Numbers 10:17 kjv
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
Numbers 10:17 nkjv
Then the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.
Numbers 10:17 niv
Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and Merarites, who carried it, set out.
Numbers 10:17 esv
And when the tabernacle was taken down, the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who carried the tabernacle, set out.
Numbers 10:17 nlt
Then the Tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonite and Merarite divisions of the Levites were next in the line of march, carrying the Tabernacle with them.
Numbers 10 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 1:50-51 | "you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony... " | Levites handle Tabernacle |
| Num 3:21-26 | "Of Gershon were the family of the Libnites... care of the tabernacle..." | Gershonite duties specified |
| Num 3:36-37 | "Of Merari were the family of the Mahlites... poles, and their pillars..." | Merarite duties specified |
| Num 4:24-26 | "This is the service of the families of the Gershonites... coverings..." | Detailed Gershonite tasks |
| Num 4:31-32 | "This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari... framework..." | Detailed Merarite tasks |
| Num 7:6-8 | "Moses took the carts... two carts and four oxen to the sons of Gershon..." | Carts provided for their specific burdens |
| Num 10:1 | "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Make two silver trumpets...'" | Pre-departure instructions |
| Num 10:11 | "Now on the twentieth day of the second month... the cloud was taken up..." | Departure signal given |
| Num 10:14 | "The standard of the camp of the sons of Judah set out first..." | First division of march begins |
| Num 10:18 | "Next, the standard of the camp of the sons of Reuben set out..." | Subsequent divisions follow the Tabernacle |
| Num 10:21 | "Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things..." | Kohathites' distinct holy task |
| Exo 25:8-9 | "Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." | Command for Tabernacle construction |
| Exo 40:34-38 | "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD..." | God's glory filling and guiding Tabernacle |
| Lev 8:2 | "Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil..." | Preparations for sacred service |
| Deut 12:5 | "But you shall seek the place which the LORD your God chooses..." | God's chosen dwelling place |
| Ps 78:60 | "So He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which He had pitched..." | God's presence could depart |
| Ps 132:8 | "Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength." | Invocation for God's movement and dwelling |
| Isa 54:2 | "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains..." | Metaphorical expansion of God's dwelling |
| Jn 1:14 | "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory..." | Christ as the ultimate Tabernacle/dwelling |
| Rev 21:3 | "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them..." | Ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with man |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner." | Principle of divine order in all things |
| Heb 9:11 | "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come..." | Superiority of Christ over earthly Tabernacle |
Numbers 10 verses
Numbers 10 17 Meaning
Numbers 10:17 describes the crucial moment when the Tabernacle, God's sacred dwelling place among the Israelites, was disassembled following the lifting of the cloud, signaling their departure from Mount Sinai. It specifically highlights the role of the sons of Gershon and Merari, two Levitical clans, in transporting the physical components of the Tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the divine order and specialized duties within the Israelite camp as they embarked on their wilderness journey, with God's presence accompanying them in a portable form.
Numbers 10 17 Context
Numbers Chapter 10 marks a pivotal transition for the Israelite nation. After spending nearly a year encamped at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law, built the Tabernacle, and established their covenant with God, the time had come for them to journey towards the promised land. The preceding verses (1-10) detail the purpose and use of the silver trumpets, specifically for summoning the congregation and signaling the breaking of camp and departure. Verse 11 explicitly states that the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, serving as God's unmistakable signal for them to set out. Numbers 10:14-27 meticulously describes the precise and divinely ordained marching order of the twelve tribes and the Levites. Within this organized progression, verse 17 specifically addresses the immediate dismantling of the Tabernacle's structure and its preparation for transport, preceding the actual departure of the tribal divisions carrying it. This reflects a strict adherence to God's detailed instructions for maintaining order, holiness, and the integrity of His presence among His people in the transient conditions of the wilderness.
Numbers 10 17 Word analysis
- Then (וַיִּסַּ֥ע - wayyisa‘): A temporal conjunction introducing the next action. The Hebrew root implies "to journey," "to set out," or "to strike camp." In this passive context for the Tabernacle, it means "was taken down" or "pulled up its stakes," initiating the movement.
- the tabernacle (הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן - hammišḵān): The definite article points to the specific, sacred "dwelling place" of God, referring to the entire movable sanctuary. Its importance is underscored by its being the focal point of the nation's spiritual life and God's manifest presence.
- was taken down (נֶעָמְלַע - ne'amlāʿ): The form indicates that the Tabernacle was disassembled or "struck." This act was a pre-ordained process, part of the meticulously planned procedures for moving God’s holy dwelling.
- and the sons of Gershon (וּבְנֵ֥י גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ - ūḇnê ḡêršôn): Gershon was the eldest son of Levi. Their divinely assigned responsibility (detailed in Num 3:25-26, Num 4:24-26) was to carry the lighter, textile-based components of the Tabernacle: the curtains, coverings, tent-loops, and some vessels. They used two carts for this.
- and the sons of Merari (וּבְנֵ֣י מְרָרִ֑י - ūḇnê mərārî): Merari was the youngest son of Levi. Their heavier duty (Num 3:36-37, Num 4:31-32) involved transporting the solid, structural components: the Tabernacle frames, bars, pillars, and their bases, as well as the courtyard pillars and bases. They used four carts due to the weight.
- set out (נָסְעוּ - nāsəʿû): Another instance of the root "to journey" or "to march." This verb explicitly states that these specific Levitical families began their movement as part of the wider camp's departure.
- carrying (נֹשְׂאֵ֖י - nōsə’ê): The present participle highlights their ongoing action: they were "bearing" or "lifting and transporting" the items. This signifies their direct physical involvement and the weight of their responsibility.
- the tabernacle (אֶת־ הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן - ’eṯ-hammišḵān): The repetition emphasizes that their cargo was none other than the "dwelling place" itself. It specifies what they were carrying, reinforcing their central role in the Tabernacle's mobility.
Words-group Analysis
- "Then the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle." This entire verse underscores God's active, dynamic presence among His people. The Tabernacle, unlike a fixed temple, was designed for movement, signifying that God accompanies Israel through all their wilderness trials. The specific mention of Gershonites and Merarites demonstrates the meticulous order and division of labor mandated by God for handling sacred things, highlighting that every aspect of the divine worship and presence was managed with precision and specific responsibility. This careful choreography of the Tabernacle's movement reflected God's character of order and holiness, standing in stark contrast to chaotic pagan rituals. The placing of the structural components (carried by Gershonites and Merarites) to depart after the first division of Judah's camp (Num 10:14) but before the holy vessels (carried by the Kohathites, Num 10:21) facilitated efficient reassembly at the new destination, ensuring the 'shell' was ready for the arrival of the most holy items.
Numbers 10 17 Bonus section
- Logistical Priority: The march order in Numbers 10:14-27 shows a divine logistical plan. The Gershonites and Merarites, carrying the Tabernacle's larger, foundational components, moved with the second division (Reuben's camp), ahead of the Kohathites, who carried the inner, holy furnishings (Ark, Altars) and departed with the third division (Ephraim's camp). This allowed for the basic structure of the Tabernacle to be erected first at the new campsite, preparing for the arrival of the most holy articles carried by the Kohathites, ensuring minimum exposure and maximum reverence for these sacred items.
- Divine Carts: While the Gershonites and Merarites utilized carts for their significant loads, generously provided by the leaders of Israel (Num 7:6-8), the Kohathites were strictly forbidden from using carts. They were required to carry the Ark and other most holy items "on their shoulders" (Num 7:9), signifying the unparalleled sanctity and unique honor associated with these specific components and the descendants of Kohath. This highlights a critical distinction in holiness and service even within the Levitical clans.
- Symbol of Journeying Faith: The constantly moving Tabernacle symbolized that Israel's journey with God was dynamic and responsive to His leading. It teaches that faith often involves movement and adaptation, rather than settling into static comfort, always following God's cloud of presence and trusting His detailed instructions for the path ahead.
Numbers 10 17 Commentary
Numbers 10:17 concisely portrays the meticulous organization God commanded for the movement of His presence among Israel. The "taking down" of the Tabernacle was not merely a logistical exercise but a profound act of spiritual significance, marking a transition from a period of receiving law to a phase of journeying in faith. The specific assignment of Gershonites and Merarites to carry the Tabernacle’s coverings, frames, bars, and pillars underscores the divinely appointed, detailed, and non-negotiable roles within the Levitical priesthood. This segregation of duties protected the sanctity of the Tabernacle and prevented any unauthorized or disorderly handling of God’s dwelling place. The portability of the Tabernacle demonstrated God’s commitment to dwell with His people regardless of their location, contrasting sharply with fixed pagan temples. This precise order and delegated authority serve as a timeless lesson in divine leadership and the reverent, structured service expected from those who carry God's presence, whether a physical structure in the past or His spiritual truth and commission today.