Numbers 4:30

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.

From thirty {H7970} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605} even unto fifty {H2572} years {H8141} old {H1121} shalt thou number {H6485} them, every one that entereth {H935} into the service {H6635}, to do {H5647} the work {H5656} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

of all those between thirty and fifty years old, all who will be in the corps doing the work of serving in the tent of meeting.

from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting.

from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth upon the service, to do the work of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Numbers 4:30 specifies the precise age requirements for Levites who were to enter into active service within the Tabernacle, highlighting the divine order and meticulous precision God commanded for the sacred duties of His chosen people in ancient Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers chapter 4 that outlines the particular responsibilities of the three major Levitical families—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—regarding the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle and its holy furnishings during Israel's wilderness wanderings. The preceding verses detail the specific duties of each family, and this verse provides a general age range applicable to all those performing the strenuous and highly significant work of the "tent of meeting" (the tabernacle of the congregation). While this passage specifies 30-50 years old, other passages like Numbers 8:24-26 indicate an age range of 25-50 for service, and later, King David adjusted the age to 20 for the Temple service due to an increased workload and a more settled environment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Structure: God's meticulous instructions underscore the importance of order and precision in worship and service. Every aspect of the Tabernacle's operation, including who performed the work and at what age, was divinely ordained, reflecting God's character.
  • Responsibility and Readiness: The age range of 30 to 50 years old for active duty suggests a period of prime physical strength, maturity, and accumulated wisdom. These qualities were deemed essential for handling the sacred and physically demanding duties associated with the Tabernacle's care. This was considered the peak period for their active ministry.
  • Dedicated Service: The Levites were uniquely set apart for the "work of the tabernacle of the congregation," signifying a life wholly devoted to God's service and the spiritual well-being of the Israelite community. Their role was crucial for maintaining the holiness of the camp.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "service" in this verse is tsava (צָבָא), which often refers to military service or an organized host. Its use in this context implies that the Levites' work was not casual but highly disciplined, organized, and carried out with the precision expected of an army. The phrase "tabernacle of the congregation" is ohel mo'ed (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד), literally "tent of meeting," highlighting that this was the designated place where God met with His people and where His divine presence dwelt.

Practical Application

While the specific age requirements for Levitical service are part of the Old Covenant and not directly applicable to New Testament ministry, the underlying principles remain relevant for understanding service to God today:

  • Preparation for Ministry: God values maturity and readiness in those who serve Him. Just as the Levites had a period of preparation and peak service, believers today are called to grow in faith, wisdom, and understanding before undertaking significant responsibilities in the church or in various ministries.
  • Seasons of Service: This verse illustrates that there can be different seasons for intensive, active service. It reminds us that service to God is a lifelong commitment, though the nature of that service may change with age, experience, and physical capacity.
  • Valuing Order: God's desire for order and excellence in His work is timeless. Whether in church operations, community service, or personal spiritual disciplines, doing things "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40) honors Him and ensures effectiveness in ministry.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 4:3 (3 votes)

    From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Numbers 4:23 (3 votes)

    From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • 1 Timothy 6:11 (2 votes)

    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

  • 1 Timothy 6:12 (2 votes)

    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7 (2 votes)

    I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

  • 2 Timothy 4:8 (2 votes)

    Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

  • Psalms 110:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.