Numbers 4 32

Numbers 4:32 kjv

And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

Numbers 4:32 nkjv

and the pillars around the court with their sockets, pegs, and cords, with all their furnishings and all their service; and you shall assign to each man by name the items he must carry.

Numbers 4:32 niv

as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes, all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry.

Numbers 4:32 esv

and the pillars around the court with their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their equipment and all their accessories. And you shall list by name the objects that they are required to carry.

Numbers 4:32 nlt

also the posts for the courtyard walls with their bases, pegs, and ropes; and all the accessories and everything else related to their use. Assign the various loads to each man by name.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 32 Meaning

Numbers 4:32 meticulously details the items the Merarite clan was specifically responsible for transporting and accounting for during Israel's wilderness journeys. These items included the poles, pegs, and cords that comprised the Tabernacle courtyard structure. The verse emphasizes that all their associated equipment and instruments for service, even seemingly minor details, were to be precisely identified and listed by name. This underscores the paramount importance of strict accountability, order, and dedicated stewardship in the service of God's holy dwelling.

Numbers 4 32 Context

Numbers Chapter 4 describes the specific responsibilities assigned to each of the three main Levitical clans—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—for the dismantling, transporting, and reassembling of the Tabernacle during Israel's journeys through the wilderness. This precise division of labor was critical for maintaining the sanctity and integrity of God's dwelling place. Verses 29-33 focus specifically on the Merarites. Their assigned "burden" (Heb. massa') primarily consisted of the heaviest, most structural components of the Tabernacle and its surrounding courtyard: boards, bars, pillars, and sockets (v. 31). Numbers 4:32 then specifies the remaining significant items that complete their heavy-duty load for transport: the poles for the courtyard, its pegs, and its cords. The requirement to list these items "by name" emphasizes a rigorous inventory, ensuring that every piece, however small or large, was accounted for and properly managed in the execution of their sacred service. The historical context highlights the disciplined, militaristic order of Israel as a traveling encampment centered around God's holy presence.

Numbers 4 32 Word analysis

• and the poles (וְעַמּוּדֵי, ve'ammudey): From ammûd (עַמּוּד), meaning "pillar" or "column." Here, it specifically refers to the freestanding poles that supported the Tabernacle courtyard curtains (Ex 27:10-18; 38:10-17). These were substantial bronze-based structures, vital for defining the sacred boundary of the courtyard. Their inclusion here confirms Merarites were responsible for the entire, robust exterior framework.
• and the pegs (וִידֹתֵיהֶם, viydoteihem): From yathed (יָתֵד), meaning "tent peg" or "pin." These were essential, smaller but critical, components used to secure the courtyard curtains and structures firmly to the ground, preventing them from being swayed by wind or shifting during assembly (Ex 27:19; 35:18). They ensured stability and integrity.
• and their cords (וּמֵיתְרֵיהֶם, umeytreyhem): From meytar (מֵיתָר), meaning "cord," "rope," or "string." These ropes were used in conjunction with the pegs to properly secure the Tabernacle components, including the courtyard hangings, to their anchors (Ex 35:18; 39:40). They ensured everything was taut and firmly established.
• and all their equipment (וְכָל-כְּלֵיהֶם, vekhol-kleihem): keli (כְּלִי) is a broad term encompassing "vessel," "implement," "utensil," or "equipment." This phrase acts as a general summary, indicating that nothing related to their primary charge should be overlooked. It signals comprehensiveness.
• and all their service instruments (וְכָל-עֲבֹדָתָם, vekhol-'avodatam): avodah (עֲבֹדָה) means "service," "work," or "labor," particularly implying sacred duty in a liturgical context. This specifies that the "equipment" mentioned broadly earlier is, in fact, integral to their sacred service. It elevates the mundane items to a sacred purpose.
• and you shall name by name (וּבְשֵׁמוֹת תִּפְקְדוּ, u'vishmot tiph'qedu): From shem (שֵׁם) for "name," and paqad (פָּקָד), meaning "to visit," "to appoint," "to muster," "to count," or "to account for." This is a strong imperative signifying a meticulous, itemized inventory, not a mere visual count. Each item must be identified, likely via a list, demonstrating precise accountability.
• the articles they are in charge of carrying (אֵת כְּלֵי מַשָּׂא נֵשׂוּאֵיהֶם, et kelei massa nesu'eihem): massa' (מַשָּׂא) means "burden" or "load," referring to the physical weight of what they transport but also encompassing their overall responsibility. nesu'eihem indicates "those carried by them." This phrase ties the detailed listing directly to their core duty of transporting specific holy items, reinforcing the idea of a solemn, divinely appointed "charge" or task.

Words-group analysis:

• "poles, and the pegs, and their cords": This triad of items specifies the critical structural components for the Tabernacle courtyard. These elements, though less sacred than the contents of the Holy of Holies, were fundamental for defining and establishing God's sacred space on earth, emphasizing the Merarites' crucial role in supporting the outer manifestation of divine presence.
• "all their equipment, and all their service instruments": These two phrases work in conjunction to demand thoroughness. "Equipment" covers the broad range of items, while "service instruments" narrows the focus to those items specifically dedicated to their assigned liturgical labor. This redundancy serves to stress the comprehensive nature of the Merarite responsibility, ensuring no tool or component, however seemingly minor, escapes inventory and care.
• "you shall name by name the articles they are in charge of carrying": This phrase encapsulates the core command of accountability. "Name by name" signifies individual, itemized identification. It underscores that God's Tabernacle, down to its smallest parts, was managed with absolute precision and deliberate oversight. This precision reflects divine order and holiness, indicating that human agents are stewards of even the physical tools of God's worship.

Numbers 4 32 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "naming by name" or detailed enumeration in Numbers runs throughout the book, particularly in the censuses. This highlights God's sovereignty over every individual and item, reflecting an intentional and ordered divine plan, both for the nation and for the sacred structure. It is a divine characteristic to be ordered.
• The "burden" (massa') assigned to the Merarites, while literally referring to a heavy physical load, also carries a broader spiritual connotation in the Old Testament as a solemn charge or a weighty prophetic utterance. Here, it underscores the sacred and significant nature of their responsibility beyond mere manual labor; they bore the burden of caring for parts of God's holy habitation.
• The distinct and complementary roles of the three Levitical clans (Kohath, Gershon, Merari) collectively demonstrate a principle of organized, differentiated service within the community of faith. No task was deemed insignificant, and each was crucial for the overall functioning of God's presence among His people.

Numbers 4 32 Commentary

Numbers 4:32 reveals God's profound attention to detail and His demand for meticulous order and accountability in all aspects of His service. For the Merarites, whose charge involved the cumbersome yet vital structural components of the Tabernacle courtyard, every pole, peg, and cord, along with all associated equipment, was to be exhaustively listed by name. This wasn't merely about efficient logistics; it was about honoring the sanctity of God's dwelling. Such precision distinguished Israel's organized, divinely ordained worship from the chaotic practices of pagan cults. This verse reinforces that even the most "mundane" tasks within sacred service are viewed by God with importance, requiring integrity, diligence, and full responsibility. In the Christian life, this principle translates to stewarding our spiritual gifts, resources, and callings with similar precision, knowing that every detail of our "service instruments" matters to God. For instance, diligently maintaining a list of those in need when undertaking a ministry of visitation, ensuring resources for a outreach event are accounted for, or carefully preparing for a Bible study, all reflect this spirit of faithful, ordered accountability.