Numbers 7:5

KJV

Take [it] of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} it of them, that they may be to do {H5647} the service {H5656} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}; and thou shalt give {H5414} them unto the Levites {H3881}, to every man {H376} according {H6310} to his service {H5656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Receive these from them; they are to be used for the service in the tent of meeting. Give them to the L'vi'im, to each as needed for his duties."

Berean Standard Bible

“Accept these gifts from them, that they may be used in the work of the Tent of Meeting. And give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service.”

American Standard Version

Take it of them, that they may be used in doing the service of the tent of meeting; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 7:5 details God's directive to Moses regarding the distribution of specific offerings—six covered wagons and twelve oxen—received from the tribal leaders of Israel. These gifts were not for sacrifice but were designated for the practical logistical needs of the Levites in their service to the Tabernacle of the congregation. The verse underscores the divine principle of equipping those called to ministry, ensuring that resources are allocated precisely "to every man according to his service," reflecting a meticulous divine order in supporting the sacred work of God's dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 7 immediately follows the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle in Numbers 7:1. The preceding chapters (Numbers 1-6) establish the census, the organization of the camp, and the specific duties of the Levites, particularly in Numbers 3-4, which meticulously outline the responsibilities of the Gershonite, Merarite, and Kohathite clans concerning the Tabernacle's components. Numbers 7:5, therefore, is part of a detailed account of the dedication offerings brought by the twelve tribal leaders over twelve consecutive days, beginning with Nahshon of Judah. These offerings, specifically the wagons and oxen mentioned in [Numbers 7:3](/numbers/7-3 "Numbers 7:3 - Offerings of Wagons and Oxen"), were a practical provision for the Levites' primary task of transporting the disassembled Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness journeys. The verse sets the stage for the subsequent distribution of these resources, highlighting a divine economy where resources are precisely matched to specific ministerial needs, as further elaborated in [Numbers 7:6-8](/numbers/7-6 "Numbers 7:6-8 - Distribution to Gershonites and Merarites") and the notable exception in [Numbers 7:9](/numbers/7-9 "Numbers 7:9 - Kohathites' Exception").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 7:5 is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, shortly after the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, was central to Israel's worship and identity, representing God's dwelling presence among His people. Its construction and subsequent transport were monumental tasks requiring significant resources and highly organized labor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sacred spaces often received lavish offerings, and the meticulous organization of cultic service was common. However, the unique aspect here is the divine instruction for the *use* of these offerings: not for general temple upkeep or priestly sustenance, but for the specific, practical, and arduous task of moving the Tabernacle. This reflects God's direct involvement in the logistical details of His worship and the practical needs of His servants. The tribal leaders' voluntary contributions, detailed in [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Tribal Leaders"), underscore a communal responsibility to support the sacred infrastructure, a principle vital for a nomadic people whose very existence and worship depended on the mobility of their divine sanctuary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Service (Hebrew, _avodah'_):** The Hebrew word עֲבֹדָה (_avodah_) is rich in meaning, encompassing work, labor, and worship. In this context, it refers to the specific, practical, and often arduous duties of the Levites in dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle. It denotes not merely mundane tasks but consecrated labor performed in devotion to God, elevating even the physical acts of carrying and setting up the Tabernacle components to a spiritual act of obedience and worship. This term highlights that all work performed for God, when done with a heart of devotion, is an act of worship.
* **Tabernacle of the congregation (Hebrew, _ohel mo'ed'_):** The phrase אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד (_ohel mo'ed_), often translated "Tent of Meeting" or "Tabernacle of the congregation," refers to the portable sanctuary where God met with His people. The term _mo'ed_ signifies an appointed place or time for meeting, emphasizing that this was the divinely designated locus for God's presence and communication with Israel. The "service" performed by the Levites was therefore directly related to maintaining the accessibility and sacredness of this crucial meeting point between God and humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take [it] of them":** This is a direct command from God to Moses, indicating divine initiative and authority. The "it" refers to the specific offerings detailed in [Numbers 7:3](/numbers/7-3 "Numbers 7:3 - Offerings of Wagons and Oxen")—six covered wagons and twelve oxen, presented by the tribal leaders. This clause establishes Moses as the recipient and administrator of these gifts, acting as God's representative.
* **"that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation":** This clause clarifies the explicit purpose of the offerings. The wagons and oxen were not for personal gain or general use, but were specifically designated to facilitate the Levites' work in transporting the Tabernacle. This highlights God's meticulous planning and provision for the execution of sacred duties, ensuring that the necessary tools are available for His appointed servants.
* **"and thou shalt give them unto the Levites":** Moses is further instructed to distribute these resources to the Levites. This emphasizes the hierarchical and organized nature of the divine administration, where God delegates authority and responsibility for the proper allocation of resources within His service. It also underscores that the Levites, though performing vital service, were dependent on God's provision, channeled through the community.
* **"to every man according to his service":** This crucial phrase encapsulates the principle of differentiated allocation based on specific roles and needs. It foreshadows the detailed distribution of wagons and oxen to the Gershonites and Merarites in [Numbers 7:7-8](/numbers/7-7 "Numbers 7:7-8 - Distribution to Gershonites and Merarites"), while the Kohathites, whose duty was to carry the most holy items on their shoulders, received none, as stated in [Numbers 7:9](/numbers/7-9 "Numbers 7:9 - Kohathites Received No Wagons"). This demonstrates divine wisdom in equipping individuals precisely for their unique calling and responsibilities within the larger structure of God's work.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 7:5 employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine order and provision. The use of **Divine Instruction** is paramount, as the verse opens with a direct command from God to Moses ("Take [it] of them... and thou shalt give them"). This imperative voice underscores God's sovereignty and meticulous involvement in the logistical details of His worship. There is also a clear example of **Purposeful Allocation**, where the offerings are explicitly designated "that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle." This teleological statement emphasizes the functional utility of the gifts, directly linking them to the sacred task. Furthermore, the phrase "to every man according to his service" illustrates **Precision and Order**, reflecting God's nature as a God of order, not chaos. This principle of tailored provision for specific roles is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the execution of divine mandates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 7:5 beautifully illustrates several profound theological principles: God's meticulous provision for His work, the importance of order and administration in sacred service, and the corporate responsibility of the community to support those in ministry. It reveals a God who not only calls individuals to serve but also orchestrates the means by which that service can be effectively carried out. The divine allocation of resources "to every man according to his service" highlights that God equips His people according to their specific gifts and roles, ensuring that every part of the body is adequately resourced for its unique function. This principle of differentiated gifting and provision is foundational to understanding the functioning of God's people throughout salvation history.

* [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle") - Illustrates the willingness of the people to bring freewill offerings for the Tabernacle, demonstrating corporate responsibility.
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts for Common Good") - Emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the same Spirit for the common good, mirroring the "according to his service" principle.
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints") - Describes Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers "to equip the saints for the work of ministry," showing divine provision for service.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 7:5 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God is a God of order and provision, meticulously equipping His people for the work He calls them to do. Just as the tribal leaders contributed to the logistical needs of the Tabernacle's service, we are called to participate in supporting the various ministries within the body of Christ. This support can take many forms: financial contributions, volunteering time and skills, or fervent prayer. Recognizing that God distributes resources and responsibilities "to every man according to his service" encourages us to embrace our unique gifts and roles within the church, understanding that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is vital for the harmonious functioning and effectiveness of the whole. It challenges us to serve with diligence and intentionality, trusting that God will provide what is needed for the work He has assigned to us, and to appreciate the diverse ways in which others serve alongside us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I currently contributing to the "service of the tabernacle" (the work of God's kingdom) today, and what resources (time, talent, treasure) might God be calling me to offer?**
* **How does understanding God's principle of equipping "to every man according to his service" shape my view of my own gifts and the gifts of others within the church body?**
* **Am I diligently and purposefully engaging in the specific "service" God has called me to, trusting in His provision for that task?**

### FAQ

**What were the specific "it" offerings mentioned in Numbers 7:5?**

Answer: The "it" refers to the offerings brought by the tribal leaders of Israel, specifically six covered wagons and twelve oxen, as detailed in [Numbers 7:3](/numbers/7-3 "Numbers 7:3 - Offerings of Wagons and Oxen"). These were practical gifts intended to facilitate the transportation of the Tabernacle's components during Israel's wilderness journeys.

**Why were these offerings given to the Levites, and not, for example, the priests?**

Answer: The offerings were given to the Levites because they were the designated tribe responsible for the physical dismantling, carrying, and reassembling of the Tabernacle during Israel's travels. While the priests (a subset of the Levites, specifically Aaron's descendants) performed the sacred rituals within the Tabernacle, the broader Levitical clans (Gershonites, Merarites, and Kohathites) had the primary logistical duties related to the Tabernacle's structure and furnishings, as outlined in [Numbers 3-4](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - Levites' Duties"). The wagons and oxen were specifically for these transport duties.

**What does "to every man according to his service" imply about the distribution of the wagons and oxen?**

Answer: This phrase highlights a principle of differentiated distribution based on the specific responsibilities of each Levitical clan. The Gershonites, who carried the Tabernacle's coverings and curtains, received two wagons and four oxen ([Numbers 7:7](/numbers/7-7 "Numbers 7:7 - Gershonites' Wagons")). The Merarites, responsible for the heavier framework, boards, and pillars, received four wagons and eight oxen ([Numbers 7:8](/numbers/7-8 "Numbers 7:8 - Merarites' Wagons")). Notably, the Kohathites, who carried the most holy items like the Ark of the Covenant and the altar, received no wagons because their duty was to bear these sacred objects on their shoulders, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 7:9](/numbers/7-9 "Numbers 7:9 - Kohathites Received No Wagons"). This demonstrates a precise and logical allocation of resources tailored to the specific needs and nature of each group's service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 7:5, with its emphasis on divine provision and precise equipping for service to the Tabernacle, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place for God, foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "Tabernacle" or "Tent" among us, for in Him "the Word became flesh and [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")" (John 1:14). Just as God meticulously provided for the physical Tabernacle's movement, so Christ, as the head of the church, His spiritual body, provides all that is necessary for its mission and ministry. He is the one who "gifts" His people, distributing spiritual gifts "to each one individually as He wills" ([1 Corinthians 12:11](/1_corinthians/12-11 "1 Corinthians 12:11 - Distribution of Gifts by the Spirit")), equipping believers for the "work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ" ([Ephesians 4:12](/ephesians/4-12 "Ephesians 4:12 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")). The Levites' service, though physical, pointed to a greater spiritual service, which is now performed by all believers, who are a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), serving in the spiritual temple of God. Christ Himself is the ultimate "provider" and "distributor" of grace and gifts, ensuring that His church, the new "tabernacle of the congregation," is perfectly resourced and ordered "according to his service" for the advancement of His kingdom until His glorious return ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - Growth of the Body of Christ")).

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

Titus 3:8

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Exodus 25:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 25:11

And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

Isaiah 42:1

¶ Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, [in whom] my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:7

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Isaiah 49:8

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;