Numbers 1:51

Authorized King James Version

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And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Original Language Analysis

וּבִנְסֹ֣עַ setteth forward H5265
וּבִנְסֹ֣עַ setteth forward
Strong's: H5265
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן And when the tabernacle H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן And when the tabernacle
Strong's: H4908
Word #: 2 of 13
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יוֹרִ֤ידוּ shall take it down H3381
יוֹרִ֤ידוּ shall take it down
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 3 of 13
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
אֹתוֹ֙ H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם the Levites H3881
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם the Levites
Strong's: H3881
Word #: 5 of 13
a levite or descendant of levi
וּבַֽחֲנֹת֙ is to be pitched H2583
וּבַֽחֲנֹת֙ is to be pitched
Strong's: H2583
Word #: 6 of 13
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן And when the tabernacle H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן And when the tabernacle
Strong's: H4908
Word #: 7 of 13
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יָקִ֥ימוּ shall set it up H6965
יָקִ֥ימוּ shall set it up
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 8 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֹת֖וֹ H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם the Levites H3881
הַלְוִיִּ֑ם the Levites
Strong's: H3881
Word #: 10 of 13
a levite or descendant of levi
וְהַזָּ֥ר and the stranger H2114
וְהַזָּ֥ר and the stranger
Strong's: H2114
Word #: 11 of 13
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
הַקָּרֵ֖ב that cometh nigh H7131
הַקָּרֵ֖ב that cometh nigh
Strong's: H7131
Word #: 12 of 13
near
יוּמָֽת׃ shall be put to death H4191
יוּמָֽת׃ shall be put to death
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 13 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis & Commentary

The Levites' responsibility to dismantle and transport the tabernacle emphasizes their mediating role between God's holiness and Israel's camp. The warning that 'the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death' underscores the seriousness of approaching God improperly. Only those consecrated for this service could handle holy things without incurring judgment. This foreshadows Christ's exclusive mediation—He alone provides safe access to God's presence, and attempts to approach God apart from Christ result in judgment.

Historical Context

The tabernacle's components were carefully assigned to Levitical clans: Kohathites carried the holy furniture, Gershonites transported the curtains and coverings, and Merarites handled the structural framework (Numbers 3-4). This division of labor ensured orderly movement.

Questions for Reflection

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