Numbers 4 17

Numbers 4:17 kjv

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying,

Numbers 4:17 nkjv

Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:

Numbers 4:17 niv

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

Numbers 4:17 esv

The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

Numbers 4:17 nlt

Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 17 Meaning

Numbers 4:17 serves as an introductory verse, signaling a direct divine command from the LORD (Yahweh) to Moses and Aaron. It indicates that the subsequent instructions concerning the extremely sacred items of the Tabernacle, and critically, the handling of those items by the Kohathites to prevent their death, are of explicit divine origin and delivered through God's appointed leaders.

Numbers 4 17 Context

This verse is situated within Numbers Chapter 4, which outlines the detailed duties and responsibilities of the three major clans of Levites – the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites – concerning the transport and care of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Chapters 1-3 focused on the census of the fighting men and the registration and roles of the Levites generally. Chapter 4 provides specific operational instructions for moving the consecrated items.

Numbers 4:17 specifically introduces further instructions related to the Kohathites, who were uniquely responsible for carrying the holiest objects, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars, all covered before transport. This verse sets the stage for a critical warning to Moses and Aaron regarding how to prevent the death of the Kohathites who might otherwise perish from touching these extremely holy objects (Numbers 4:18-20). The historical context is Israel's encampment in the wilderness, after receiving the Law at Sinai, as they prepare for journeys, emphasizing God's meticulous concern for order, reverence, and the very lives of those serving Him in His presence. It underscores that proper reverence and specific divine protocols are essential for dealing with the holy, demonstrating a profound contrast to human-devised religious practices.

Numbers 4 17 Word analysis

• And (וַיְדַבֵּר - wayyedabber, the 'waw' consecutive implies continuation, often translated as "and then" or "now"): Connects the present divine instruction seamlessly to the preceding details regarding the Tabernacle's elements. It highlights that this command is a continuation of God's meticulous oversight of the sacred service.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH, Yahweh): This is God's personal covenant name, signifying His self-existent, unchangeable, and faithful character, particularly in His relationship with Israel. Its use here underscores the supreme authority and divine origin of the coming command; it is the living God Himself initiating these specific, life-preserving instructions.
• spoke (דִּבֶּר - dibber, from root davar, to speak, a Piel form): Denotes a deliberate, clear, and direct utterance, a forceful act of communication rather than a passive observation or a mere thought. This emphasizes the precision and intentionality of the divine command, indicating an authoritative word of instruction.
• to Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - el-mosheh): Identifies Moses as the primary human recipient and mediator of God's covenant revelation to Israel. His role is paramount as the one through whom God continually communicated His will and laws to the entire nation.
• and Aaron (וְאֶל-אַהֲרֹן - ve'el-aharon): Includes Aaron, the High Priest, as a co-recipient. This inclusion highlights that the upcoming instructions pertain directly to the priestly duties and the safeguarding of the consecrated articles under the priesthood's oversight. It signifies that both the prophetic/legislative (Moses) and the sacerdotal (Aaron) leadership are essential in understanding and implementing God's commands regarding the sacred.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - leʾmor): A common Hebrew particle introducing the content of direct speech or command. It signals that what immediately follows is the precise message or directive given by the LORD.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And the LORD spoke: This opening phrase emphasizes divine initiative and authorship. The entire framework of Israel's worship, their laws, and their very life are founded upon the direct revelation and authority of the LORD, not human reasoning or tradition.
• to Moses and Aaron: This specifies the designated human channels through whom the divine will is transmitted to the people. Moses is the legislator and prophet, Aaron the high priest and overseer of sacred rites. Their joint address underscores the critical importance and dual spheres (spiritual and organizational) of the upcoming instructions concerning the tabernacle service, particularly relating to the purity and preservation of life around God's holiness.
• saying: This simple word signifies that the preceding statement is not merely narrative, but an introduction to an actual, direct communication of vital instructions from God. It primes the reader for the significant details that will follow.

Numbers 4 17 Bonus section

This verse implicitly teaches several crucial principles. Firstly, divine revelation is foundational to true worship and service; God does not leave His people to guess how to approach Him. Secondly, leadership carries immense responsibility as the custodians and conveyors of God's instructions. Moses and Aaron are not merely executing a pre-existing plan but are actively receiving fresh divine communication. Thirdly, the particular context preceding Numbers 4:17 involved a warning to prevent death among the Kohathites due to improper viewing or touching of the holy items (Num 4:15). Thus, verse 17 marks God's direct and immediate response, providing specific, protective measures for the people against the dangers of His own holiness. It demonstrates God's care not just for His sanctuary but for the lives of His servants, ensuring that their dedicated service does not become a cause of their demise but rather an act of reverent worship, by adhering precisely to His stated commands. This act of divine preventative instruction illustrates that obedience to God's precise directions is not burdensome, but ultimately preserves life and ensures effective, sanctified service.

Numbers 4 17 Commentary

Numbers 4:17 serves as a vital interlude and a declarative preface to extremely significant instructions, transitioning from the description of Tabernacle parts to the preservation of lives connected with handling them. The direct address from "the LORD" (Yahweh) underscores divine authority for the detailed procedures necessary for the portable sanctuary, signifying that God Himself provides the method for His people to both serve Him and survive His holiness. The specific mention of both Moses (the lawgiver and mediator) and Aaron (the high priest, responsible for the priesthood and cultic purity) highlights the twin pillars of spiritual and administrative leadership God uses to convey His will. This particular command, introduced by "saying," anticipates crucial directives aimed at preventing fatal contact with the holiest articles by the Kohathites. It teaches that proximity to God's holiness, while a privilege, demands absolute obedience to His precise methods of handling sacred things, lest familiarity lead to carelessness and death. This is a divine provision for safety and sanctification.