Numbers 3:25
And 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,
Original Language Analysis
וּמִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת
And the charge
H4931
וּמִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת
And the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
1 of 12
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
בְּנֵֽי
of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 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
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
shall be the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
shall be the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
6 of 12
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
פֶּ֖תַח
for the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
for the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
10 of 12
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Historical Context
The Gershonites camped on the west side of the tabernacle (verse 23) and numbered 7,500 males one month old and above. During wilderness travels, they transported the tabernacle's fabric components using wagons (7:7), unlike the Kohathites who carried the sacred vessels on their shoulders. This organizational structure continued through Israel's history until the temple replaced the tabernacle.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's assignment of specific roles to different families illustrate the importance of faithful service in your assigned area?
- What does the careful protection of God's dwelling place teach about reverence in worship today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Gershon received charge over the tabernacle's structural coverings—the tent, covering, and outer veil. This assignment demonstrates God's orderly distribution of sacred responsibilities, with each Levitical family having distinct roles in serving God's dwelling place. The coverings protected the holy place from external defilement, symbolizing the separation required between God's holiness and a sinful world. This division of labor illustrates the body of Christ principle (1 Corinthians 12), where different members have different functions but all serve the same Lord.