Numbers 7 7

Numbers 7:7 kjv

Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:

Numbers 7:7 nkjv

Two carts and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service;

Numbers 7:7 niv

He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required,

Numbers 7:7 esv

Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service.

Numbers 7:7 nlt

He gave two wagons and four oxen to the Gershonite division for their work,

Numbers 7 verses

Numbers 7 7 Meaning

Numbers 7:7 describes the specific provision given to the sons of Gershon for their work in transporting the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys. Moses, acting under divine instruction, allotted them two wagons and four oxen. This distribution was not arbitrary but precisely "according to their service," reflecting a divinely ordered and efficient system where resources were matched to the unique needs and responsibilities of each Levitical family in caring for God's sanctuary. It highlights God's meticulous care and tailored provision for those serving Him.

Numbers 7 7 Context

Numbers chapter 7 details the dedication offerings presented by the twelve tribal leaders to the Tabernacle immediately after its completion and consecration (Num 7:1). These offerings included valuable metals, animals for sacrifice, and practical items for the Levites' service. Moses received these gifts and, under the Lord's specific instruction, distributed them to the Levitical clans—Gershonites, Merarites, and Kohathites—who were responsible for the Tabernacle's dismantling, transport, and reassembly during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Verse 7 specifically addresses the provision for the sons of Gershon, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to the logistical needs of His holy dwelling place. The historical context is critical; Israel was on the move, and the portable Tabernacle was central to their identity and worship, requiring efficient and distinct operational divisions for its sacred journey.

Numbers 7 7 Word analysis

• He gave: הֶעֱמִ֥יד (he'e·mid) - Literally "He set up," "He made stand," but in this context, when combined with what follows, it means to allocate or appoint. It is Moses, acting under God's command (Num 7:6). This underscores that the allocation was not an arbitrary decision by man but divinely sanctioned and administered.
• two wagons: שְׁתֵּ֤י עֲגָלֹת֙ (shə·tê ‘ă·ḡā·lōṯ) - Shtey means "two," agalot (from agalah) refers to a wagon or cart, typically two-wheeled. These were practical, essential tools for transporting the bulkier, yet less sacred, components of the Tabernacle. Wagons allowed for efficient movement of cumbersome loads like curtains and coverings, which were heavy but did not require ceremonial carrying.
• and four oxen: וְאַרְבַּ֥ע בָּקָר֙ (wə·’ar·ba‘ bā·qār) - Arba means "four," baqar means "oxen" or "cattle." Oxen are strong draft animals, crucial for pulling the heavy wagons through the rough terrain of the wilderness. Their strength was proportionate to the burden assigned to the Gershonites.
• to the sons of Gershon: לִבְנֵ֥י גֵרְשֽׁוֹן׃ (liḇ·nê ḡêr·šōn) - Identifies the specific Levitical family. The Gershonites' primary responsibility (Num 3:25-26, 4:24-28) was to transport the Tabernacle's lightweight components: the curtains, coverings, screens, and cords. These items, though numerous and bulky, did not possess the extreme sanctity of the Holy of Holies furnishings.
• according to their service: כְּפִ֥י עֲבֹדָתָֽם (kə·p̄î ‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām) - K'fi means "according to" or "proportionate to"; avodatam (from avodah) means "their service" or "their work." This phrase is the pivotal interpretive key. It signifies that the provision was perfectly tailored to the specific needs and burdens of the Gershonites' duties. Their allocation differs from that of the Merarites (more wagons, heavier structural elements) and the Kohathites (no wagons, for they bore the holiest objects on their shoulders). This reflects divine wisdom in resourcing, providing exactly what was needed for the task at hand.

• "He gave two wagons and four oxen": This highlights a precise, tangible provision. It's a specific material endowment, not a general allowance, directly addressing logistical needs for divine service. It exemplifies a deliberate and measured supply rather than an abundance beyond what is needed or a scarcity that impedes the work.
• "to the sons of Gershon, according to their service": This entire phrase reveals the principle of differentiated provision. God's provision is perfectly matched to the unique calling and functional requirements of His servants. It implies wisdom in resource management and an understanding of varying burdens within the sacred work. It underlines that gifts and resources are given not for personal enrichment, but for the accomplishment of God-ordained tasks.

Numbers 7 7 Bonus section

The careful distribution of wagons and oxen among the Levite clans in Numbers 7—Gershonites receiving two wagons and four oxen, Merarites receiving four wagons and eight oxen, and Kohathites receiving none—serves as a tangible object lesson in the practical application of God's wisdom and foresight. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, represented the divine presence among the people and required a highly organized logistical operation for its frequent movement. Each clan had distinct responsibilities that dictated their transport needs. The Gershonites handled lighter, more flexible items (curtains, tent fabrics), requiring fewer, more maneuverable wagons. The Merarites dealt with heavier, rigid structural elements (boards, bars, pillars, bases), thus necessitating more robust equipment. The Kohathites, charged with the holiest articles (Ark, table, lampstand, altars), were explicitly forbidden from using wagons; they carried these items on poles, emphasizing the sanctity and direct connection to God these elements embodied, ensuring reverence and personal engagement. This detail, specified in the Bible, illustrates a divine blueprint for efficient and reverent ministry, where provision aligns perfectly with purpose and dignity of the task.

Numbers 7 7 Commentary

Numbers 7:7 offers profound insights into God's meticulous governance and support for sacred service. The provision of two wagons and four oxen to the Gershonites was not a random act but a divinely tailored allocation based on the precise nature of their duties—transporting the lighter yet bulky curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle. This contrasts sharply with the Kohathites, who received no wagons because they carried the most holy objects directly on their shoulders (Num 7:9), and the Merarites, who received more substantial equipment for heavier structural components (Num 7:8). This verse underscores the principle of proportionate resourcing: God provides what is perfectly suited and sufficient for the task He has assigned, recognizing the varied needs and responsibilities within His kingdom work. It illustrates divine wisdom in practical administration, ensuring that every part of the sanctuary service was facilitated effectively. Practically, it teaches us that while all service to God is valuable, not all service requires the same resources; divine provision is discerning, just, and adequate for each specific calling.