(The Lord speaking is red text)
All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers,
The census of the L'vi'im, whom Moshe, Aharon and the leaders of Isra'el enumerated by their clans and families,
So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered by their clans and families all the Levites
All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel numbered, by their families, and by their fathers’ houses,
All those that were numbered{H6485} of the Levites{H3881}, whom Moses{H4872} and Aaron{H175} and the chief{H5387} of Israel{H3478} numbered{H6485}, after their families{H4940}, and after the house{H1004} of their fathers{H1},
Numbers 4:46 is a verse from the Old Testament that falls within the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses, and it details the census, laws, and events that occurred during the 40-year period of wilderness wanderings.
In the verse, we see the continuation of a census that Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel conducted among the Levites, the tribe designated for priestly duties. This census was not for military purposes but to organize the Levites for their responsibilities in carrying the tabernacle and its sacred objects as the Israelites traveled. The numbering was done according to their families and ancestral houses, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the allocation of religious duties.
The historical context of this verse is significant because it reflects the organization and structure of the Israelite community during a formative period in their history. The Levites were exempt from the general military census and were set apart for the service of the tabernacle, which was central to Israel's religious life. The detailed account of the numbering of the Levites underscores the meticulous care with which the Israelites were to approach their religious obligations, a theme that recurs throughout the Pentateuch.
In summary, Numbers 4:46 captures a moment in Israel's history where the religious and social structures were being firmly established. The verse highlights the special status of the Levites, their division according to familial lines, and their unique role in the religious life of the nation, which was crucial for the maintenance of the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)