Numbers 3:28

In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, [were] eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

In the number {H4557} of all the males {H2145}, from a month {H2320} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, were eight {H8083} thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967}, keeping {H8104} the charge {H4931} of the sanctuary {H6944}.

Of them, 8,600 males a month old and over were counted; they were in charge of the Holy Place.

The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

According to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

Commentary

Numbers 3:28 KJV provides a specific census detail regarding the Levites, particularly the Gershonite family, who were divinely appointed for sacred service to the Tabernacle.

Context of Numbers 3:28

This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Numbers (Chapter 3) that meticulously details the census and organization of the Levitical tribe. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, who were counted for military service (from 20 years old and upward), the Levites were counted from one month old and upward, signifying their unique dedication to God from birth. They were set apart to assist the priests (the sons of Aaron) in the care and transport of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people. Numbers 3:28 specifically states the count for the males of the Gershonite family (eight thousand and six hundred), who were responsible for the Tabernacle's coverings, curtains, and cords (as detailed in Numbers 3:25-26).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Organization: The precise enumeration of the Levites highlights God's meticulous nature and His desire for order in worship and service. Every group had its designated role and responsibility, ensuring the proper functioning of the Tabernacle and the sanctity of the sanctuary.
  • Dedicated Service: The phrase "keeping the charge of the sanctuary" underscores the Levites' sacred duty. They were not merely laborers but guardians of holy things, responsible for the integrity and sanctity of God's dwelling. This concept of consecrated service is a recurring theme in Scripture.
  • Substitution and Redemption: The Levites were taken by God in place of the firstborn of all Israel, symbolizing a deeper spiritual truth about substitutionary redemption (Numbers 3:12-13). Their service was a constant reminder of God's claim on His people and His provision for their atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "keeping the charge" translates from the Hebrew *shomerei mishmeret* (ืฉึนืืžึฐืจึตื™ ืžึดืฉึฐืืžึถืจึถืช). The root *shamar* means "to guard, watch, preserve," implying a careful, diligent, and responsible oversight. *Mishmeret* refers to a "charge, duty, or office." Together, it conveys the idea of actively safeguarding and fulfilling a sacred trust, emphasizing the profound responsibility entrusted to the Levites in caring for the holy items of the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

While the specific duties of the Levites no longer apply in the same way under the new covenant, the principles of Numbers 3:28 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), Christians are called to serve God in various capacities within His spiritual house. This verse reminds us that:

  • God values order and intentionality in our service to Him and His church.
  • Every member of God's spiritual family has a unique and important role, no matter how seemingly small, for the building up of the body of Christ.
  • Our service should be marked by diligence, responsibility, and reverence, understanding that we are "keeping the charge" of spiritual truths and ministries entrusted to us.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 3:7

    And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

  • Numbers 3:31

    And their charge [shall be] the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

  • Numbers 4:35

    From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:

  • Numbers 4:36

    And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.
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