Numbers 4:49

KJV

According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} they were numbered {H6485} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}, every {H376} one {H376} according to his service {H5656}, and according to his burden {H4853}: thus were they numbered {H6485} of him, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

According to ADONAI's order they were appointed by Moshe, each one to his specific service or work. They were also enumerated, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

At the LORD’s command they were numbered through Moses and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

According to the commandment of Jehovah they were numbered by Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:49 serves as a concluding affirmation to the meticulous census and assignment of duties for the Levite families—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—who were uniquely set apart to transport, assemble, and maintain the sacred Tabernacle and its furnishings during Israel's wilderness journey. This verse emphatically declares that every aspect of their numbering and the precise allocation of their "service" and "burden" were executed with absolute fidelity to the explicit commands that the LORD had given to Moses, underscoring the divine order, human obedience, and the sacred, detailed nature of service within God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:49 functions as the capstone of a highly detailed section within the book of Numbers. Chapters 1-4 describe the organization of Israel, beginning with a general census of fighting men (Numbers 1), followed by the precise encampment order around the Tabernacle (Numbers 2), and then a specific focus on the Levites. Numbers 3 details the numbering of the Levites and their general responsibilities, while Numbers 4 meticulously outlines the specific duties of the three major Levitical clans: the Kohathites (Numbers 4:1-15), responsible for the most holy articles; the Gershonites (Numbers 4:21-28), responsible for the Tabernacle coverings and curtains; and the Merarites (Numbers 4:29-33), responsible for the framework and pillars. Each clan had specific age requirements (30-50 years old) for service. Verse 49 provides a summary statement, confirming that the entire, intricate system of Levitical service was established and implemented precisely "according to the commandment of the LORD," bringing closure and divine validation to the preceding detailed instructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Numbers 4:49, the Israelites were encamped in the wilderness, having recently departed from Mount Sinai. Their nomadic existence necessitated a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, which served as the physical manifestation of God's presence among them. The Tabernacle was not merely a tent but a highly sacred and complex structure, symbolizing God's holiness and His dwelling among His people. The Levites, as the designated priestly tribe, held the unique and critical responsibility for the care, transport, and assembly of this holy dwelling. This task was not only physically demanding but also spiritually weighty, as any mishandling could result in divine judgment, as seen in the tragic account of Uzzah in [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death"). The meticulous organization described in Numbers 4, culminating in verse 49, reflects the importance of order, purity, and precise obedience in approaching a holy God. Moses' role as the divinely appointed mediator, receiving and implementing God's commands, was central to establishing this divinely ordained system, ensuring that the Tabernacle, and thus God's presence, could move safely with Israel through the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commandment (Hebrew, _mitzvah'_):** This term refers to a divine injunction, a precept, or an authoritative instruction. Its repeated use in Numbers 4:49 emphasizes that the entire process of numbering the Levites and assigning their duties was not a human invention or a pragmatic organizational decision, but a direct, non-negotiable directive from God Himself. It highlights the divine origin and absolute authority behind the Levitical service.
* **Service (Hebrew, _ʿăbōdâ'_):** While broadly meaning "work" or "labor," in this context, _ʿăbōdâ'_ specifically denotes sacred service or ministry. It refers to the specific tasks and functions assigned to the Levites concerning the Tabernacle, such as carrying the holy vessels, managing the curtains, or transporting the framework. It underscores that their work was not merely secular labor but a consecrated act of worship and duty to God.
* **Burden (Hebrew, _maśśā’'_):** This word carries multiple layers of meaning. While it literally means "load" or "something lifted up," and indeed the Levites bore heavy physical loads, in a theological context, _maśśā’'_ can also refer to a "prophetic oracle" or a "weighty responsibility" (e.g., [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon")). In Numbers 4:49, it encompasses both the physical weight of the Tabernacle components and, more significantly, the solemn, weighty, and specific "charge" or "responsibility" entrusted to each Levitical family for the care of God's holy dwelling. It denotes a designated, often arduous, but divinely appointed task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to the commandment of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the ultimate authority and origin of the entire Levitical census and assignment of duties. It signifies that the subsequent actions were not arbitrary or humanly conceived but directly mandated by God, emphasizing His sovereignty and meticulous planning.
* **"they were numbered by the hand of Moses":** This clause highlights Moses' role as the faithful and obedient mediator. He was not the originator of the commands but the divinely appointed instrument through whom God's instructions were communicated and implemented. It underscores his leadership in executing God's precise will.
* **"every one according to his service, and according to his burden":** This is a crucial detail, emphasizing the precise and individualized nature of the assignments. Each Levite was not given a generic task but a specific "service" (their function) and a corresponding "burden" (their specific, weighty responsibility or load). This ensures that every component of the Tabernacle was accounted for and handled by designated individuals, reflecting divine order and individual accountability.
* **"thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and summary. The repetition of the divine command, framing the verse, emphatically confirms that the entire process was completed exactly as God had instructed. It underscores the theme of perfect obedience and the successful fulfillment of God's intricate directives.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 4:49 employs several literary devices to underscore its central message. **Repetition** is prominently featured, with the phrase "according to the commandment of the LORD" appearing at the beginning and the similar "as the LORD commanded Moses" at the end. This **inclusio** creates a literary frame that encapsulates the verse's content, emphasizing the divine origin and the faithful execution of God's instructions. The repetition serves to reinforce the absolute authority of God's word and the non-negotiable nature of obedience in sacred service. Furthermore, the detailed mention of "every one according to his service, and according to his burden" utilizes **emphasis** to highlight the meticulousness of God's plan and the individualized, precise nature of the responsibilities given to each Levite. This specificity contrasts with any notion of haphazard or generalized duty, underscoring the divine order and the importance of every individual's unique contribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:49 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths: God is a God of meticulous order, not chaos, and His divine will is to be obeyed precisely. The careful numbering and assignment of duties to the Levites demonstrate that God's work is structured, purposeful, and requires specific contributions from each member of His community. This principle extends beyond ancient Israel, revealing that God gifts and calls individuals to specific "service" and "burdens" within the body of Christ today, each vital for the overall functioning and health of the community. The emphasis on obedience highlights that faithfulness to God's commands is paramount for blessing and effective ministry, reflecting a deep trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 4:49 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the God we serve is one of impeccable order, intentionality, and holiness. Just as every Levite had a specific, divinely appointed "service" and "burden" essential for the Tabernacle's operation, so too does God call and equip each believer with unique gifts and responsibilities within His kingdom today. This verse challenges us to consider the diligence and precision with which we approach our own callings, whether in formal ministry, our professions, or daily life. It encourages us to recognize that our "service" is not merely human effort but a sacred act performed "according to the commandment of the LORD," demanding faithfulness, accountability, and a heart of obedience. Understanding that God sees, values, and meticulously orders every contribution should inspire us to greater commitment and joy in fulfilling our assigned roles, knowing that even seemingly small tasks contribute to His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's meticulous nature in Numbers 4:49 shape your perspective on your own responsibilities and tasks, both spiritual and secular?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience your "service" and "burden" in the Christian life, and how can you ensure you are fulfilling them "according to the commandment of the LORD"?**
* **Considering the emphasis on obedience, what areas in your life might need greater alignment with God's commands, trusting in His perfect wisdom and plan?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repetition of "according to the commandment of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of this phrase, both at the beginning and end of Numbers 4:49, serves as a powerful literary and theological device. It creates an inclusio, or a literary bracket, that emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority behind the entire process of numbering the Levites and assigning their duties. This repetition underscores that the meticulous organization and specific responsibilities were not human inventions but direct, non-negotiable commands from God. It highlights Moses' faithfulness as a mediator and assures the reader that the entire system for caring for the Tabernacle was divinely ordained and executed with perfect obedience, thereby validating its sanctity and purpose.

**What does "burden" (maśśā’) specifically mean in the context of the Levites?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _maśśā’_ can indeed refer to a physical "load" or "weight" that is carried, in the context of the Levitical duties in Numbers 4:49, it carries a richer, more specific meaning. It signifies a "sacred charge" or "assigned responsibility." The Levites were entrusted with the weighty and specific task of transporting the holy components of the Tabernacle, which were both physically demanding and spiritually significant. Therefore, "burden" here encompasses not just the literal weight of the Tabernacle parts, but also the solemn, weighty, and divinely appointed duty that each Levitical family had in ensuring the proper care, transport, and assembly of God's holy dwelling place. It denotes a specific, consecrated task that required precision and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous order and precise assignment of "service" and "burden" to the Levites in Numbers 4:49 find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, which the Levites so diligently served, was the earthly dwelling place of God, a temporary shadow pointing to the true and eternal presence of God. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," with the Greek word for "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) literally meaning "tabernacled," signifying that Jesus Himself is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. The Levites bore the physical "burden" of the Tabernacle's components, but Christ bore the ultimate "burden"—the sin of the world—upon Himself, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant") and carrying our infirmities and sorrows. Their service provided a way for Israel to approach a holy God through prescribed rituals, but Christ, through His perfect sacrifice, became the new and living way, granting us direct access to God's presence, as beautifully described in [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood"). Furthermore, the perfect obedience of Moses and the Levites in fulfilling God's commands foreshadows the perfect, unwavering obedience of Christ, who "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). In Christ, the meticulous service of the Old Covenant gives way to the spiritual service of the New, where all believers, by virtue of their union with Him, are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices and live lives of devoted service "according to the commandment of the Lord" through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 1:54

And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Numbers 4:15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 4:31

And this [is] the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,

Numbers 4:21

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 4:24

This [is] the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:

Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.