do. Number (06485)(pequddah/pāqadh/paqad) conveys the root idea of something that is attended to or set in order -- fighting men under an officer (2 Chr. 17:14), priests in an order (1 Chr. 23:11; 24:19); arrangement of Tabernacle (Nu 4:16[2x]). Usually padah means accounting when God attended to people's actions, usually to call them to account for their sins (Nu 16:29; Jer. 48:44). "The basic meaning is to exercise oversight over a subordinate, either in the form of inspecting or of taking action to cause a considerable change in the circumstances of the subordinate either for the better or for the worse." (TWOT) "Most often, the word means accounting and refers to a time of accounting when God attended to people's actions, usually to call them to account for their sins (Num. 16:29; Jer. 48:44)." (Baker) Paqad is used 103x in 90v in Numbers out of about 297x in OT. Numbers 3:16 So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, just as he had been commanded. word: Heb. mouth, Nu 3:39,51 4:27,37,41,45,49 Ge 45:21 De 21:5 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries MOSES OBEYED GOD'S COMMAND So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, just as he had been commanded - Moses takes a census of the Levites from one month old and up. Allen - The obedience of Moses to the commands of God in these early texts of Numbers is explicit and total. These records of his obedience will serve to display the incongruity of his terrible lapse as described in Nu 20:1–13+. Also in these verses we have one of many texts in Numbers that speak of the revelation of the word of God to his servant Moses. Those who minimize the role of Moses do so in the face of abundant direct textual assertions to the contrary. (EBC) Numbered (06485) see above on paqad Numbers 3:17 These then are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. Nu 26:57,58 Ge 46:11 Ex 6:16-19 Jos 21:1-45 1Ch 6:1,2,16-19 Gershon: Nu 15:5-23 23:6-23 24:1-26:65 Ne 11:1-12:47 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries THE SONS OF LEVI These then are the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) What follows is a division of Levites into three categories giving their numbers, their location in the camp and their duties in the Tabernacle. The genealogy is the same as the one that appears in Exodus 6:16–19+. Question - Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? Answer: The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites were three clans of the Levite tribe in Israel (Numbers 26:57). Each clan was comprised of descendants of the man from whom the clan received its name. Kohath was the father of the Kohathites, Gershon the father of the Gershonites, and Merari the father of the Merarites. Kohath, Gershon, and Merari were the three sons of Levi and grandsons of Jacob (Genesis 46:11). Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:2–3). The Levites filled the priestly roles in Israel and bore the responsibility of caring for the tabernacle. The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites had specific roles within the Levite culture. The Kohathites, for example, had charge of caring for the objects associated with the sanctuary: “This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: the most holy things” (Numbers 4:4–14). The Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and other holy items were the responsibility of the Kohathites (Numbers 10:21; 1 Chronicles 9:32). The Gershonites took care of the decorations in the sanctuary—curtains, ropes, and coverings (Numbers 4:24–26). The Merarites had the task of maintaining and carrying from place to place the pillars, bases, frames, pegs, and cords that created the structure of the tent of meeting. Since the Israelites were often on the move, the tent of meeting often had to be taken up and moved. Each clan had its responsibility to the sanctuary of God. The sanctuary objects that the Kohathites transported were to be carried on their shoulders with poles made for that purpose (Numbers 7:9; cf. Exodus 25:26–28). The Gershonites and Merarites, however, were given ox carts to help with the transport of their items; the Gershonites received two carts and four oxen, and the Merarites received four carts and eight oxen (Numbers 7:6–8). As Levites, the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites did not receive a specific territory in the Promised Land. Rather, they were given cities and pasturelands from among the territories of the other tribes by the command of the Lord (Joshua 21:2). The Kohathites received thirteen cities from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon and ten cities from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Dan. The Gershonites received thirteen cities from Isaachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh. The Merarites got twelve cities from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. The distribution of the cities was decided by the drawing of lots (Joshua 21:1–8), and six of the Levites’ cities were designated as cities of refuge. (Source - GotQuestions.org Numbers 3:18 These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei; Nu 3:21 Ex 6:17-19 1Ch 6:17,20,21 23:7-11 25:4 26:1-32 Ne 12:1-26 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Exodus 2:22+ Then she gave birth to a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” Exodus 6:17-19+ The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram and Izhar and Hebron and Uzziel; and the length of Kohath’s life was one hundred and thirty-three years. 19The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. THE SONS OF GERSHON These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle). The sons and grandsons of Levi are specified. Numbers 3:19 and the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram and Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel; Nu 3:27 Ex 6:18,20 1Ch 6:18,38 15:5,8-10,17-21 23:12,13,18-20 1Ch 25:4 26:1-32 Ne 12:1-26 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Exodus 6:18; 20+ The sons of Kohath: Amram and Izhar and Hebron and Uzziel; and the length of Kohath’s life was one hundred and thirty-three years. 20 Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses; and the length of Amram’s life was one hundred and thirty-seven years. THE SONS OF KOHATH And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram and Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) The sons and grandsons of Levi are specified. Do not confuse Amram with the name of Moses' father. Numbers 3:20 and the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' households. Nu 3:33 Ex 6:19 1Ch 6:19,29,44-47 15:6 23:21-23 24:27-30 25:3 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Exodus 6:19+ The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. THE SONS OF MERARI and the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers' households. They were responsible to take care of and transport the Tabernacle. They were not numbered for war, but they were for service. Everyone had a job to do. Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimeites; these were the families of the Gershonites. Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries GERSHONITES VV 21-26 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimeites; these were the families of the Gershonites SCHEMATIC LAYOUT OF THE SONS OF LEVI AROUND THE TABERNACLE OF MEETING Males of families of MERARI (Mahli and Mushi) 6,200 led by Zuriel responsible for the structural components of the tabernacle, NORTH Males of the families of GERSHON (Libni and Shemei) 7,500 led by Eliasaph; responsible for coverings, hangings, and screens of tent and courtyard Tabernacle of Meeting PRIESTS (Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons) Guarding the sanctuary, to meet the needs of the children of Israel (Eleazer, the son of Aaron, was chief over Eliasaph, Elizaphan and Zuriel.) EAST Males of families of KOHATH (Amram, Izehar, Hebron and Uzziel) 8,600 led by Elizaphan; responsible for ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary Numbers 3:22 Their numbered men, in the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, even their numbered men were 7,500. Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries NUMBER OF GERSHONITES Their numbered men, in the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, even their numbered men were 7,500. (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) Numbered (06485) see above on paqad Numbers 3:23 The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle westward, Nu 1:53 2:17 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries LOCATION OF GERSHONITES The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle westward, (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle). Behind or at the rear of the Tabernacle opposite Moses and Aaron. Remember their function in this location was to serve as guardians of the Tabernacle to prevent anyone from coming near its confines. Numbers 3:24 and the leader of the fathers' households of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Lael. Lael: i.e. unto, by, because of God, Nu 3:24 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries LEADER OF GERSHONITES and the leader of the fathers' households of the Gershonites was Eliasaph ('God has added,') the son of Lael (“Belonging to God”). (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) Numbers 3:25 Now the duties of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting involved the tabernacle and the tent, its covering, and the screen for the doorway of the tent of meeting, Nu 3:7 4:24-28 7:7 10:17 1Ch 9:14-33 23:32 26:21,22 2Ch 31:2,11-18 Ezr 8:28-30 Mk 13:34 Ro 12:6-8 Col 4:17 1Ti 1:18 the tabernacle and: Ex 25:9 Ex 26:1-14 Ex 36:8-19 Ex 40:19 and the screen: Ex 26:36,37 36:37,38 40:28 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries The Tabernacle Click Picture to Enlarge (Source: ESV.org) DUTIES OF GERSHONITES Now the duties of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting involved the tabernacle and the tent, its covering, and the screen for the doorway (Ex 26:36+) of the tent of meeting (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) - Ex 25:9+ Ex 26:1-14+ (describes the four layers shown in schematic above) Ex 36:8-19+ Ex 40:19 give details of the various coverings that are in the care of the Gershonites"We could say it was their job to take care of all of the software items made of soft material." (Thompson) NET Note - The disjunctive vav (ו) here introduces a new section, listing the various duties of the clan in the sanctuary. The Gershonites had a long tradition of service here. In the days of David Asaph and his family were prominent as musicians. Others in the clan controlled the Temple treasuries. But in the wilderness they had specific oversight concerning the tent structure, which included the holy place and the holy of holies. HCSB note - The tabernacle was composed of 10 curtains of finely twisted blue, purple, and scarlet linen, each 42 ft. x 6 ft., with cherubim symbols woven into them (Ex 26:1-6). The tent was made from 11 curtains of goat hair, 45 ft. x 6 ft., with additional coverings of dyed red ram skins and hides of manatees (Ex 26:7-14). Numbers 3:26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the doorway of the court which is around the tabernacle and the altar, and its cords, according to all the service concerning them. the hangings: Ex 27:9-16 38:9-16 the cords: Ex 35:18 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the doorway of the court which is around the tabernacle and the altar, and its cords, according to all the service concerning them - All the service means these objects are completely their responsibility. Numbers 3:27 Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites and the family of the Izharites and the family of the Hebronites and the family of the Uzzielites; these were the families of the Kohathites. Nu 3:19 1Ch 23:12 26:23 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries KOHATHITES Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites and the family of the Izharites and the family of the Hebronites and the family of the Uzzielites; these were the families of the Kohathites (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) - This was the privileged clan for they transported the holy furniture within the sanctuary, including the Ark of the Covenant. NET Note - Both Moses and Aaron came from this line (Nu 6:16–20). During the Hebrew monarchy this branch of the line of Levi was exemplary in music (1 Chr 6:33–48). They were also helpful to Hezekiah in his reforms (1 Chr 29:12–14). Numbers 3:28 In the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, there were 8,600, performing the duties of the sanctuary. eight thousand): Nu 4:35,36 keeping): Nu 3:7,31 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries NUMBER OF KOHATHITES In the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, there were 8,600, performing the duties of the sanctuary. (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) Note that here that the Greek Septuagint reads 8,300, which is most likely the correct number. The Hebrew copyist probably made an error in transcribing the Hebrew as 8600 because the numeral for 6 and 3 are very similar in Hebrew. NET Note - The construction here is a little different. The Hebrew text uses the participle in construct plural: שֹׁמְרֵי (shomérey, literally “keepers of”). The form specifies the duties of the 8,600 Kohathites. The genitive that follows this participle is the cognate מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret) that has been used before. So the expression indicates that they were responsible for the care of this part of the cult center. There is no reason to delete one of the forms (as does J. A. Paterson, Numbers, 42), for the repetition stresses the central importance of their work. Numbers 3:29 The families of the sons of Kohath were to camp on the southward side of the tabernacle, Nu 3:23 1:53 2:10 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries LOCATION OF KOHATHITES The families of the sons of Kohath were to camp on the southward side of the tabernacle, (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) Numbers 3:30 and the leader of the fathers' households of the Kohathite families was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel . Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries LEADER OF KOHATHITES and the leader of the fathers' households of the Kohathite families was Elizaphan (“[My] God Has Protected”) the son of Uzziel (“My Strength Is God”). Numbers 3:31 Now their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all the service concerning them; the ark: Nu 4:4-16 Ex 25:10-40 31:1-35:29 37:1-24 39:33-42 40:2-16,30 the altars: Ex 27:1-8 30:1-10 37:25-29 38:1-7 and the screen: Ex 26:31-33 36:35,36 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Tabernacle Furniture Assigned to Kohathites DUTIES OF KOHATHITES Now their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all the service concerning them (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) - Their job was to take care of all the furniture and utensils. Currid - These holy objects are described in detail in Exodus 25:10–22+ (the ark); Ex 25:23–30+ (the table of shewbread); Ex 25:31–40+ (the menorah); Ex 27:1–8+ (the bronze altar) and Ex 30:1–10+ (the altar of incense). Since the screen for the entrance to the tent has already been assigned to the care of the Gershonites (Nu 3:25), this ‘screen’ probably refers to the curtain that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Ex. 26:31–33+). The only object not mentioned here is the laver that stands in the courtyard; the reason for its omission is uncertain. The Septuagint and other early manuscripts add it to the items listed in this passage. HCSB note on the ark, et al - The Kohathites did not actually handle these items; this was done by the priests, who wrapped the implements and then handed them over to the Kohathites for transport. Numbers 3:32 and Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was the chief of the leaders of Levi, and had the oversight of those who perform the duties of the sanctuary. Nu 4:16,27 20:25-28 2Ki 25:18 1Ch 9:14-20 26:20-24 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was the chief of the leaders of Levi, and had the oversight of those who perform the duties of the sanctuary - "Aaron’s son Eleazar, “the chief leader” (lit., “the leader of the leaders,” v.32), was placed over this group of Levites, probably because of the inordinately sensitive nature of their work." (Allen) Related Resource: Who was Eleazar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Numbers 3:33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites; these were the families of Merari. Nu 3:20 1Ch 6:19 23:21 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries MERARITES Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites; these were the families of Merari. Numbers 3:34 Their numbered men in the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, were 6,200. Nu 1:21 2:9 2:11 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries NUMBER OF MERARITES Their numbered men in the numbering of every male from a month old and upward, were 6,200. Numbered (06485) see above on paqad Numbers 3:35 The leader of the fathers' households of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They were to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle. shall: Nu 3:28,29 1:53 northward): Nu 2:25 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries LEADER OF MERARITES The leader of the fathers' households of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They were to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle (see schematic of their position around the Tabernacle) - Numbers 3:36 Now the appointed duties of the sons of Merari involved the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its equipment, and the service concerning them, under the custody and charge): Heb. the office of the charge, the boards. Nu 4:29-33 7:8 Ex 26:15-29,32,37 27:9-19 35:11,18 36:20-34,36 Ex 38:17-20 39:33 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries DUTIES OF MERARITES Now the appointed duties of the sons of Merari involved the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its equipment, and the service concerning them - They were to maintain the physical structure of the tabernacle, erecting and dismantling the structure. They took care of the hardware necessary to the tabernacle structure. HCSB - By the time of the Davidic monarchy, the three clans of Levites also served as musicians for the sanctuary service (1Ch 6:31-48). Brian Bell - It was enough to know that his place & charge were God-appointed. Even to carry a peg became honorable, when God had alloted that to a man as his share (37). Each person is vital to the work of the Lord, no matter what task God assigns. No task is trivial. Some Levites had heavier burdens than others, but God had given the the assignments & He would enable them. Grace entrusted the Levites with the Tabernacle & its vessels; Love apportioned to each the load suited to his strength. Can you be content with 1 peg, or the heaviest piece? Knowing that Grace honors you & Love thought of you. Better to carry a peg of the tabernacle than wield the scepter of Egypt! Numbers 3:37 and the pillars around the court with their sockets and their pegs and their cords. Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and the pillars around the court with their sockets and their pegs and their cords. Numbers 3:38 Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death. toward): Nu 3:23,29,35 1:53 2:3 keeping): Nu 3:10 18:1-5 1Ch 6:48,49 for the charge): Nu 3:7,8,10 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries PRIESTS ON THE EAST Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death (warning found 4x in Numbers 1:51; 3:10, 38; 18:7) - This is the position of prominence. These were the guardians of the entrance into the sanctuary. This side also is first when Israel is on the march. Here Moses, Aaron and the priests are to have their encampment Currid - They are to distinguish between the sacred and the profane, the holy and the unholy, the clean and the unclean (see Lev. 10:10+). ESV note - The location of the priests at the east side of the tabernacle guarding its entrance (v. 38) may anticipate the role of Jesus as High Priest, (Heb 4:14+), giving His people access to God’s presence in heaven (Hebrews 9–10+, Ro 5:1-2+). Allen - They guarded the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, and they did so facing the sun. There is a sense in which the opening of the tent best faces the east, for this is the direction of the encampment of the people. Later on Solomon was to build the holy temple in Jerusalem. Its entrance also would face east. The morning sun would shine first on the entrance of the Holy Place, as a symbol of the life-giving light of God that illumines the place of his presence. Moses and Aaron were not placed in the posture of arrogance on the east side of the tabernacle; they were placed there for a representational ministry (“on behalf of the Israelites”). Theirs was an exclusive work but beneficent to the community. Service in the tabernacle was an act of mercy, a means for the people to come before God. Yet it was marked by severity—it had to be done in God’s way! Worship to God is acceptable only because of his mercy(EBC) Numbers 3:39 All the numbered men of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the command of the LORD by their families, every male from a month old and upward, were 22,000. Nu 4:47,48 26:62 Mt 7:14 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries All the numbered men of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the command of the LORD by their families, every male from a month old and upward, were 22,000 Thompson - Now if you add 7,500 plus 8,600 plus 6,200, the total is 22,300. Many believe there is a scribal issue in the Hebrew text because when the Lucian Greek copy of the Septuagint says 8,300, the exact number turns out to be 22,000. We believe that 22,000 is the accurate number. Some Hebrew manuscripts and the Peshitta and Latin Vulgate read 8,300. Also verse 43 says that the number of the firstborn of all the tribes was 22,273 and he specifically said in verse 46 that this was 273 more than the total number of Levites. NET Note - The total is a rounded off number; it does not duplicate the precise total of 22,300. Some modern scholars try to explain it by positing an error in v. 28, suggesting that “six” should be read as “three” (שֵׁשׁ [shesh] as שָׁלֹשׁ [shalosh]). Numbered (06485) see above on paqad Summary of numbers Gershon . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500 Kohath . . . . . . . . . . . .*8,600 Merari . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,200 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22,000 *Note that the Septuagint has the number of the Kohathites at 8,300; which gives a total of 22,000. Firstborn Males . . . . . .22,273 Redeemed above the number of Levites . . . . . . .273 John Currid applies this section - What we read here is so foreign to our culture and our ways in the church that we may ask, ‘What, indeed, can such things teach us today?’ In reality, the teaching about God that lay behind this passage is as relevant today as it was so many centuries ago when Israel was in the wilderness. The main theological point of the passage is to teach us about the holiness of God: ‘The practical details of the camp’s layout ensured that every Hebrew man, woman and child was aware of that appropriate distance that lay between their holy God and his morally, physically and spiritually needy people.’ Because of their sinfulness, the Hebrew people did not have direct access to God, but they had to approach him reverently through a priesthood and a tabernacle. The layout of the camp demonstrated the gulf that existed between an unholy people and a holy God. We, of course, no longer need a priesthood or a tabernacle because of the redemptive sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. He is the high priest and he is the temple. And, indeed, we now have access to God through him and his labours on our behalf. Yet, we do approach the throne of grace with humility and a sense of our unworthiness, for, apart from the work of Christ, we are an unholy people. And he remains a holy God, for ever and ever. Amen. Numbers 3:40 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Number every firstborn male of the sons of Israel from a month old and upward, and make a list of their names. Nu 3:12,15,45 Ex 32:26-29 Ps 87:6 Isa 4:3 Lu 10:20 Php 4:3 2Ti 2:19 Heb 12:23 Rev 3:5 14:4 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries NUMBERING FIRSTBORN MALES OF ISRAEL Then the LORD said to Moses, "Number every firstborn male of the sons of Israel from a month old and upward, and make a list of their names - This number probably represents the number of firstborn males born since the exodus. Other interpreters understand this figure as the total of all firstborn in Israel, which would then indicate a much smaller total population. (ESVSB Note) Numbered (06485) see above on paqad Numbers 3:41 "You shall take the Levites for Me, I am the LORD, instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the sons of Israel." Nu 3:12,45 8:16 18:15 Ex 24:5,6 32:26-29 Mt 20:28 1Ti 2:6 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries You shall take the Levites for Me, I am the LORD, instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel - "The Levites must be reserved for me as substitutes for the firstborn sons of Israel." (Nu 3:41NLT) NET Note on "take" - The verb is the perfect tense with vav (w) consecutive; it carries forward the instructions from the preceding verse. The verb "take" now has the sense of appointing or designating the Levites. And the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the sons of Israel - "And the Levites' livestock must be reserved for me as substitutes for the firstborn livestock" (Nu 3:41NLT) Brian Bell - The substitute for the firstborn. The Levites were taken, instead of the firstborn son of Israel (the original provision), to perform the service of the Tabernacle. There were nearly as many Levites as firstborn, & the difference was made good by the payment of redemption money on the part of the surplus (Nu 3:45-48). Allen - The firstborn of animals were to be sacrificed to the Lord; but God never countenanced the sacrifice of persons on his altars. Hence a substitution was done. A male Levite was regarded as a substitution for the firstborn member of a secular tribe. Notice that the firstborn of the livestock were also included in the substitutionary arrangement; Levite for firstborn of Israel and Levite’s livestock for firstborn livestock of Israel. (EBC) Numbers 3:42 So Moses numbered all the firstborn among the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded him; Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries So Moses numbered all the firstborn among the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded him - He did not question why, but simply obeyed. Numbered (06485) see above on paqad Numbers 3:43 and all the firstborn males by the number of names from a month old and upward, for their numbered men were 22,273. Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and all the firstborn males by the number of names from a month old and upward, for their numbered men were 22,273 - This is 273 more than the number of Levites (see Nu 3:39 above). Numbered (06485) see above on paqad HCSB - The census figure of 22,273 presents a practical problem. If there were only that many firstborn among the 603,550 males, then each firstborn had an average of 26 brothers—an incredible birthrate not substantiated in the Bible or elsewhere. R. B. Allen attempts to solve the problem by contending that the author employed hyperbolic language, exaggerating the actual number of 60,355 by a factor of ten, yielding 603,550. Such tactics were common in ancient literature and were considered a meaningful use of symbolic or sacred numbers (e.g., seven, ten, etc.). Another solution is to identify the 22,273 as only those firstborn males who were born during the year and a half between the exodus and the census since the total number of firstborn among the 603,550 would have been much higher. Numbers 3:44 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying - 4x in Numbers 3 - Nu 3:5, 11, 14, 44. Numbers 3:45 "Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel and the cattle of the Levites. And the Levites shall be Mine; I am the LORD. Nu 3:12,40,41 Numbers 3 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel and the cattle of the Levites - So the Levites substituted not only for men but also for the firstborn of the cattle. "Although all the firstborn of Israel belong to God, he has now determined that the firstborn of all Israel will be redeemed—that is, delivered for a price. That price is substitutionary; in the present verses the Levites and their cattle are designated to serve as the substitutes for all the firstborn of man and beast in Israel. The Levites and their cattle, therefore, release the firstborn of Israel from sacred status and from the duty of the service of the sanctuary. The Levites and their possessions have now been set apart for sacred duty in place of Israel’s firstborn" (Currid) And the Levites shall be Mine; I am the LORD - The Levites belonged to God. THOUGHT - This reminds us of believer-priests today who belong to God. 1 Peter 2:9+ "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Are you living as His possession or for YOUR passion? F B