Numbers 4:22 kjv
Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;
Numbers 4:22 nkjv
"Also take a census of the sons of Gershon, by their fathers' house, by their families.
Numbers 4:22 niv
"Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans.
Numbers 4:22 esv
"Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' houses and by their clans.
Numbers 4:22 nlt
"Record the names of the members of the clans and families of the Gershonite division of the tribe of Levi.
Numbers 4 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 1:1 | "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness..." | God's frequent communication to Moses |
| Lev 1:1 | "And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle..." | Divine speech from the Tabernacle |
| Exod 19:9 | "...I will come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee..." | God's unique direct speech with Moses |
| Deut 5:4 | "The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire," | God's direct revelation at Sinai |
| Mal 3:6 | "For I am the LORD, I change not..." | Immutability of God, consistency of His word |
| Psa 33:6 | "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." | Power and creative authority of God's word |
| Isa 55:11 | "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void..." | Efficacy and certainty of God's word |
| Jer 1:7 | "...Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak." | God appoints prophets as His spokespersons |
| Ezek 2:3-4 | "...Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel..." | Prophetic calling and divine mandate |
| Luke 1:70 | "As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began:" | God's long history of speaking through prophets |
| Heb 1:1-2 | "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..." | Progressive nature of God's revelation |
| John 1:18 | "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son...he hath declared him." | Christ as the ultimate revelation of God |
| Acts 7:38 | "This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:" | Moses' role in receiving God's living words |
| Rom 3:2 | "...chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." | Israel as custodian of God's revealed truth |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." | Divine origin of written Scripture |
| 2 Pet 1:21 | "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." | Inspiration of Scripture through men of God |
| Exod 25:8-9 | "And let them make me a sanctuary...According to all that I shew thee..." | God gives precise instructions for Tabernacle |
| Num 3:21-26 | "...of the Gershonites were Eleasaph the son of Lael." | Specific duties of the Gershonites details |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..." | God's orderliness, reflected in detailed commands |
| Phil 2:13 | "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." | God's active work and enabling obedience |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword..." | Power and discernment of God's word |
Numbers 4 verses
Numbers 4 22 Meaning
Numbers 4:22 introduces a specific divine instruction to Moses regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Gershonites within the overall framework of the Tabernacle service. It signals the beginning of a detailed directive concerning the specific census, service requirements, and burdens assigned to this particular Levitical family, ensuring the orderly and sacred transport of the portable sanctuary during Israel's wilderness journeys. This introductory formula, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of all subsequent commands given to the nation of Israel.
Numbers 4 22 Context
Numbers chapter 4 is part of a larger section in the Book of Numbers (chapters 1-10) detailing the organization and preparation of the Israelite camp for their journey through the wilderness. Specifically, chapter 4 outlines the precise duties of the three Levitical families – the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites – concerning the dismantling, transporting, and reassembling of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. This organization was crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the divine presence among the people and ensuring that every aspect of worship was conducted according to God's exact specifications. Verse 22 acts as the divine directive that introduces the specific instructions for the Gershonites, following the detailed instructions previously given for the Kohathites (v. 1-20). It precedes the actual commands regarding the transport of the Tabernacle's coverings, hangings, and cords (v. 23-28). The immediate historical context is the period following the exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, as Israel prepares to move towards the Promised Land. The meticulous detail in these instructions underscores the holiness of God and the profound seriousness with which His people were to approach His presence and service.
Numbers 4 22 Word analysis
- And (וַיְדַבֵּר - vay'daber - The initial waw conjunction (ו) means "and" or "now")
- This "and" serves as a narrative connector, linking the current divine speech to previous events and pronouncements in the continuous unfolding of God's dealings with Israel. It emphasizes the ongoing and consistent nature of God's communication and direction to His people.
- the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH, Yahweh)
- This is the covenant name of God, God's personal, ineffable name, which reveals His self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping nature (Exod 3:14-15).
- Its usage here underscores that the command comes directly from the sovereign, faithful, and personal God of Israel, highlighting the authoritative and binding nature of the instruction.
- It also contrasts with the deities of other nations, asserting YHWH's sole authority.
- spake (וַיְדַבֵּר - vay'daber - from דָּבַר - dabar, Hiphil Imperfect/Qal Perfect consecutive)
- The verb dabar refers to deliberate, purposeful speech, often involving a detailed and articulate message. It's stronger than merely "said."
- The Hiphil stem indicates causing someone to speak or speaking distinctly. Its form as a waw consecutive imperfect (or perfect) maintains the narrative flow and emphasizes the direct action of God initiating communication.
- It conveys the authoritative issuance of commands, regulations, or revelations, emphasizing that God actively communicates His will.
- unto Moses (אֶל-מֹשֶׁה - el-Moshe)
- This identifies Moses as the specific recipient and unique mediator of God's word to Israel (Exod 33:11, Deut 34:10).
- Moses' singular position underscores the directness and purity of the divine message; there are no intermediaries between God and Moses in this communication, ensuring fidelity.
- saying (לֵּאמֹר - le'mor - Infinitive Construct of אָמַר - amar)
- This is a common Hebrew idiomatic phrase found throughout the Old Testament, indicating that the preceding "spoke" will be followed by the specific content of the divine communication.
- It formally introduces the subsequent divine commands, laws, or revelations, setting apart the very words of God from the narrative surrounding them.
Numbers 4 22 Bonus section
The consistent use of "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" across the Pentateuch establishes a powerful polemic against polytheistic or idolatrous systems. In ancient Near Eastern religions, deities often communicated through omens, divination, or impersonal natural phenomena. In stark contrast, the God of Israel, YHWH, engages in direct, intelligent, and authoritative speech with His chosen human mediator, Moses. This type of verbal, covenantal communication underscores God's personality, His active involvement in human history, and the clarity of His will for His people. This formula highlights not just the divine origin of the law but the ongoing personal relationship between YHWH and Israel through their divinely appointed leader, Moses. The very repetition of this formula imbues the text with ultimate, non-negotiable authority.
Numbers 4 22 Commentary
Numbers 4:22, though seemingly a simple introductory phrase, is profoundly significant. It is a formulaic bedrock of the Pentateuch, affirming that the detailed regulations concerning Israel's organization and sacred service were not human constructs but directly revealed divine imperatives. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" acts as a stamp of divine authority, certifying that every instruction that follows flows directly from YHWH, the sovereign covenant God of Israel. Moses' role as the exclusive recipient of this direct, articulated divine communication ensures the integrity and divine origin of the law given to Israel. This recurrent phrase fundamentally establishes the theocratic nature of Israel, where God himself rules and guides through His revealed word, mediated by His chosen prophet. It is a constant reminder that God is active in the lives of His people, providing explicit guidance for their worship, their community, and their very existence. This pattern of divine speech sets a precedent for how God interacts with humanity – through chosen instruments and direct communication – culminating ultimately in Christ as the Word incarnate.