Numbers 3:22

Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, [even] those that were numbered of them [were] seven thousand and five hundred.

Those that were numbered {H6485} of them, according to the number {H4557} of all the males {H2145}, from a month {H2320} old {H1121} and upward {H4605}, even those that were numbered {H6485} of them were seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}.

Of them, 7,500 males a month old and over were counted.

The number of all the males a month old or more was 7,500.

Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.

Commentary

Numbers 3:22 is part of a detailed census of the Levitical families, specifically focusing on the Merarites. This verse quantifies the male members of the Merarite clan, from one month old and upward, as seven thousand and five hundred.

Context

This verse is situated within Numbers chapter 3, which meticulously outlines the consecration and organization of the Levites for their service in the Tabernacle. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, who were numbered for military service from twenty years old and upward (as seen in Numbers 1:3), the Levites were counted from one month old, highlighting their unique and lifelong dedication to divine service. The chapter divides the Levites into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites, each assigned specific responsibilities related to the components of the wilderness Tabernacle. The Merarites, mentioned here, were primarily responsible for transporting the heavy, structural elements of the Tabernacle, such as the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets, as detailed in Numbers 3:36 and Numbers 4:31.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The meticulous counting and assignment of duties underscore God's desire for order and precision in worship and service. Every individual and family had a designated place and task within the community.
  • Consecration for Service: The Levites were set apart from the rest of Israel to serve God directly, symbolizing a lifelong commitment to His purposes. This commitment extended even to infants, indicating a covenant relationship from birth.
  • Specific Roles and Burdens: Each Levitical family, including the Merarites, had a distinct, divinely appointed role. The Merarites' task was to carry the heavy, foundational parts of the Tabernacle, symbolizing that service to God often involves bearing significant burdens and responsibilities, even those that are foundational and less visible.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "numbered of them" (Hebrew: paqad) implies a careful, precise census or enumeration, not just a casual count. It denotes an official registration, emphasizing the divine authority behind this organizational structure. The specification "from a month old and upward" (Hebrew: mibben-แธฅodesh) is unique to the Levitical census, underscoring their unique status as consecrated from very early life for the Lord's work, distinct from military eligibility.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:22 reminds us that God values every member of His people and assigns specific roles within His kingdom. Just as the Merarites had the crucial, albeit arduous, task of carrying the Tabernacle's heavy framework, so too does every believer have a part to play in God's work. Our service, whether prominent or behind the scenes, light or burdensome, is essential for the whole body to function. It encourages us to embrace our unique calling with diligence, knowing that God oversees and empowers every aspect of our service for His glory.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 4:38 (2 votes)

    And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

  • Numbers 4:40 (2 votes)

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