Numbers 1:50
But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
הַפְקֵ֣ד
But thou shalt appoint
H6485
הַפְקֵ֣ד
But thou shalt appoint
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 26
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
over the tabernacle
H4908
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
over the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
6 of 26
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְעַ֣ל
H5921
וְעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֔יו
and all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֔יו
and all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
10 of 26
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וְעַ֣ל
H5921
וְעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׂא֤וּ
thereof and over all things that belong to it they shall bear
H5375
יִשְׂא֤וּ
thereof and over all things that belong to it they shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
16 of 26
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
over the tabernacle
H4908
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
over the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
18 of 26
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
20 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֔יו
and all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֔יו
and all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
21 of 26
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
יְשָֽׁרְתֻ֑הוּ
thereof and they shall minister
H8334
יְשָֽׁרְתֻ֑הוּ
thereof and they shall minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
23 of 26
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וְסָבִ֥יב
round about
H5439
וְסָבִ֥יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
24 of 26
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Cross References
Exodus 38:21This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.Exodus 31:18And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.Numbers 4:15And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.Nehemiah 13:22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.Numbers 20:11And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
Historical Context
During wilderness wanderings, the tabernacle needed dismantling and re-erecting at each encampment. Kohathites carried the ark and holy vessels, Gershonites the curtains and coverings, and Merarites the structural framework (ch 3-4). This system ensured orderly worship continuity despite constant travel. The Levites camped around the tabernacle (Num 3:23-38), forming a protective barrier between God's holy dwelling and the people, preventing unauthorized access that would bring death. Their position illustrated Christ's mediatorial role between holy God and sinful humanity.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you take your stewardship of spiritual truth and the church's purity?
- Are you guarding the gospel and God's house with the vigilance God requires of His stewards?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God commands: 'appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof.' The phrase 'tabernacle of testimony' (mishkan ha'edut) emphasizes the ark containing the Law - God's covenant testimony. Levites were responsible for setting up, taking down, carrying, and guarding the tabernacle. The death penalty for unauthorized approach (v.51) underscored the sacred trust. This stewardship typifies believers' responsibility for God's house - the church (1 Tim 3:15) - and for maintaining gospel truth entrusted to us (1 Tim 6:20, 2 Tim 1:14). Faithful stewardship requires both protecting truth and properly handling sacred things.