Numbers 3:34
And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
Original Language Analysis
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶם֙
And those that were numbered
H6485
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶם֙
And those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 10
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 10
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 10
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 10
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 10
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 10
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת
were six
H8337
שֵׁ֥שֶׁת
were six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
8 of 10
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
Despite being the smallest Levitical clan, the Merarites received wagons and oxen to assist their heavy work (Numbers 7:8), unlike the Kohathites who carried sacred objects on shoulders. This practical provision shows God's concern for enabling His servants to accomplish assigned tasks.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Merarites' small numbers paired with essential responsibilities encourage believers who feel their contribution is minor?
- What does God's provision of wagons and oxen for the Merarites teach us about His practical care in equipping workers for their tasks?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Merarite census (6,200 males from one month old) made them the smallest of the three main Levitical clans, yet their work transporting the tabernacle's heavy structural components was essential. Small numbers didn't diminish importance; faithfulness in assigned tasks mattered most. This pattern recurs throughout Scripture: God uses the seemingly weak and small to accomplish His purposes, directing glory to Himself rather than human strength.