Numbers 3:35

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari [was] Zuriel the son of Abihail: [these] shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

And the chief {H5387} of the house {H1004} of the father {H1} of the families {H4940} of Merari {H4847} was Zuriel {H6700} the son {H1121} of Abihail {H32}: these shall pitch {H2583} on the side {H3409} of the tabernacle {H4908} northward {H6828}.

The chief of the M'rari clan was Tzuri'el the son of Avichayil. They were to camp next to the tabernacle, toward the north.

The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

And the prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: they shall encamp on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Commentary

Numbers 3:35 introduces Zuriel, the son of Abihail, as the designated leader of the families of Merari, a significant division within the tribe of Levi. This verse also specifies their assigned camping location: on the north side of the Tabernacle. This detail is part of God's precise instructions for the organization of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey, ensuring order and reverence around His holy dwelling place.

Context

The book of Numbers meticulously details the organization of the Israelite camp and the specific roles of the Levites, who were set apart for service to the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people. Chapter 3 focuses on the numbering of the Levite clans—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and their distinct responsibilities, distinguishing them from the other tribes of Israel. While the Kohathites were responsible for the holy vessels, and the Gershonites for the coverings and curtains, the Merarites, as mentioned in this verse, were tasked with the heavier duties of transporting the structural components of the Tabernacle, including its boards, bars, pillars, and sockets. Their assigned position on the north side was crucial for maintaining the precise and orderly encampment around the central sanctuary.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Organization: This verse, like much of Numbers, highlights God's meticulous planning and desire for order in all aspects of worship and community life. Every family had a specific leader and a designated place, reflecting a highly organized divine blueprint. This meticulous assignment of roles and positions underscores God's emphasis on divine order and precision in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence.
  • Specialized Service: The appointment of Zuriel as chief of the Merarites underscores the importance of leadership within specialized roles. Each Levite family had distinct, vital responsibilities that were indispensable for the proper functioning and transport of the Tabernacle.
  • Proximity to God's Presence: The camping positions of the Levites immediately surrounding the Tabernacle on all four sides symbolized their unique role as guardians and servants of God's sanctuary. The Merarites' northern placement was part of this protective and operational arrangement.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "chief" here is nasi, which often translates to "prince" or "leader." This indicates that Zuriel was a man of significant standing and authority within his clan, chosen to oversee the weighty responsibilities of the Merarite families. The name "Merari" itself comes from a root meaning "bitter" or "unhappy," though in this context, it simply denotes the lineage of Levi's third son.

Practical Application

Numbers 3:35 reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. Every individual and every task, no matter how seemingly mundane or physically demanding (like carrying the heavy components of the Tabernacle), has a vital role in God's overall plan. Just as the Merarites had their specific, vital role, so too does every believer have a unique place and function within the body of Christ, contributing to the overall spiritual building. It encourages us to embrace our assigned tasks with faithfulness and to recognize the importance of leadership in organizing and facilitating service within the community of faith.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 2:25 (4 votes)

    The standard of the camp of Dan [shall be] on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan [shall be] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

  • Numbers 1:53 (4 votes)

    But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

  • Numbers 3:28 (2 votes)

    In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, [were] eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

  • Numbers 3:29 (2 votes)

    The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.