Numbers 7:4

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, saying {H559},

ADONAI said to Moshe,

And the LORD said to Moses,

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

Commentary

Context of Numbers 7:4

Numbers 7:4 serves as a pivotal introductory statement, signaling the divine origin of the detailed instructions that follow in the rest of chapter 7. This chapter immediately follows the completion and anointing of the Tabernacle, as described in Numbers 7:1. The Israelites had just finished constructing this mobile sanctuary according to God's precise commands given earlier (see Exodus 25:8). Now, with the Tabernacle set up, the focus shifts to its ongoing service and the offerings brought by the tribal leaders for its maintenance and use. This verse emphasizes that the subsequent actions and gifts were not human initiatives but direct divine mandates, ensuring proper worship and order within the Israelite camp.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Initiative: The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring that the laws, instructions, and events recorded are not human inventions but originate from God Himself. It highlights God's active involvement in the daily lives and religious practices of His people.
  • Moses' Unique Role: This verse reaffirms Moses' unparalleled position as God's chosen mediator and prophet. He was the one through whom God directly communicated His will to Israel, a relationship described in Exodus 33:11 where God spoke to Moses "face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend."
  • Foundation for Obedience: For the Israelites, the divine utterance was the ultimate authority for their actions. This verse establishes that the elaborate offerings and organization detailed in the rest of the chapter were not optional suggestions but commanded acts of worship and support for the Tabernacle's service.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying" is ื•ึทื™ึฐื“ึทื‘ึตึผืจ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” ืึถืœึพืžึนืฉึถืื” ืœึตึผืืžึนืจ (vaydabber YHWH el-Mosheh lemor). The verb "spake" (dabber) implies a direct, clear, and often forceful communication. It's not a whisper or an indirect message, but a definitive declaration. The use of the divine name YHWH (the LORD) further emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship God has with Israel, speaking directly to His chosen leader to guide His people.

Practical Application

While we do not have Moses' direct auditory experience of God's voice, this verse reminds us of the principle that God initiates communication with humanity. For believers today, God's primary means of speaking is through His written Word, the Bible. Just as Moses received and conveyed God's instructions, we are called to read, understand, and obey the divine directives found in Scripture. This verse encourages us to:

  • Seek God's Word: Recognize the Bible as God's authoritative voice for our lives.
  • Listen and Obey: Understand that divine communication calls for a response of faithful obedience, just as the tribal leaders responded to God's command for offerings.
  • Trust Divine Guidance: Be assured that God's plans, even when detailed or demanding, are for the good and order of His people.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.