Numbers 3:22
Those 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.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 12
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
of them according to the number
H4557
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
of them according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
2 of 12
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
זָכָ֔ר
of all the males
H2145
זָכָ֔ר
of all the males
Strong's:
H2145
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
מִבֶּן
old
H1121
מִבֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמָ֑עְלָה
and upward
H4605
וָמָ֑עְלָה
and upward
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
7 of 12
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
8 of 12
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
of them were seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
of them were seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
9 of 12
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
The 7,500 Gershonites represented the smallest of the three main Levitical divisions (Gershonites 7,500, Kohathites 8,600, Merarites 6,200), yet their service transporting the tabernacle's fabric components was essential. Size didn't determine importance; faithfulness in assigned tasks mattered most.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise knowledge of servant numbers encourage confidence that He knows each believer personally and their specific calling?
- What does the variation in clan sizes teach us about not equating numerical size with spiritual importance or value?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The specific census number for the Gershonites (7,500) demonstrates God's precise knowledge of those consecrated to His service. The numerical precision throughout the Levitical census shows that God doesn't deal in vague generalities but knows exactly who serves Him and in what capacity. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that He knows His sheep by name (John 10:3) and calls each believer to specific service within His body.