Numbers 4 37

Numbers 4:37 kjv

These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Numbers 4:37 nkjv

These were the ones who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Numbers 4:37 niv

This was the total of all those in the Kohathite clans who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the LORD's command through Moses.

Numbers 4:37 esv

This was the list of the clans of the Kohathites, all who served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron listed according to the commandment of the LORD by Moses.

Numbers 4:37 nlt

So this was the total of all those from the Kohathite clans who were eligible to serve at the Tabernacle. Moses and Aaron listed them, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 37 Meaning

This verse serves as a concluding statement for the census of the Kohathite families within Numbers chapter 4. It explicitly states that the preceding count of these Levitical descendants, who were specifically tasked with carrying the most sacred components of the Tabernacle, was performed according to the direct and authoritative command of the LORD, communicated through Moses and executed by both Moses and Aaron. It highlights the divine origin of Israel's order and the precise assignment of sacred duties within the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4 37 Context

Numbers chapter 4 is part of a larger section (chapters 1-10) dealing with the organization of the Israelite camp in the wilderness before their departure from Sinai. Chapter 4 specifically focuses on the duties of the Levites in dismantling, carrying, and setting up the Tabernacle and its furnishings during their journeys. It differentiates the responsibilities among the three Levitical clans: Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. Verses 34-37 detail the conclusion of the numbering of the Kohathites, who had the most sacred task of bearing the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, altars, and other holy articles. The meticulous recording of these families, their numbers, and their specific responsibilities underscores the profound sanctity of the Tabernacle service and the absolute precision required in all matters pertaining to God's presence and worship. This ordered system contrasted sharply with the often chaotic and ad hoc religious practices of surrounding pagan nations, where cultic service was less about divine command and more about human convenience or political gain. The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded" reinforces the foundational principle that Israel's identity and worship were entirely derived from God's authoritative word, not human initiative.

Numbers 4 37 Word analysis

• These were the number: The Hebrew phrase for "number" here (פְּקֻדֵיהֶם - pĕqudeyhem) implies not just a count, but an enrollment or oversight, often linked to a divine visitation or accounting. It highlights an official, purposeful enumeration, not a mere tally.

• families: (mishpaḥoth) - Refers to the extended clans or sub-tribal units. This emphasizes the communal and genealogical aspect of the Levite service; specific families were entrusted with distinct responsibilities based on their lineage from Levi.

• of the Kohathites: One of the three primary Levitical clans (along with Gershonites and Merarites), descended from Levi's second son, Kohath. Their unique and perilous task was to handle and carry the holiest items of the Tabernacle, underscoring the high responsibility given to this specific family.

• all who served in the tent of meeting: (kol ha'avodah be'ohel mo'ed) - This phrase highlights their complete dedication to the divine service. "Served" implies performing religious duties. The "Tent of Meeting" (ohel mo'ed), or Tabernacle, was the central place of God's presence and worship in the wilderness, making their role pivotal.

• whom Moses and Aaron numbered: This specifies the human agents, Moses the divinely appointed leader and Aaron the High Priest, through whom the census was carried out. Their joint involvement validates the process and shows unity in executing God's will. It underlines that leadership in Israel functioned under divine directive.

• according to the commandment of the LORD: (al-pi Yahweh) - "By the mouth of Yahweh" or "at the instruction of the LORD." This critical phrase emphasizes the absolute divine authority behind the entire process. Every detail of Israel's organization and sacred service was directly commanded by God, underscoring His sovereignty and meticulous care for His people's worship and order. This is a common formula throughout Numbers and the Pentateuch, affirming divine origin.

• by the hand of Moses: (bĕyad Mosheh) - "By means of Moses" or "through Moses' agency." This clarifies Moses' specific role as the primary human instrument through whom God's commands were communicated and implemented. He was God's chosen mediator for the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle and the ordering of Israel.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "These were the number... of the Kohathites, all who served": This grouping emphasizes that the census was not merely for headcount, but specifically identified and recorded those appointed for sacred, active service. It highlights God's purposeful and detailed organization of His workforce within the Tabernacle structure.
  • "whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses": This entire phrase encapsulates the divinely mandated process, emphasizing God's ultimate authority, Moses' pivotal mediatory role in both receiving and implementing the command, and Aaron's crucial participation in its execution. It points to a chain of command directly from the Almighty, carried out by His appointed leaders for His sacred purposes.

Numbers 4 37 Bonus section

The recurrent phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout Numbers (and indeed the entire Pentateuch) serves multiple theological and practical purposes. It constantly reminds the Israelite community, and subsequent generations of readers, that their societal structure, legal framework, and cultic practices were divinely instituted. This was a critical principle for a nomadic people establishing their identity and unique relationship with their God in the midst of various pagan cultures. This verse specifically showcases God's care in delineating exact responsibilities within His house, signifying that holy service is not to be undertaken lightly or arbitrarily, but with reverent obedience to divine blueprint and delegated authority. The distinct roles of each Levitical clan underscore a theological truth about the body of believers: though service may differ in scope and task, all roles are divinely appointed and essential for the functioning of God's dwelling, whether the Tabernacle of old or the spiritual dwelling of His people today.

Numbers 4 37 Commentary

Numbers 4:37 encapsulates a fundamental truth: God is a God of order and precision, particularly concerning His worship and the administration of His holy presence. This verse concludes the specific accounting of the Kohathites, who held the paramount duty of transporting the most sacred articles of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. It is a summarizing statement that ties the human activity of counting to the divine imperative, repeatedly stressing that the entire process was not humanly devised but commanded by the LORD Himself through Moses, with Aaron's participation. The meticulous detail in numbering these particular families underlines the solemnity and precise nature of their service, contrasting with any casual approach to the divine. This establishes accountability for those in leadership (Moses and Aaron) and for the Levites in their service, ensuring adherence to the sacred plan laid out by God for His people's journey and worship.