Numbers 4:40

Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

Even those that were numbered ^{H6485} of them, throughout their families ^{H4940}, by the house ^{H1004} of their fathers ^{H1}, were two thousand ^{H505} and six ^{H8337} hundred ^{H3967} and thirty ^{H7970}.

yielded 2,630, registered by their clans and families.

And those numbered by their clans and families totaled 2,630.

even those that were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

Commentary

Context

Numbers chapter 4 details the specific duties of the three Levitical families—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—who were responsible for dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journey. This verse, Numbers 4:40, specifically concludes the census for the Merarites, recording the total number of men aged 30 to 50 who were eligible for active service. The preceding verses (Numbers 4:29-33) outline their responsibilities related to the heavier parts of the Tabernacle, such as the boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and various instruments for its service. This meticulous counting underscores God's precise organization for the sacred duties of the Tabernacle, as also seen in earlier census accounts in Numbers chapter 1 and Numbers chapter 3.

Key Themes

Divine Order and Specificity: The detailed census for each Levitical family highlights God's demand for order and precision in serving Him. Every individual and group had a distinct, divinely appointed role in the Tabernacle's operation and movement.
Responsibility and Service: The numbering identified those fit for specific tasks, emphasizing that service in God's kingdom is not random but involves careful preparation and assignment. The Merarites were entrusted with the heavy lifting, literally, of the Tabernacle's structure.
Obedience and Accountability: The very act of numbering and recording demonstrates the Israelites' obedience to God's command and the accountability of each family to fulfill their designated duties.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "those that were numbered" comes from the Hebrew root paqad (פָּקַד), which means to count, visit, or appoint. It implies a divine review and designation, not just a simple tally, reinforcing the sacred nature of the census.
"Throughout their families, by the house of their fathers" emphasizes the importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society, ensuring that responsibilities were passed down and understood within established family structures.

Practical Application

God Values Order: Just as God meticulously organized the Tabernacle service, He desires order in our lives and in His church today. Every believer has a unique gift and role in the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Faithfulness in Assigned Tasks: The Merarites were faithful in their specific, often laborious, duties. This reminds us that all service for God, no matter how seemingly small or significant, is important and requires dedication.
Preparedness for Service: The age requirement (30-50) for Levitical service suggests a period of maturity and training before taking on significant responsibilities. This underscores the importance of spiritual growth and readiness for ministry in our own lives.

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Cross-References

Numbers 3:32

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest [shall be] chief over the chief of the Levites, [and have] the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.