Numbers 4:48

Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

Even those that were numbered {H6485} of them, were eight {H8083} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} and fourscore {H8084}.

yielded a total of 8,580 persons.

And the number of men was 8,580.

even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

Commentary

Numbers 4:48 concludes a detailed census of the Levite clans, specifically tallying those eligible for service in the Tabernacle. This verse states the grand total of all Levites from the three main families—Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—who met the specific age requirements for their sacred duties.

Context

The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness, emphasizing divine order, organization, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. Chapters 1-4 detail various censuses and the establishment of roles within the Israelite camp. Numbers chapter 4 focuses exclusively on the Levites eligible for Tabernacle service, generally those between the ages of 30 and 50. Each Levite family (Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites) was assigned specific responsibilities for dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the holy furnishings and components of the Tabernacle. Verse 48 provides the combined summary of all eligible men from the individual counts detailed in Numbers 4:36 (Kohathites), Numbers 4:41 (Gershonites), and Numbers 4:45 (Merarites).

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: This verse, like the entire chapter, highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in organizing His people and their service. Every aspect of the Tabernacle and its care was precisely managed, underscoring the importance of order in divine worship and community life.
  • Dedicated Service: The Levites were uniquely set apart for the vital task of caring for the holy things of God. Their specific numbering signified their readiness and availability for this sacred calling, emphasizing the concept of dedicated service to the Lord.
  • Accountability and Preparedness: The census served not merely as a count but as an inventory of available personnel for specific tasks. It ensured that the necessary workforce was identified and ready for the arduous journey through the wilderness, demonstrating the importance of accountability in spiritual and practical matters.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fourscore" is an archaic English term from the KJV that simply means eighty. Therefore, "eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore" translates to 8,580. This straightforward numerical summation emphasizes the precision of the census without complex linguistic nuances in the original Hebrew.

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Tabernacle to transport, the principles of Numbers 4:48 remain relevant for spiritual service today.

  • Identifying Gifts and Callings: Just as the Levites were numbered for specific duties, believers today are called to identify and utilize their spiritual gifts for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
  • Order in Ministry: God is a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). This verse reminds us that organized and systematic approaches to ministry can enhance effectiveness and avoid chaos.
  • Valuing Every Role: Every individual counted had a vital role, no matter how seemingly small. This teaches us to value every member of the body of Christ and their contribution to the collective work of God's kingdom, recognizing that each part is essential (Romans 12:4-5).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Numbers 3:39

    All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, [were] twenty and two thousand.

  • Matthew 7:14

    Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

  • Matthew 20:16

    So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

  • Matthew 22:15

    ¶ Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in [his] talk.
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