Numbers 4 25

Numbers 4:25 kjv

And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

Numbers 4:25 nkjv

They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tabernacle of meeting with its covering, the covering of badger skins that is on it, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting,

Numbers 4:25 niv

They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, that is, the tent of meeting, its covering and its outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting,

Numbers 4:25 esv

they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting with its covering and the covering of goatskin that is on top of it and the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting

Numbers 4:25 nlt

They must carry the curtains of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle itself with its coverings, the outer covering of fine goatskin leather, and the curtain for the Tabernacle entrance.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 25 Meaning

Numbers 4:25 specifies the precise components of the Tabernacle for which the Gershonites were responsible during Israel's journeys in the wilderness. It outlines their duty to transport the Tabernacle's fabric coverings, including the inner tent curtains, the overall external covering, the durable outermost covering made of tachash skins, and the decorative hangings for the Tabernacle's entrance. This highlights their vital role in preserving the integrity and sanctity of God's dwelling place as it moved with His people.

Numbers 4 25 Context

Numbers Chapter 4 details the specific duties and responsibilities assigned to each of the three clans of the Levites—the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites—for the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle during Israel's journeys through the wilderness. This precise division of labor underscored the holiness of God's dwelling place and ensured its proper care. Verses 21-28 specifically outline the Gershonites' responsibilities, focusing on the various fabric and skin coverings of the Tabernacle, including the components listed in verse 25. Their tasks complemented those of the Kohathites (who carried the holy furnishings like the Ark, altar, menorah) and the Merarites (who were responsible for the heavy structural elements like boards, bars, pillars, and sockets). This intricate organization reflects God's demand for order, reverence, and detailed obedience in all aspects of His service, particularly concerning His sacred presence.

Numbers 4 25 Word analysis

• and they shall carry (וְנָשְׂאוּ - ve-nas’u): From the verb נָשָׂא (nasa'), meaning 'to lift, bear, carry.' This signifies the physical responsibility of transport, a crucial aspect of the Gershonites' service. It implies a burden and a duty.
• the curtains (אֶת-יְרִיעוֹת - 'et-yeri'ot): Refers to the inner, decorative coverings of the Tabernacle. These were made of fine twined linen, with cherubim embroidered on them (Exo 26:1-6). Their delicate nature required careful handling.
• of the tabernacle, (הַמִּשְׁכָּן - ha-Mishkan): From מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan), meaning 'dwelling place' or 'residence.' This term consistently refers to the portable sanctuary where God resided among Israel. It emphasizes the holy presence within.
• and the tabernacle (וְאֹהֶל - ve-'ohel): While mishkan emphasizes God's dwelling, ohel (אוֹהֶל) means 'tent' and specifically refers to the outer tent structure that covered the inner Tabernacle. This highlights its nature as a portable dwelling.
• of the congregation, (מוֹעֵד - Mo'ed): Often translated as 'meeting' or 'assembly.' This refers to the Tent of Meeting, where God met with Moses and His people. It signifies the place of divine appointment and communication.
• his covering, (מִכְסֵהוּ - mikhseh): From מִכְסֶה (mikhseh), meaning 'covering' or 'hiding.' This refers to one of the intermediate layers of the Tabernacle coverings, likely the goat hair tent mentioned in Exodus 26:7. It provided general protection.
• and the covering (וּמִכְסֵה - u-mikhseh): Another instance of 'covering.' This continues the enumeration of the layers.
• of the badgers' skins (הַתַּחַשׁ - ha-Tachash): Tachash is a debated term, often translated as 'badger,' 'dugong' (a marine mammal), or simply 'fine leather.' Regardless of the exact animal, it signifies a durable, weather-resistant, and probably waterproof material used for the outermost layer (Exo 26:14), providing ultimate protection from elements in the desert. The obscurity of the material highlights function over beauty, in contrast to inner splendor.
• that is above upon it, (מִלְמַעְלָה עָלָיו - mil-ma'lah 'alav): Positional detail, explicitly stating that this tachash covering was the uppermost and outermost layer, serving as the primary barrier against the elements.
• and the hangings (וְקַלְעֵי - ve-qala'ei): From קְלַע (qela') referring to woven hangings or curtains, often for enclosures or gates. These were visible entrance screens.
• of the door (הַפֶּתַח - ha-Petaḥ): Refers to the entrance or opening. The hangings covered the single entrance to the Tabernacle compound (not the holy of holies), controlling access and signifying sacred space.
• of the tabernacle of the congregation, (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד - Ohel Mo'ed): Repetition of 'Tent of Meeting,' emphasizing the entire structure as the designated place where God met with His people.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the curtains of the tabernacle": This phrase points to the most ornate and delicate internal layers of the divine dwelling. Their presence and integrity were central to the Tabernacle's design and symbolic meaning of God's intimate presence.
• "and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering": Refers to the main body of the tent structure and its primary, but not outermost, covering (likely goat hair). This implies the core functionality of the Tabernacle as both God's abode and the meeting place for His people.
• "and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it": Highlights the vital outermost protective layer. The emphasis on the tachash skins speaks to divine foresight in designing a durable and protective covering necessary for the harsh desert environment, protecting the sanctity and materials within. It might implicitly be a polemic against the flimsiness of certain pagan idols or structures compared to the durable, divinely specified sanctuary of Yahweh.
• "and the hangings of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation": Focuses on the entrance hangings. These not only marked the access point but also served as a boundary between the common and the holy, emphasizing the sanctity and regulated access to God's presence. They were not mere utilitarian curtains but part of the overall aesthetic and symbolic holiness.

Numbers 4 25 Bonus section

The exact identification of tachash skins has been a subject of extensive scholarly discussion. While often translated as 'badger' in older versions like the KJV, modern scholarship suggests other possibilities, including 'dugong' or 'seal,' or simply a high-quality, durable, possibly dyed leather that was readily available or could be processed in the desert environment. The most important aspect is its function: to serve as the highly resistant, protective outermost layer for the sacred Tabernacle, safeguarding the more precious materials underneath from the desert elements, be it sun, sand, or rain. This functional utility points to the practicality in divine design for a mobile sanctuary.

Numbers 4 25 Commentary

Numbers 4:25 meticulously delineates the Gershonites' solemn and essential duty in the service of the Tabernacle. While their Kohathite kinsmen handled the most sacred, inner furnishings (Ark, Altars), and the Merarites bore the heavy structural elements, the Gershonites were entrusted with all the textile and skin coverings—the Tabernacle's very "skin" and internal draperies. This includes the linen "curtains" of exquisite craftsmanship that formed the Tabernacle walls, the multiple layers of protective "coverings" made of goat hair, rams' skins, and the enigmatic "badgers' skins" (tachash), as well as the hangings at the Tabernacle's entrance.

The precision in this divine instruction underscores several profound truths. First, it exemplifies God's infinite attention to detail and order. Every component, from the holiest vessel to the outermost covering, was equally important for the proper functioning and reverence of His dwelling. There were no "small" jobs in the service of the Lord. Second, it highlights the principle of differentiated roles within God's service. Each Levite clan, and by extension, each individual believer, has a unique calling and gifting within the larger body of Christ (Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:4-11), yet all are equally indispensable for the collective task. The Gershonites' task, though seemingly less "glamorous" than handling the Ark, was critical for preserving the Tabernacle's sanctity and protecting it from the harsh elements, ensuring it remained fit for God's holy presence. Their delicate cargo necessitated careful handling, underscoring the preciousness of God's sanctuary. This verse practically reminds us that the mundane yet essential tasks, often unseen or undervalued, are equally vital in God's eyes and for the effectiveness of His work.