Numbers 4:32

And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

And the pillars {H5982} of the court {H2691} round about {H5439}, and their sockets {H134}, and their pins {H3489}, and their cords {H4340}, with all their instruments {H3627}, and with all their service {H5656}: and by name {H8034} ye shall reckon {H6485} the instruments {H3627} of the charge {H4931} of their burden {H4853}.

also the posts for the surrounding courtyard, with their sockets, tent pegs, ropes and other accessories, and everything having to do with their service. You are to assign particular loads to specific persons by name.

and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.

and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall appoint the instruments of the charge of their burden.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 4:32

Numbers chapter 4 meticulously details the specific duties assigned to the three clans of the Levites—the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites—for the transportation of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journey. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people, and its components were sacred. This verse, Numbers 4:32, specifically concludes the instructions given to the Merarites, who were responsible for carrying the heaviest and most structural parts of the Tabernacle. These included the frames, bars, pillars, and bases, as well as the components of the outer court, such as the pillars of the court, their sockets, pins, and cords. The precise nature of these instructions underscores the divine order and importance of the Tabernacle's maintenance and movement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Meticulousness and Order: God's instructions were incredibly detailed, leaving nothing to chance. Every single component, down to the smallest pin and cord, was accounted for. This highlights God's demand for order, precision, and reverence in all matters related to His worship and presence.
  • Accountability and Responsibility: The phrase "by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden" emphasizes a profound principle of accountability. The Merarites were not merely carrying a general load; they were personally responsible for each specific item. This meticulous inventory ensured that nothing was lost or damaged, and that each person understood their precise duty within the larger service. This level of detail speaks to the seriousness of their sacred task and the importance of stewardship within God's work.
  • The Weight of Sacred Service: The "burden" (Hebrew: massa) refers not only to the physical weight of the Tabernacle components but also the significant responsibility entrusted to the Merarites. Their role was critical for the proper functioning and reverence of the entire Tabernacle system, which symbolized God's dwelling among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase in this verse is "by name ye shall reckon." The Hebrew verb for "reckon" is paqad (פקד), which carries a rich meaning. It implies more than just counting; it means to visit, muster, appoint, inspect, or take an account of. When coupled with "by name" (b'shem), it signifies a precise, itemized inventory and personal oversight. This was not a casual count but a thorough, responsible accounting where each item was individually noted and tracked. This emphasizes the individual responsibility of those carrying the burden and the divine expectation of thoroughness in handling sacred things.

Practical Application

Numbers 4:32 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Faithfulness in Detail: This verse reminds us that God values meticulousness and faithfulness in all areas of service, no matter how small or seemingly mundane the task. Just as the Merarites were accountable for each pin and cord, believers are called to be diligent in their spiritual gifts and responsibilities, understanding that every part contributes to the whole of God's work.
  • Stewardship and Accountability: The principle of being "reckoned by name" underscores the importance of stewardship—being trustworthy managers of what God has entrusted to us. Whether it's our time, talents, resources, or roles within the church, we are called to handle them with diligence and accountability, knowing that we serve a God who cares about the details. As 1 Peter 4:10 teaches, each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.
  • Order in Worship and Ministry: The careful organization of the Tabernacle service foreshadows the importance of order, reverence, and intentionality in Christian worship and ministry. God is a God of order, and our service to Him should reflect that, with each member fulfilling their specific role for the glory of God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 38:21

    ¶ This is the sum of the tabernacle, [even] of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, [for] the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

  • Numbers 7:1

    ¶ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

  • Numbers 3:8

    And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:29

    [Some] of them also [were] appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.

  • Exodus 38:17

    And the sockets for the pillars [were of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters [of] silver; and all the pillars of the court [were] filleted with silver.

  • Exodus 25:9

    According to all that I shew thee, [after] the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make [it].
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