Numbers Chapter 3

The Sons of Aaron

(Leviticus 10:1-7)

1These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai. 2And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 3These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office. 4And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

Duties of the Levites

5And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 6Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him. 7And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle. 8And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel. 10And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

11And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 12And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; 13Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.

Registration of the Levites

14And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them. 16And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded. 17And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. 18And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei. 19And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 20And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

The Gershonites

(Numbers 4:21-28; Numbers 4:38-41; 1 Chronicles 23:7-11)

21Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites. 22Those 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. 23The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward. 24And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.

25And 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, 26And 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.

The Kohathites

(Numbers 4:1-20; Numbers 4:34-37; 1 Chronicles 23:12-20)

27And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites. 28In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary. 29The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward. 30And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 31And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof. 32And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

The Merarites

(Numbers 4:29-33; Numbers 4:42-49; 1 Chronicles 23:21-23)

33Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari. 34And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred. 35And 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. 36And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto, 37And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

Moses and Aaron

38But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. 39All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.

Firstborn Sons Redeemed

40And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 41And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. 42And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 43And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

44And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 45Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD. 46And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites; 47Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:) 48And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons. 49And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites: 50Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 51And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Sons of Aaron
(Leviticus 10:1–7)

1 Now this is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Yahweh spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai. 2 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. 4 Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh, when they offered strange fire before Yahweh, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron their father.

The Duties of the Levites

5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. 7 They shall keep his requirements, and the requirements of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle. 8 They shall keep all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the obligations of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9 You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons. They are wholly given to him on the behalf of the children of Israel. 10 You shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”

11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine: 13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am Yahweh.”

The Numbering of the Levites

14 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15 “Count the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families. You shall count every male from a month old and upward.” 16 Moses numbered them according to the word of Yahweh, as he was commanded. 17 These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. 18 These are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. 19 The sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 20 The sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their fathers’ houses.

The Gershonites
(Numbers 4:21–28; 1 Chronicles 23:7–11)

21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites. 22 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those who were numbered of them were seven thousand five hundred. 23 The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward. 24 The prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.

25 The duty of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting, 26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service.

The Kohathites
(Numbers 4:1–20; 1 Chronicles 23:12–20)

27 Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites. 28 According to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand six hundred, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary. 29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall encamp on the south side of the tabernacle. 30 The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 31 Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all its service. 32 Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, with the oversight of those who keep the requirements of the sanctuary.

The Merarites
(Numbers 4:29–33; 1 Chronicles 23:21–23)

33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari. 34 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand two hundred. 35 The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle. 36 The appointed duty of the sons of Merari shall be the tabernacle’s boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its instruments, all its service, 37 the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, and their cords.

Moses and Aaron

38 Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 39 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of Yahweh, by their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty-two thousand.

The Redemption of the Firstborn

40 Yahweh said to Moses, “Number all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 41 You shall take the Levites for me (I am Yahweh) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.” 42 Moses numbered, as Yahweh commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 43 All the firstborn males according to the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those who were numbered of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.

44 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock; and the Levites shall be mine. I am Yahweh. 46 For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, who exceed the number of the Levites, 47 you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs): 48 and you shall give the money, with which their remainder is redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons.” 49 Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites; 50 from the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 51 and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

The Sons of Aaron
(Leviticus 10:1–7)

1 This is the account of Aaron and Moses at the time the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai.

2 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 3 These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.

4 Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized a fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.

The Duties of the Levites

5 Then the LORD said to Moses, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. 8 They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.

9 Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him b from among the Israelites. 10 So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”

11 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, 13 for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.”

The Numbering of the Levites

14 Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15 “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”

16 So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded.

17 These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 18 These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei. 19 The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 20 And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.

The Gershonites
(Numbers 4:21–28; 1 Chronicles 23:7–11)

21 From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans. 22 The number of all the males a month old or more was 7,500.

23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle, 24 and the leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael.

25 The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, 26 the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items.

The Kohathites
(Numbers 4:1–20; 1 Chronicles 23:12–20)

27 From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. 28 The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. c They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

29 The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, 30 and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan d son of Uzziel.

31 Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

32 The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

The Merarites
(Numbers 4:29–33; 1 Chronicles 23:21–23)

33 From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans. 34 The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200.

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

36 The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, 37 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.

Moses and Aaron

38 Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.

39 The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000.

The Redemption of the Firstborn

40 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. 41 You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.”

42 So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him. 43 The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.

44 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD. 46 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites, 47 you are to collect five shekels e for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs. f 48 Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”

49 So Moses collected the redemption money from those in excess of the number redeemed by the Levites. 50 He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, g according to the sanctuary shekel. 51 And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

Footnotes:

4 a Or strange
9 b Most MT manuscripts; some MT manuscripts, SP, and LXX (see also Numbers 8:16) to Me
28 c Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts 8,300 ; see the total in verse 39.
30 d Elizaphan  is a variant of Elzaphan ; see Exodus 6:22 and Leviticus 10:4.
47 e 5 shekels  is approximately 2 ounces or 57 grams.
47 f 20 gerahs  is equivalent to one shekel (approximately 0.4 ounces or 11.4 grams).
50 g 1,365 shekels  is approximately 34.3 pounds or 15.6 kilograms.

The Sons of Aaron

(Leviticus 10:1-7)

1And these are births of Aaron and Moses, in the day of Jehovah's speaking with Moses in mount Sinai. 2And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: the first-born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar; 3these are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whose hand he hath consecrated for acting as priest. 4And Nadab dieth -- Abihu also -- before Jehovah, in their bringing near strange fire before Jehovah, in the wilderness of Sinai, and sons they had not; and Eleazar -- Ithamar also -- acteth as priest in the presence of Aaron their father.

Duties of the Levites

5And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, 6'Bring near the tribe of Levi, and thou hast caused it to stand before Aaron the priest, and they have served him, 7and kept his charge, and the charge of all the company before the tent of meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle; 8and they have kept all the vessels of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the sons of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle; 9and thou hast given the Levites to Aaron and to his sons; they are surely given to him out of the sons of Israel. 10'And Aaron and his sons thou dost appoint, and they have kept their priesthood, and the stranger who cometh near is put to death.'

11And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, 12'And I, lo, I have taken the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel instead of every first-born opening a womb among the sons of Israel, and the Levites have been Mine; 13for Mine is every first-born, in the day of My smiting every first-born in the land of Egypt I have sanctified to Myself every first-born in Israel, from man unto beast; Mine they are; I am Jehovah.'

Registration of the Levites

14And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15'Number the sons of Levi by the house of their fathers, by their families; every male from a son of a month and upward thou dost number them.' 16And Moses numbereth them according to the command of Jehovah, as he hath been commanded. 17And these are sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. 18And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. 19And the sons of Kohath, by their families, are Amram and Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. 20And the sons of Merari by their families are Mahli and Mushi; these are the families of the Levites, by the house of their fathers.

The Gershonites

(Numbers 4:21-28; Numbers 4:38-41; 1 Chronicles 23:7-11)

21Of Gershon is the family of the Libnite, and the family of the Shimite; these are the families of the Gershonite. 22Their numbered ones, in number, every male from a son of a month and upward, their numbered ones are seven thousand and five hundred. 23The families of the Gershonite, behind the tabernacle, do encamp westward. 24And the prince of a father's house for the Gershonite is Eliasaph son of Lael.

25And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting is the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the vail at the opening of the tent of meeting, 26and the hangings of the court, and the vail at the opening of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and its cords, to all its service.

The Kohathites

(Numbers 4:1-20; Numbers 4:34-37; 1 Chronicles 23:12-20)

27And of Kohath is the family of the Amramite, and the family of the Izharite, and the family of the Hebronite, and the family of the Uzzielite; these are families of the Kohathite. 28In number, all the males, from a son of a month and upward, are eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary. 29The families of the sons of Kohath encamp by the side of the tabernacle southward. 30And the prince of a father's house for the families of the Kohathite is Elizaphan son of Uzziel. 31And their charge is the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they serve, and the vail, and all its service. 32And to the prince of the princes of the Levites, Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, is the oversight of the keepers of the charge of the sanctuary.

The Merarites

(Numbers 4:29-33; Numbers 4:42-49; 1 Chronicles 23:21-23)

33Of Merari is the family of the Mahlite, and the family of the Mushite; these are the families of Merari. 34And their numbered ones, in number, all the males from a son of a month and upward, are six thousand and two hundred. 35And the prince of a father's house for the families of Merari is Zuriel son of Abihail; by the side of the tabernacle they encamp northward. 36And the oversight -- the charge of the sons of Merari -- is the boards of the tabernacle, and its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets, and all its vessels, and all its service, 37and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

Moses and Aaron

38And those encamping before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting, at the east, are Moses and Aaron, and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the sons of Israel, and the stranger who cometh near is put to death. 39All those numbered of the Levites whom Moses numbered -- Aaron also -- by the command of Jehovah, by their families, every male from a son of a month and upward, are two and twenty thousand.

Firstborn Sons Redeemed

40And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Number every first-born male of the sons of Israel from a son of a month and upward, and take up the number of their names; 41and thou hast taken the Levites for Me (I am Jehovah), instead of every first-born among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of every firstling among the cattle of the sons of Israel.' 42And Moses numbereth, as Jehovah hath commanded him, all the first-born among the sons of Israel. 43And all the first-born -- male -- by the number of names, from a son of a month and upward, of their numbered ones, are two and twenty thousand two hundred and seventy and three.

44And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, 45Take the Levites instead of every first-born among the sons of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites have been Mine; I am Jehovah. 46And from those ransomed of the two hundred and seventy and three (who are more than the Levites) of the first-born of the sons of Israel, 47thou hast even taken five shekels a-piece by the poll -- by the shekel of the sanctuary thou takest; twenty gerahs the shekel is; 48and thou hast given the money to Aaron, and to his sons, whereby those over and above are ransomed.' 49And Moses taketh the ransom money from those over and above those ransomed by the Levites; 50from the first-born of the sons of Israel he hath taken the money, a thousand and three hundred and sixty and five -- by the shekel of the sanctuary; 51and Moses giveth the money of those ransomed to Aaron, and to his sons, according to the command of Jehovah, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Numbers 3?

2Introduction to Numbers 3

3Context of Numbers 3

4Ancient Key Word Study

5Compare & Contrast

6Numbers 3 Unique Insights

7Numbers 3 Connections to Yeshua

8Numbers 3 Scriptural Echoes

9Numbers 3 Devotional

10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Numbers 3?

Introduction to Numbers 3

Numbers 3 stands as a pivotal chapter in the Torah, marking a profound shift in Israel’s spiritual administration. This chapter introduces the divine appointment of the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel, establishing a perpetual priesthood that would serve יהוה (Yahweh) for generations to come. The detailed census and specific duties assigned to each Levitical clan reveal God’s meticulous attention to order and His desire for proper worship.

The chapter’s significance extends beyond mere organizational details, as it establishes fundamental principles about redemption, substitution, and sacred service that would later find their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah Yeshua. Through careful examination, we discover how God’s detailed instructions for tabernacle service foreshadow greater spiritual truths about worship, service, and redemption.

Context of Numbers 3

Numbers 3 follows the military census of Israel’s fighting men in chapters 1-2, where the focus shifts from the nation’s military organization to its spiritual leadership. This transition is crucial as it demonstrates how Israel’s identity was not merely defined by military might but primarily by their relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). The chapter occurs approximately one month after the tabernacle’s erection at the foot of Mount Sinai, showing God’s immediate concern for establishing proper worship protocols.

Within the broader context of the Torah, this chapter serves as a crucial link between the exodus from Egypt and the establishment of formal worship in Israel. The redemption of the firstborn theme, first introduced during the Passover (Exodus 13:2), finds its institutional expression here. This chapter also sets the stage for understanding Israel’s later spiritual history, including the temple service and the ultimate priesthood of the Messiah as described in the book of Hebrews.

The placement of Numbers 3 within the larger narrative of Scripture is particularly significant as it establishes patterns of divine service and substitutionary redemption that would resonate throughout biblical history. These themes would later find their complete fulfillment in Yeshua’s perfect priesthood and sacrificial death.

Ancient Key Word Study

פקד (paqad) – “to number/count/appoint”: This word appears frequently in Numbers 3, carrying the dual meaning of counting and appointing. Its usage here suggests more than mere numerical accounting; it implies divine appointment and responsibility. The word connects to the concept of God’s sovereign oversight and administration of His people.
משמרת (mishmereth) – “charge/watch/guard”: This term describes the sacred duty of the Levites. It carries military connotations of standing guard, emphasizing the serious nature of protecting the sanctity of the tabernacle. The word implies both privilege and responsibility in serving יהוה.
בכור (bechor) – “firstborn”: A fundamental concept in Hebrew thought, representing authority, privilege, and responsibility. Its usage here connects to the Passover narrative and points forward to Yeshua as the “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).
פדה (padah) – “to redeem”: This word introduces the concept of substitutionary redemption, where the Levites are taken in place of the firstborn. The term’s rich theological significance foreshadows the ultimate redemption through the Messiah.
עבדה (avodah) – “service/worship”: Originally referring to physical labor, this term takes on sacred significance in describing Levitical duties. It emphasizes that true worship involves both spiritual devotion and practical service.
משפחה (mishpachah) – “family/clan”: This term appears repeatedly, emphasizing the hereditary nature of Levitical service and the importance of family lineage in God’s administrative order.
קדש (qadash) – “to sanctify/make holy”: This root word underlies the concept of separation for divine service, highlighting the Levites’ unique status and responsibility.
תחת (tachat) – “instead of/in place of”: A key term emphasizing the substitutionary nature of the Levites’ role, pointing to deeper theological truths about representation and redemption.
נשא (nasa) – “to lift/carry”: Used in context of the Levites’ duties, this word carries both physical and spiritual implications about bearing sacred responsibilities.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 3:1: “These are the generations of Aaron and Moses” begins with a genealogical formula typically used for historical narratives. The choice of תולדות (toldot) rather than ספר (sefer) or דבר (davar) emphasizes continuity and legacy rather than mere historical record. This connects to the eternal nature of the priesthood and its ultimate fulfillment in Messiah.
Verse 3:4: The mention of Nadab and Abihu’s death uses the phrase “before יהוה” (lifnei YHWH) rather than simply stating they died, emphasizing the sacred context and serious consequences of approaching God irreverently. The text specifically mentions their childlessness, highlighting the interruption of priestly succession.
Verse 3:12: The phrase “instead of” (tachat) is used rather than “in exchange for” (תמורת, temurat), emphasizing permanent substitution rather than temporary exchange. This linguistic choice reinforces the theological concept of permanent redemption.
Verse 3:13: “I sanctified” (הקדשתי, hiqdashti) uses the causative form rather than the simple form, emphasizing God’s active role in setting apart the firstborn. This grammar choice highlights divine initiative in redemption.
Verse 3:25-26: The detailed inventory of Gershonite responsibilities uses specific technical terms for tabernacle components, showing the precision required in sacred service. The choice of משמרת (mishmereth) over עבודה (avodah) emphasizes guardianship over mere service.
Verse 3:38: Moses and Aaron’s positioning “before the tabernacle toward the east” uses directional terminology that carries theological significance, as east represents approach to God in Hebrew thought. The choice of לפני (lifnei) rather than קדם (qedem) emphasizes position of service rather than mere location.
Verse 3:41: The substitution formula repeats key terms for emphasis, using both לקח (laqach) and היה (hayah) to stress the permanence of the exchange. This repetition reinforces the theological significance of the substitution.
Verse 3:47: The specification of the sanctuary shekel uses technical terminology that emphasizes the sacred nature of the transaction. The choice of שקל הקדש (sheqel haqqodesh) over regular שקל (sheqel) highlights the sacred nature of redemption.

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Numbers 3 Unique Insights

The chapter contains fascinating numerical symmetry that rabbinical sources have long noted. The total number of Levites (22,000) closely corresponds to the number of firstborn (22,273), suggesting divine providence in preparing the Levites as substitutes. The Midrash Rabbah notes that this near-perfect correspondence demonstrates God’s foreknowledge and planning in Israel’s redemption story.

The placement of the Levitical camps around the tabernacle creates a pattern that early Jewish mystics saw as reflecting the heavenly order. The three Levitical families’ positions formed a perfect square with the tabernacle at the center, mirroring the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the divine throne room. This architectural arrangement would later influence both temple design and synagogue construction.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen and Augustine, saw in the Levitical system a prefiguring of the Christian ministry. They noted how the threefold division of Levitical duties (Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites) potentially foreshadowed different aspects of spiritual service in the church. The careful handling of sacred objects by the Kohathites was seen as a type of handling divine truth in teaching ministry.

The chapter’s emphasis on redemption prices and substitution provides a framework for understanding sacrificial theology. The specific mention of five shekels as the redemption price for excess firstborn became a standard of sacred value in Jewish law, influencing later understanding of redemption and sacrifice.

Numbers 3 Connections to Yeshua

The substitutionary role of the Levites for Israel’s firstborn provides a powerful type of Messiah’s substitutionary atonement. Just as the Levites were taken “instead of” the firstborn, Yeshua became our substitute, bearing our sins and purchasing our redemption. The specific redemption price of five shekels finds its ultimate fulfillment in the “precious blood of Messiah” (1 Peter 1:19).

The chapter’s emphasis on the priesthood points directly to Yeshua’s role as our Great High Priest. The book of Hebrews draws extensively on Levitical imagery to explain Messiah’s superior priesthood, showing how He fulfills and transcends the Levitical system. The careful attention to sacred service and the handling of holy things foreshadows how Yeshua would perfectly fulfill all righteousness and maintain the holiness of His Father’s house.

Numbers 3 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with the Exodus narrative, particularly the consecration of the firstborn (Exodus 13:1-2). The redemption theme echoes throughout Scripture, finding expression in Ruth’s redemption story and ultimately in our redemption through Messiah (Ephesians 1:7).

The detailed organization of Levitical service influences later temple worship described in Chronicles and finds spiritual fulfillment in the heavenly worship depicted in Revelation. The concept of being “numbered for service” appears in the New Testament church, where believers are gifted for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

The substitutionary principle established here echoes in Isaiah’s Servant Songs, particularly Isaiah 53, and finds its ultimate expression in Messiah’s atoning death. The careful handling of sacred things foreshadows Paul’s instructions about handling divine truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Numbers 3 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider our own calling to sacred service. Just as the Levites were set apart for specific duties, believers today are called to serve God with similar dedication and attention to detail. We must ask ourselves: Are we serving with the same reverence and care that characterized Levitical service?

The substitutionary aspect of this chapter reminds us of our own redemption price – not paid in shekels but through the precious blood of Messiah. This should inspire profound gratitude and dedication to service. How are we living out our “purchased” status?

The careful organization and specific duties remind us that God is a God of order, and that every service role in His kingdom matters. Whether our service seems prominent or humble, all tasks done for His glory carry eternal significance. How can we bring greater excellence and attention to detail in our service to God?

Did You Know

The Levites were counted from one month old, unlike the military census which started at twenty years. Rabbinic tradition suggests this was because their service was considered a birthright rather than a choice.
The name meanings of the three Levitical clans – Gershon (“exile”), Kohath (“assembly”), and Merari (“bitter”) – were seen by Jewish sages as prophetic of Israel’s future experiences.
The five-shekel redemption price established here became a standard monetary unit in Jewish law and influenced the “pidyon haben” (redemption of the firstborn) ceremony still practiced today.
The total number of Levites (22,000) is actually the sum of rounded numbers, demonstrating that biblical numerical precision sometimes works differently than modern mathematical exactitude.
The Levites’ camps formed a protective barrier around the tabernacle, with Moses and Aaron positioned at the east – the direction from which divine glory was expected to appear.
The careful handling instructions for sacred objects influenced later Jewish practices regarding Torah scrolls and sacred texts, including modern customs for handling religious books.
The concept of Levitical substitution influenced early Christian understanding of church roles and ministry, particularly in the development of clergy systems.
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the use of the sanctuary shekel weight standard mentioned in this chapter, providing historical verification of biblical details.
The positioning of Levitical camps later influenced both temple architecture and traditional synagogue seating arrangements.
The hereditary nature of Levitical service established here created a unique social class in ancient Israel that maintained its identity even through the Babylonian exile.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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