Numbers 3:14
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The Levitical census (Numbers 3:14-39) counted 22,000 males from one month and upward, significantly fewer than the military-age men from other tribes. This smaller number meant the firstborn exceeded the Levites by 273, requiring monetary redemption (Numbers 3:44-51).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Levitical census demonstrate that spiritual service requires both devotion and administrative organization?
- What does this teach us about the importance of careful record-keeping and organization in church ministry?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command to 'Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families' establishes that even those consecrated for special service must be carefully organized and counted. The Levitical census differed from the military census (it included all males from one month old, not just those 20+), but it shared the same principle: God knows His servants individually and organizes them systematically for effective service. This careful organization demonstrates that spiritual devotion doesn't negate the need for administrative order.