Numbers 7:7

Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:

Two {H8147} wagons {H5699} and four {H702} oxen {H1241} he gave {H5414} unto the sons {H1121} of Gershon {H1648}, according {H6310} to their service {H5656}:

He gave two wagons and four oxen to the descendants of Gershon, in keeping with the needs of their duties.

He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required,

Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:

Commentary

Numbers 7:7 is part of a detailed account in the Book of Numbers concerning the dedication of the Tabernacle, specifically focusing on the gifts provided for the Levites' service in dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the holy structure during Israel's wilderness journey.

Context of Numbers 7:7

This verse occurs within a larger passage (Numbers 7:1-88) that meticulously records the offerings brought by the tribal leaders for the Tabernacle's dedication. After their initial offerings, Moses, under divine instruction, distributes wagons and oxen to the Levitical families based on their specific duties related to the Tabernacle's components. The Levites were divided into three main clans: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites, each with distinct responsibilities for carrying different parts of the sacred tent.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Provision: The precise distribution of resources highlights God's meticulous planning and foresight. He ensures that those serving Him are adequately equipped for their tasks. This principle underscores that God's provisions are always tailored to the specific needs and burdens of His servants.
  • Service and Responsibility: The phrase "according to their service" is crucial. It signifies that the gifts were perfectly suited to the particular duties assigned to the sons of Gershon. Their task involved carrying the lighter, but bulky, coverings, curtains, and hangings of the Tabernacle (Numbers 3:25-26). Thus, two wagons and four oxen were appropriate for their load, distinguishing their needs from the heavier components carried by the Merarites or the sacred articles carried on shoulders by the Kohathites.
  • Equality in Purpose, Not Uniformity in Gifts: While all Levites served the Tabernacle, their specific roles differed, and so did their provisions. This illustrates a divine principle: God provides what is necessary for each individual's unique calling, not necessarily the same for everyone.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "according to their service" (ื›ึฐึผืคึดื™ ืขึฒื‘ึนื“ึธืชึธื - kฤ•pรฎ สฟฤƒแธ‡ลแธฤแนฏฤm) literally means "according to the mouth of their service" or "according to their burden/labor." This emphasizes the proportionality and exactness of the provision given to the Gershonites, precisely matching the nature and weight of their assigned duties. This careful allocation contrasts with the Kohathites, who received no wagons because they were commanded to carry the most sacred articles (like the Ark of the Covenant) on their shoulders, as detailed in Numbers 4:15.

Practical Application

Numbers 7:7 offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and provision. Just as He equipped the Levites for their specific tasks in the Tabernacle, He equips us for the work He calls us to do. We may not all have the same gifts or responsibilities, but we can trust that God provides exactly what we need to fulfill our unique part in His kingdom. This verse encourages us to faithfully use the resources and abilities God has given us, knowing they are perfectly suited for our "service" to Him and to others.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 4:24

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

  • Numbers 4:28

    This [is] the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge [shall be] under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

  • Numbers 3:25

    And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation [shall be] the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

  • Numbers 3:26

    And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which [is] by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
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